How to fix some generic error messages when the application starts.

Error Description

You may encounter the error message: "Object Reference not set to an instance of an object" when attempting to launch the application. This is a generic error indicating that the code tried to use an object that hasn't been initialised (i.e., it's null or Nothing).

One of the possible samples of how the message may look:

Likely Possible Reason

While this error can stem from various code-level issues, if it occurs consistently at application startup across a specific client machine, a primary suspect is an incorrectly installed, corrupted, or missing version of the .NET Framework that the application relies upon.

What to Check First

Before attempting any fixes, it's crucial to verify the versions of the .NET Framework installed on the PC.

There are several methods.

1. Download and install this utility: 
   https://github.com/jmalarcon/DotNetVersions/releases/tag/v1.1.1

- Unzip it into any folder of your choosing
- Start a Windows command line (CMD)
- Navigate to the directory of the utility
- Execute by typing: DotNetVersions.exe. 

Example of output: C:\temp\DotNetVersions> DotNetVersions.exe
Currently installed "classic" .NET Versions in the system:
4.0.0.0
4.8.09032
 

2. Using PowerShell:

   Open PowerShell (you can search for "PowerShell" in the Start Menu), then copy the following command below and paste it into the PowerShell window:
   Get-ChildItem 'HKLM:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP' -Recurse | Get-ItemProperty -Name Version, Release -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Where-Object { $_.PSChildName -match '^(Client|Full)' -and $_.Version -ne $null } | Select-Object PSChildName, Version, Release
   
   The output will show the installed versions of the .NET Framework:
   PSChildName Version   Release
   ----------- -------   -------
   Client      4.8.09032  533320
   Full        4.8.09032  533320
   Client      4.0.0.0

3. Manual Check:

   - Press Windows Key + R.
   - Type regedit and press Enter.
   - Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\NET Framework Setup\NDP\v4\Full
   - Check the Release key: 
      Value of 528040 or higher indicates .NET Framework 4.8 or above.

Resolution

If the .NET Framework is missing, outdated, or potentially corrupted, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the latest .NET Framework:

   - Visit the official Microsoft download page.
   - Select the latest recommended version (e.g., .NET Framework 4.8 or later).
   - Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
   
   Note: 
   Administrator Privileges: Ensure you have administrator privileges on the PC to install software.
   Close Applications: Close all running applications, especially those that might use the .NET Framework.

2. Restart the computer: 
   After the installation is complete, a system reboot is often required or highly recommended.

Additional Troubleshooting

If installing or updating .NET Framework does not resolve the issue, please contact support with detailed logs from:

- Windows Event Viewer
- Application-specific log files

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