Disable automatic data copying when publishing to ArcGIS Server

By default, ArcGIS Server allows publishers to package and copy service source data when they publish. If you're concerned about too much data accumulating on the ArcGIS Server machine, or if you would rather have publishers always reference the data in registered databases and folders, you can block data copying. Configure this setting in ArcGIS Server Manager.

When you disable data copying, publishers must register their data with the ArcGIS Server site before they publish. It is recommended that you register a set of approved source locations with the ArcGIS Server site and communicate these locations to your publishers.

Caution:

Do not disable data copying if the GIS Server is used as a hosting server. Doing so would block publishing hosted web layers such as hosted feature layers, hosted tile layers, and hosted imagery layers.

To disable data from being copied when users publish, follow these steps:

1. Open ArcGIS Server Manager for the ArcGIS Server site and sign in as an administrator of the site.

2. Click Site > Server Configuration > Data Store.

3. On the Data Store module, click Settings.

4. On the Data Store Settings dialog box, uncheck Allow data to be copied to the site when publishing services.

5. Click Save.

Your site is now configured to prevent publishers from copying data to it when publishing.