Power Software Diagnostics Tool fails with error "Object reference not set to an instance of an object"

Issue

When running the Power Software Diagnostics Tool, the application fails and displays the following error:
“Object reference not set to an instance of an object.”

Product Line

Power Monitoring Expert 9.0

Power Monitoring Expert 2020

Power Monitoring Expert 2021

Power Monitoring Expert 2022

Power Monitoring Expert 2023

Power Monitoring Expert 2024

Environment

Power Software Diagnostics Tool

Cause

Multiple version entries exist under the ION Enterprise registry path.
The Diagnostics Tool reads the first key in the list, and when older-version entries appear before newer ones, the tool loads incorrect registry data and generates the error.

Resolution

⚠️ Warning: Editing the Windows Registry can cause serious system issues. Always create a full registry backup before making changes.

To resolve the issue:

1. Open Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Schneider Electric\ION Enterprise
3. Review the list of version-numbered keys.
4. Rename the older version keys so that the newest version key appears first in alphabetical order.
   • Example: If the system contains 7.0 and 7.0.1, rename the 7.0 key to something like 7.0_old so 7.0.1 becomes the first entry.
5. Close Registry Editor and run the Diagnostics Tool again.

Once the tool detects the newest key at the top of the registry list, it can initialize properly and the error is resolved.

Recommendation

If you are using an older version of PME, consider upgrading to the latest version for improved protocol support and security. For assistance with integration or upgrades, contact Schneider Electric Technical Support at: pmo.support@se.com

Released for: Schneider Electric Canada