> Source: [sk173467](https://support.checkpoint.com/results/sk/sk173467)

# sk173467 - Cannot delete Gateway and references to a deleted access policy

| Property | Value |
|----------|-------|
| Solution ID | sk173467 |
| Date Created | 2021-05-14 |
| Last Modified | 2021-10-14 |
| Technical Level | General |
| Products | SmartConsole |
| Versions | R81.10 (EOS), R81 (EOS) |

## Symptoms

- * Users cannot delete an object from SmartConsole
* Error message appears in *$MDS_FWDIR/log/cpm.elg* :  

  ```
  java.lang.NullPointerException
  	at com.checkpoint.management.dleserver.coresvc.internal.ClassicLinkLogicAdapterSvcImpl.removeLink(ClassicLinkLogicAdapterSvcImpl.java:61)
  ```

## Cause

The code attempts to unlink the object from all its candidates and objects linked to it.  
In this scenario shown in the *$MDS_FWDIR/log/cmp.elg* logs, one of its candidates has **related_objects null** in the database. It attempts to return this NULL value and perform the Remove function. This subsequently causes the **NullPointerException,** which prevents the deletion.

## Solution

This problem was fixed. The fix is included in:

* [Jumbo Hotfix Accumulator for R81](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk170114) starting from Take 42
* [Jumbo Hotfix Accumulator for R80.40](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk165456) starting from Take 126

If you choose not to upgrade, Check Point can supply a **Hotfix** . [Contact Check Point Support](https://www.checkpoint.com/support-services/contact-support/) to get a Hotfix for this issue.  
A Support Engineer will make sure the Hotfix is compatible with your environment before providing the Hotfix.  
For faster resolution and verification, please collect [CPinfo files](http://supportcontent.checkpoint.com/solutions?id=sk92739) from the Security Management Server and Security Gateways involved in the case.

**Hotfix installation instructions:**   
Refer to [sk168597 - How to install a Hotfix](https://supportcenter.checkpoint.com/supportcenter/portal?eventSubmit_doGoviewsolutiondetails=&solutionid=sk168597).

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