Connect to a file or personal geodatabase from the Catalog window

A file geodatabase is a collection of files in a folder on disk. Personal geodatabases are stored in Microsoft Access databases (.mdb files), which are also stored in a folder on disk. Therefore, to connect to a file or personal geodatabase, create a connection to the folder that contains the geodatabase.

1. Do one of the following to create a connection to the folder that contains the geodatabase:
   • Click the Connect To Folder button on the Standard toolbar.
   • Right-click Folder Connections and choose Connect To Folder.

     

2. Browse to the location of the folder on the local or network computer.
3. Click OK to establish the folder connection.
4. Expand the folder.
5. Click the file or personal geodatabase to which you want to connect.

   You are now connected to the geodatabase.