Disabling schema locking on a map service

An ArcGIS Server map service uses schema locking to prevent modifications to the source dataset schemas while the service is running. By default, schema locking is enabled on map services. If your workflow requires periodic updates to the dataset's schema without stopping the map service, for example, replacing feature classes as opposed to selectively updating rows within the schema, you can disable schema locking using ArcGIS Server Manager or ArcGIS for Desktop.

When schema locking is disabled, it is recommended that you only update your source dataset schemas when the service is idle. If you update the dataset schema when the service is under load, users of your map service may experience unexpected behavior such as layers and fields missing, queries failing, and service unavailability. Changes to the schema of the dataset need to be carefully planned; permanently removing datasets may leave your map services in an inconsistent state.

Note:

Even when you disable schema locking in a map service, other ArcGIS applications and services may still be able to obtain exclusive locks to the schema. If you are unable to update the schema of the dataset after disabling schema locking, see Schema locking. This topic contains information that can help you understand how locks may be preventing you from updating the schema.

To disable schema locking, follow the steps in one of the sections below.

In Manager

Steps:

1. Open Manager and log in. If you need help with this step, see Logging in to Manager.
2. Click Services > Manage Services.
3. In the Manage Services module, locate your map service and click Edit . If you don't see your map service in the list, it may be located within a subfolder under the Site (root) folder.
4. Click the Parameters tab.
5. In the Parameters tab, uncheck Lock Database Schema.
6. Click Save and Restart.

Schema locking is disabled for all the datasets referenced by your map service.

In ArcGIS for Desktop

In ArcCatalog or the Catalog window in ArcGIS for Desktop:

Steps:

1. Expand the GIS Servers node.
2. Double-click Add ArcGIS Server and establish an Administer GIS server connection type to the server. If you already have an administrative connection set up, you can skip this step. For instructions on how to connect, see Making an administrative connection to ArcGIS Server in ArcGIS for Desktop.
3. Within your connection to ArcGIS Server, right-click the map service you want to edit and choose Service Properties.
4. Click the Parameters tab.
5. On the Parameters tab, click Advanced.
6. On the Advanced Properties dialog box, set the schemaLockingEnabled property to false.
7. Click OK.
8. On the Service Editor, click OK.

Schema locking is disabled for all the datasets referenced by your map service.