Aspose.PDF throws NullReferenceException opening PCL file

Aspose.PDF Product Family
1

Aspose.PDF v19.11 and earlier successfully converts a specific PCL file to a PDF. Aspose.PDF v19.12 and later throws a NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

I have attached a proof-of-concept sample application with example file that demonstrates the exception.

AsposePclPOC.zip (19.6 KB)

2

@andyrut

It appears you are encountering a NullReferenceException when trying to open a specific PCL file with Aspose.PDF version 19.12 and later, while it worked fine in version 19.11 and earlier. This issue is likely due to changes in how the library handles certain PCL files.

Cause: The NullReferenceException may stem from modifications in the library’s handling of PCL files, which could affect how certain documents are processed.

Solution: Here are some steps to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the issue:

  1. Check for Updates: Ensure you are using the latest version of Aspose.PDF, as there may have been bug fixes or improvements since version 19.12.

  2. Use Repair Options: Try using the Document.Repair method to fix any potential issues with the PCL file. This method can help in cases where the document structure might be corrupted. Here’s a simple example of how to use it:

    using Aspose.Pdf;

// Load the PCL file
Document document = new Document("path/to/your/file.pcl");

// Repair the document if needed
document.Repair();

// Save the document as PDF
document.Save("output.pdf");

  3. Suppress Errors: If you want to suppress errors during the loading process, you can set the SupressErrors property in the PclLoadOptions class. This might help in bypassing certain issues:

    PclLoadOptions options = new PclLoadOptions { SupressErrors = true };
Document document = new Document("path/to/your/file.pcl", options);
document.Save("output.pdf");

  4. Review Exception Details: If the exception persists, check the exception message and stack trace for more details. This information can provide insights into what might be causing the issue.

  5. Contact Support: If none of the above steps resolve the issue, reach out to Aspose support with the specific PCL file and the code you are using. They can provide more targeted assistance.

Next Steps: Please try the suggested solutions and let me know if you encounter any further issues or if you have additional questions. I’m here to help!

3
  1. The exception occurs with the latest version (25.8) of Aspose.PDF as well.
  2. The exception occurs in the Document constructor, so the Repair method cannot be called.
  3. Suppress errors does not prevent this exception from occurring.
  4. The NullReferenceException has no inner exception and the call stack is obfuscated and unreadable:
This exception was originally thrown at this call stack:
    #=z_cUJs948Ck8z7LGSOOwgf3g=<#=z1fXKsAc=>.#=zRFl2CJU=()
    #=zmWKoNYOkEZ9ZvS4FT2d_r2168sfl.#=zCZArkU3a4IaT3$FSvimtYd0=(System.Collections.Generic.IList<#=zB9KKqwFCU_f_4HWs5jLJQU8=>, Aspose.Pdf.Document, Aspose.Pdf.LoadOptions, bool)
    #=zmWKoNYOkEZ9ZvS4FT2d_r2168sfl.#=zCZArkU3a4IaT3$FSvimtYd0=(System.Collections.Generic.IList<#=zB9KKqwFCU_f_4HWs5jLJQU8=>, Aspose.Pdf.Document, Aspose.Pdf.LoadOptions)
    #=zKEFnDLDUbOHrPShM61gsEjWyaUyN.#=zcl14EVrZV8$l(System.IO.Stream, Aspose.Pdf.Document, Aspose.Pdf.PclLoadOptions)
    Aspose.Pdf.Document.#=zYp1pwto=(System.IO.Stream, Aspose.Pdf.LoadOptions, bool)
    Aspose.Pdf.Document.#=zYp1pwto=(System.IO.Stream, Aspose.Pdf.LoadOptions)
    Aspose.Pdf.Document.Document(string, Aspose.Pdf.LoadOptions)
    AsposePclPOC.Program.Main() in Program.cs
4

@andyrut

We have opened the following new ticket(s) in our internal issue tracking system and will deliver their fixes according to the terms mentioned in Free Support Policies.

Issue ID(s): PDFNET-60510

You can obtain Paid Support Services if you need support on a priority basis, along with the direct access to our Paid Support management team.