diff --git a/java/compiler/impl/src/com/intellij/compiler/progress/CompilerTask.java b/java/compiler/impl/src/com/intellij/compiler/progress/CompilerTask.java
index 078b384b3ab1..a577352dedca 100644
--- a/java/compiler/impl/src/com/intellij/compiler/progress/CompilerTask.java
+++ b/java/compiler/impl/src/com/intellij/compiler/progress/CompilerTask.java
@@ -479,7 +479,10 @@ public class CompilerTask extends Task.Backgroundable {
   private void activateMessageView() {
     synchronized (myMessageViewLock) {
       if (myErrorTreeView != null) {
-        ToolWindowManager.getInstance(myProject).getToolWindow(ToolWindowId.MESSAGES_WINDOW).activate(null);
+        final ToolWindow tw = ToolWindowManager.getInstance(myProject).getToolWindow(ToolWindowId.MESSAGES_WINDOW);
+        if (tw != null) {
+          tw.activate(null, false);
+        }
       }
     }
   }