Selecting a folder using ArcGIS Pro 3.4 File Browser

[KyleKrumm]

Just recently updated to ArcGIS Pro version 3.4 and I've been having trouble selecting a file location using the application's file browser. The only thing I am able to do is open folders, but I am never actually able to chose a location for data to be saved. 

When I am in the folder that I want to save data or create a new project, the "OK" button that I assume selects this as the location to save data is always greyed out. Pressing that button when having my folder selected just opens it.

I'm sure I'm making a silly mistake, but I cannot for the life of me figure out how to select a folder to create a new project or save data.

[ThomasHoman]

Hello,

The screenshots you have shared show the folder selection but do not show the larger context of what your are trying to do. In many (but not all) cases Pro operates in a 2ish step process that is a complete departure from what the OS has taught us is common operation for the last 30+ years. 

For example if you are creating a new project (NewProject.png) you have to select the project location in one box (red highlight) and also specify the project name (green highlight). In the case of the new project creation you click into the folder you want and click OK (NPFolder.png)

Unfortunately this click into the folder action is not consistent and might be the true source of your problem. In some of the tools you do not fully click into the folder in the browse dialog but only select the folder you want to use then click ok while still entering the output name is a separate field.

Just to keep things interesting, in other cases the output field and file name are entered in the same dialog box much like saving a Word or Excel file.

You end up learning the nuances of each tool/dialog and work accordingly. Hopefully at some point the Pro development group will realize the inconsistency and work to fix it.

Regards,

Tom

[KyleKrumm]

Hi Tom, 

Thank you for taking the time to write such a detailed and informative response. I agree that the inconsistencies with how the tools and dialog boxes work have been the root of a lot of my confusion.

Generally, I have not had problems with tools and dialogs where you select/highlight the folder and select OK, or enter the file name like you would with a Word file. 

However, the dialog boxes like that of selecting a New Project location are giving me trouble. I tried setting a New Project location like you did in your NPFolder.png in my Folder1.png photo, but selecting OK only highlights the text in the "Name" box. It does not close the New Project Location dialog box or change the file location in the New Project dialog box.

I noticed that the drop down box next to the "Name" box says "Folders" rather than "Default" in your NPFolder.png photo. As shown in my "Folder2.png" photo, that option is not available to me. I suspect this is what is causing the issues that I am running into.

I may try simply redownloading ArcGIS Pro altogether, but I would like to see if you have any ideas on what my problem may be before I resort to that.

Again, thank you for taking the time to help.

[ThomasHoman]

@KyleKrummSorry for the delay.. I've been out in the field with my pilot hat on.

if you haven't reinstalled yet, you might check out https://support.esri.com/en-us/knowledge-base/how-to-perform-a-clean-uninstall-and-reinstall-of-arcg... 

Something I hadn't thought about - if your are in a corporate domain perhaps have a different use sign on to your PC and see if they have same problem. This rules out a user profile as opposed to software issue. Alternatively to this, if you are just running on your own personal PC, create a new user, sign in as them, and give it a try.

Worst case, might involve whomever is necessary to contact esri support. They are a fantastic resource that has helped me many times on everything from simple d'oh!'s to complex enterprise gdb low level table editing to remove a stuck user. Don't rule them out as a resource if they are available to you.

It sound like you might be entering a phase of divide and follow the good path to correction.

Tom