FIX: Error message when you try to perform an incremental catalog import operation by using an XML file that contains empty attributes for a product: "Line x: Object reference not set to an instance of an object."

Consider the following scenario:

• You install the catalog hotfix from Microsoft Knowledge Base article 939524 or a later Catalog-related hotfix, or you install Microsoft Commerce Server 2007 Service Pack 2 (SP2).
• You try to perform an incremental catalog import operation by using an XML file. The XML file contains empty attributes for a product.
• The empty attributes are not assigned to that product's definition.

In this situation, the import operation fails, and you receive the following error message: For example, you import a product element by using the following catalog XML file:If the "Software" product definition does not include the Color property, the import operation will fail.

Notes

• When you import a catalog as incremental, the imported data is used to update the existing catalog. Any data that is not updated by the import process remains unchanged.
• If no original catalog exists, a new catalog must be created.

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing the problem described in this article. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

You must have Commerce Server 2007 SP2 installed to apply this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this hotfix. However, you must shut down the Commerce Server Catalog Import Host COM+ application after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace a previously released hotfix.

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 item in Control Panel.

To work around this problem, remove the unassigned attributes. The product elements should only contain attributes for catalog products that are assigned to the product definition.