diff --git a/Core/src/org/sleuthkit/autopsy/casemodule/CasePreferences.java b/Core/src/org/sleuthkit/autopsy/casemodule/CasePreferences.java
index 65825f5b9d..9967f1fb68 100755
--- a/Core/src/org/sleuthkit/autopsy/casemodule/CasePreferences.java
+++ b/Core/src/org/sleuthkit/autopsy/casemodule/CasePreferences.java
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ public final class CasePreferences {
      * Reset all values to their default states.
      */
     private static void clear() {
-        groupItemsInTreeByDataSource = null;
+        groupItemsInTreeByDataSource = false;
     }
 
     /**