Why do I see a "java.lang​.NullPoint​erExceptio​n" in the installation log when trying to install a support package?

When trying to install a support package, the installation fails with the following error in the installation log:

java.lang.NullPointerException

Towards the beginning of the installation attempt, the log also contains:

Installation folder: null

Answer 1

[MathWorks Support Team]

The support package installation folder is not set or cannot be retrieved for some reason. The installation folder is saved in $MATLAB/toolbox/local/supportpackagerootsetting.xml. The file may not exist, not have read permissions or be invalid.

Run the following command to see if any errors are returned:

>> matlabshared.supportpkg.getSupportPackageRoot

Run the following to set an installation folder, then run the above again to verify if the folder was set properly:

>> matlabshared.supportpkg.setSupportPackageRoot('path_to_writable_location')

Replace "path_to_writable_location" with a valid path. Common locations are:

- Windows: C:\ProgramData\MATLAB\SupportPackages\<release>

- Linux: /home/<user>/Documents/MATLAB/SupportPackages/<release>

- Mac: /Users/<user>/Documents/MATLAB/SupportPackages/<release>

Alternatively, setting the contents of supportpackagerootsetting.xml to the following should work on all platforms:

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<SupportPackageRootSettings>
   <Setting name="sproot">__DEFAULT__</Setting>
</SupportPackageRootSettings>