EF Update-Database Error: Value cannot be null Parameter name: type

Question

I try to execute command update-database in PMC and always get this error msg. I know theres another article basically has the same error but i tried every answer and nothing works.

System.ArgumentNullException: Value cannot be null.
Parameter name: type

at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, BindingFlags bindingAttr, Binder binder, Object[] args, CultureInfo culture, Object[] activationAttributes)
at System.Activator.CreateInstance(Type type, Object[] args)
at System.Data.Entity.Migrations.Extensions.ProjectExtensions.GetProjectTypes(Project project, Int32 shellVersion)
at System.Data.Entity.Migrations.Extensions.ProjectExtensions.IsWebSiteProject(Project project)
at System.Data.Entity.Migrations.Extensions.ProjectExtensions.GetTargetDir(Project project)
at System.Data.Entity.Migrations.MigrationsDomainCommand.GetFacade(String configurationTypeName, Boolean useContextWorkingDirectory)
at System.Data.Entity.Migrations.UpdateDatabaseCommand.<>c__DisplayClass2.<.ctor>b__0()
at System.Data.Entity.Migrations.MigrationsDomainCommand.Execute(Action command)

Value cannot be null.
Parameter name: type

BTW I'm using VS2022 preview.

score 47 · Accepted Answer · answered Sep 20 '21 at 18:47

47

Try updating EntityFramework package to the latest version. I was having the same problem with EF 6.1.3, but then updated to 6.4.4 and it worked fine on VS2022 preview.

answered Sep 20 '21 at 18:47

Guillherme

586
5
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It works fine now!!! amazing!!! I stuck for this for weeks, so appreciated! – somniloquist_ Sep 22 '21 at 01:08
thanks!, in my case the problem was relative to an inexistant parameter-less constructor, when I updated to 6.4 the error did appears into the console. – rolivares Jan 06 '23 at 18:55
I encountered the same issue if I open a 4.6.1 in vs2022 but it works just fine in vs2019 – Sangeet Agarwal Apr 27 '23 at 20:02

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jan 11 '23 at 21:21

Another way to make it work is to use VS2019.

When you install Entity Framework 6.3 < you will see the message below:

A version of Entity Framework older than 6.3 is also installed. The newer tools are running. Use 'EntityFramework\Update-Database' for the older version.

Tooling has been updated and unfortunately Visual Studio 2022 is not compatible with older Entity Framework versions when running commands via Package Manager Console

EF Update-Database Error: Value cannot be null Parameter name: type

2 Answers2