ArcGIS Desktop has a lot of useful extensions beyond the core product. Some of the available extensions include ArcGIS Spatial Analyst, ArcGIS 3D Analyst, ArcGIS Network Analyst, and ArcGIS Data Interoperability. Each of the extensions can be evaluated before purchasing.
If you have chosen to evaluate or purchase an extension and found that you were unable to activate the extension on your machine, then there are a couple areas to check.
Check that the extension has been installed (Customize > Extensions)
The extension will be listed in this dialog if has been installed. An empty list means no extensions have been installed.
If the extension has not been installed, then you will need to modify the ArcGIS Desktop installation to include the extension.
- Open Programs and Features (Add/Remove Programs) from the Control Panel.
- Right-click the ArcGIS Desktop 10 > Uninstall/Change.
- Navigate to ArcGIS Desktop 10 Setup > Modify.
- Select the extensions to be installed by changing the drop down menu status beside each one.
- Click Next to follow the remaining installation instructions.
(Note that the system may request that you provide the installation media.)
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Once you have confirmed that the extension has been installed, activate the extension (Customize > Extension).
Check that the extension can be activated
Activating an extension from the Extensions window will allow that functionality to be available.
Note that you must activate the extension in each product that you use (ArcMap, ArcCatalog, ArcScene, etc).
If you are unable to activate an extension and get an error message that the license is not currently available, please check the ArcGIS Administrator to see if the extension is available on your existing system or through the license manager. The license may already be checked out by another user, or it may not be authorized for use on the machine.
Related Links
Adding additional installation features
About evaluating ArcGIS Desktop extensions
Authorizing ArcGIS single use products and features
Timothy H. – Raster/3D Support Analyst
