diff --git a/example_app/uc2_graphics.C b/example_app/uc2_graphics.C
index 4e76f1539f..b3876ac226 100644
--- a/example_app/uc2_graphics.C
+++ b/example_app/uc2_graphics.C
@@ -232,6 +232,7 @@ static void parse_project_prefs(char* buf) {
     char cs[256];
     COLOR c;
     double hue;
+    if (!buf) return;
     if (parse_str(buf, "<color_scheme>", cs, 256)) {
         if (!strcmp(cs, "Tahiti Sunset")) {
             hue = .9;