FIX: You may receive the "AxImp error object reference not set to an instance of an object" error message when you run AxImp.exe on an ActiveX control in the .NET Framework 1.1 (886802)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1

SYMPTOMS

When you try to run Windows Forms ActiveX Control Importer, also known as Aximp.exe, on an ActiveX control, you may receive the following error message:
AxImp Error: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
This problem occurs when an ActiveX control has a custom importlib statement in Interface Definition Language (IDL).

CAUSE

This problem occurs when an ActiveX control references other controls by using the importlib IDL statement. There is a bug in the AxImp tool that causes it not to look up these other types of referenced controls. Therefore, when you run the AxImp tool, the ActiveX interop conversion is unsuccessful.

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next .NET Framework 1.1 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=support

Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

Prerequisites

You must have the .NET Framework 1.1 Service Pack 1 installed.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in coordinated universal time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel. 
   Date         Time   Version            Size    File name
   --------------------------------------------------------------
   07-Oct-2004  21:08  1.1.4322.2038   1,703,936  System.design.dll

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about Windows Forms ActiveX Control Importer, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site:

http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/cptools/html/cpgrfWindowsFormsActiveXControlImporterAximpexe.asp

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:4/7/2006
Keywords:kbQFE KBHotfixServer kbNetFrame110preSP2fix kbBug kbprb KB886802 kbAudDeveloper
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.