FULL PRODUCT VERSION :
java version " 1.7.0_17 "
Java(TM) SE Runtime Environment (build 1.7.0_17-b02)
Java HotSpot(TM) Client VM (build 23.7-b01, mixed mode, sharing)

ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Microsoft Windows [Version 6.1.7601]

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
if BasicComboBoxEditor.setItem(Object) is being called with an object whose toString() method has been overridden, and it returns a null, the setItem(Object) method throws a NullPointerException.

This bug has been introduced due to a fix of another bug (4530952) .

The String " text " cannot be assumed to be non-null.

REGRESSION. Last worked in version 6u45

STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
Same as description

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
Proper Exception Handling/null check, so that no exceptions are thrown in the UI thread.
ACTUAL -
NullPointerException

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Making sure that toString() method of the object never resolves to a null value.