ArcGIS Desktop - Broken links causing Object Reference not set to an instance of an object

[James_Chauncey]

Since upgrading from 17.0.2.84 to 18.0.1.55 we have come across an issue that has occurred for a few users using various .mxd files. We have found that if there is a broken link on a layer (even if it is not active or used) it prevents us from retrieving and gives us this error:

10-22-2019 06:55:25 - ERROR: Object reference not set to an instance of an object. | STACK: at Hyland.Integrations.ArcGIS.ArcMap.AddIn.HelperUtil.GetFeatureLayerSelectedValues(IFeatureLayer featureLayer)
at Hyland.Integrations.ArcGIS.ArcMap.AddIn.HelperUtil.GetSelectedFeatureLayers(IFeaturesUpdated featuresUpdatedCommand)
at Hyland.Integrations.ArcGIS.ArcMap.AddIn.Buttons.RetrieveDocuments.OnClick()

If we remove the layer from the .mxd it will immediately start working and retrieve as expected. My question is has anyone else seen this issue and is there a workaround that we can do? Ideally, the answer would be for the GIS group to clean out all of the broken links but since this issue appeared after we upgraded, it has been pushed back to me to find out if we can resolve this. 

Issue - Airport Zones layer is not connected. Also not active, but preventing retrieval.

Remove the Airport Zones layer and the documents will retrieve

[Jess_Vorobel]

Hi James,

Thanks for reaching out on Community. We understand the want for a better workaround than having to delete all of the broken links. We have not seen this issue before, so it would be best for you to contact your first line of support so we can document this issue, research it in R&D and find a workaround or fix for you. 

If any others have run into this issue, please feel free to comment on this post. 

Thanks,

Jessica