When I run the OfficialFileSTSADMCommand project from Chapter 12 in Debug, the project executes the following command: "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\12\BIN\STSADM.EXE" -help submitofficialfiles.

But that command generates an error: Unhandled Exception: System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.

See results of command prompt below.

But a similar STSADM command that does not use OfficialFileSTSADMCommand code, "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\12\BIN\STSADM.EXE" -help sync, work OK.

What is wrong with the OfficialFileSTSADMCommand project code ?

Results of command execution:

Microsoft Windows [Version 6.0.6002]
Copyright (c) 2006 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.

C:\Users\Administrator>"C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\web server extensions\12\BIN\STSADM.EXE" -help submitofficialfiles


Unhandled Exception: System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.
Parameter name: type
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, Boolean nonPublic)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type)
at Microsoft.SharePoint.StsAdmin.SPStsAdmin.GetExtend edCommand(String type)
at Microsoft.SharePoint.StsAdmin.SPStsAdmin.Main(Stri ng[] args)

Don,

You will get this error if you have not built and installed the assembly that contains the custom STSADM command code. From the exception trace, it appears that STSADM.EXE is recognizing the command, but is unable to load the code which implements the command.

Remember, that you have to build the assembly and you also have to install the assembly into the GAC so that STSADM can find it.

Hope this helps,
John

__________________
John F. Holliday, Author, MOSS MVP