Exclamation mark next to layers

[KayMacKenzie1]

What does an exclamation mark next to a layer indicate?  Is it that it cannot locate the file? Is there a way to remap the layer so the data can be found?

[RickeyFight]

Kay,

A red Exclamation mark indicates that a layer cannot be mapped.

Yes there is a few ways. One way is to open the layer properties.

Go to the source tab.

Click the Set Data Source button.

Find where the layer is located.

Reasons that this can happen is if you transfer the mxd to a different computer,

Move the layer to another locate, Delete the layer.

If you want to map multiple ArcCatalog is the best way.

[MichaelVolz]

Is this a 1-time occurrence or are there broken links throughout your organization's mxds?

[DanPatterson_Retired]

right click on a lost layer

select Data repair data

navigate to the location where the data is located

If you can find it ... and all other data reside in the same location all broken links should be repaired.

if they are repaired, select map document properties, and toggle on the save relative paths checkbox

[ChrisDonohue__GISP]

As Rickey mentioned, a red exclamation next to a layer means the link to the data has been broken.

You can often relink the data right in ArcMap by clicking on the exclamation point, then browsing to where the data is.

Repairing Broken Data Links

ArcGIS Desktop

EDIT:  Boy, tons of replies came in while I was typing up mine.  I guess I have to type faster....

Chris Donohue, GISP

[DanPatterson_Retired]

It is the iThingy mind-meld option... I think Rebecca has it too​

[MichaelVolz]

That's why this forum is awesome!!!!