BuyLog In
KB Article A968
Visible to All Users

How to fix the NullReferenceException when creating a component by dragging its icon from the Toolbox

Description:
When I drag a GridControl icon from the Toolbox and drop it onto a new form, the following error message is displayed:
Object reference not set to an instance of an object

Answer:
This error is caused by the fact the GridControl icon on the Toolbox refers to a non-existing assembly. Please select the GridControl icon in the Toolbox and press the Delete key to delete it. Then right-click the Toolbox, select Add/Remove Items… , and then select the GridControl component in the list of available .NET components. If you have the DXperience components installed, you can use the ToolboxCreator to recreate toolbox icons: close Visual Studio and launch the ToolboxCreator from Start Menu\Programs\Developer Express .NET 2005 v6.1\Tools.
See Also:
Component designers are unavailable at design time
Troubleshooting design-time problems
A138
How to obtain a design-time exception call stack
How to resolve the design-time problem when opening forms in Visual Studio 2005 after updating DevExpress controls

Sign in to comment on this post

Disclaimer: The information provided on DevExpress.com and affiliated web properties (including the DevExpress Support Center) is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. Developer Express Inc disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Please refer to the DevExpress.com Website Terms of Use for more information in this regard.

Confidential Information: Developer Express Inc does not wish to receive, will not act to procure, nor will it solicit, confidential or proprietary materials and information from you through the DevExpress Support Center or its web properties. Any and all materials or information divulged during chats, email communications, online discussions, Support Center tickets, or made available to Developer Express Inc in any manner will be deemed NOT to be confidential by Developer Express Inc. Please refer to the DevExpress.com Website Terms of Use for more information in this regard.