This bug was originally marked as duplicate of bug 232448, that is already resolved. This bug is still valid, so this seems to be another bug, but it might be related.

Build: NetBeans IDE 8.0 Beta (Build 201401141042)
VM: Java HotSpot(TM) 64-Bit Server VM, 24.0-b56, Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment, 1.7.0_40-b43
OS: Windows 7

User Comments:
GUEST: Happened after I choose different Fonts & Colors profile

athompson: in Options, set web browser to chrome and hit the Apply button

Selpi: I tried to change new settings like 'Same background color for files from same project' at Options->Miscellaneous->Windows and noticed that switching flags on this options  doesn't affect 'Ok' and 'Apply' buttons. After several seconds I got this exception.

GUEST: changed web browser from ff to default system browser

ophers: Opened Options-> General, selected "No Proxy", clicked "Test connection" and then Apply.

MackSix: Still valid in 7.4 Beta (Build 201307092200)

deep_pl: On import settings

GUEST: I was try import settings from my previous installation (NetBeans 7.4 beta)

GUEST: Changed color for trailing whitespace.

GUEST: I just clicked the "apply button" after choosing the "Idea" keymap profile.

MackSix: On Tools>>Options>>PHP>>Code Analysis Tab

ssazonov: While I have opened Option Dialog (Tools->Options->Font&Colors->Java) I created new new project, then I pressed 'Restore' btn and I got this error

MackSix: Again, on Tools>>Options>>PHP>>Code Analysis Tab
While viewing tab, the Apply button is activated for no reason. Clicking Apply makes all but the Apply button deactivate. Status says validating tool collection, so it appears to be causing the C/C++ module to be doing something. Buttons flash and this NPE happens.
The Options Dialog is now left in a state where the OK, Apply, Help buttons are deactivated. The Cancel button is activated. Hovering mouse over menu to switch to another item (Keymap, Java, et. al.) causes this NPE.

cyhelsky: options

mrpc: In settings, php/code analysis/code sniffer / search
it found two files, I selected one and OK.
Clicked on Apply to save the settings and the error occured.

mbukovsky: I have opened Tools -> Options -> Miscellaneous -> Windows. In that time, allways, when cursor hover over the icons above (Generaly, Editor, Font & Colors...) this exceptions occure.

Hint: Short time before, I unchecked Transparent floating windows and apply it in Window tab.

MackSix: Clicking on Apply button rapidly on PHP>>Code Analysis tab can cause this to happen. I did not do it before, but discovered I can force it to happen by rapidly clicking the button. Restarting NetBeans usually results in Module deactivation.

athompson: opened options

cyhelsky: clicking on ok button in options/general

headless_monkeyman: Please see the issue about the same features that I submitted less than five minutes before this: 0253 UTC mmm, Looks like the 22nd already across the date line. Of Sept.

Additional steps, must be taken with the previous dozen or so:
Click cancel on the interesting empty Options box.
Open again and this time it functions normally.
Select Misc
Select Windows tab
Note that the Windows scheme is corectly selected as expected
Click the "maximize use of native look nad feel

I feel bad because this is exactly when I stopped paying attention. I work at night and I just wanted to start my coding "day", so I don't know if it blew up in my face, or if I had to click "apply"

Groan and roll eyes and decide to complete this report to match the earlier one, because now the issue has grown into one that stops work for the user, who will be me some day.

While you are at it, please either remove or quiet the "slow" bug reporter. At least I only have to see it once on start, but stop wasting cyclles




Stacktrace: 
java.lang.NullPointerException
   at org.netbeans.modules.options.OptionsPanel$CategoryButton.mouseEntered(OptionsPanel.java:1198)
   at java.awt.Component.processMouseEvent(Component.java:6514)
   at javax.swing.JComponent.processMouseEvent(JComponent.java:3320)
   at java.awt.Component.processEvent(Component.java:6270)
   at java.awt.Container.processEvent(Container.java:2229)
   at java.awt.Component.dispatchEventImpl(Component.java:4861)