diff --git a/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xrced.py b/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xrced.py
index cb25be9f16..bc5a8513ad 100644
--- a/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xrced.py
+++ b/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xrced.py
@@ -527,7 +527,7 @@ class Frame(wxFrame):
         else:
             self.toolsSizer.Remove(g.tools)
         self.toolsSizer.Layout()
-        
+
     def OnTest(self, evt):
         if not tree.selection: return   # key pressed event
         tree.ShowTestWindow(tree.selection)
@@ -826,6 +826,7 @@ class App(wxApp):
         global debug
         # Process comand-line
         try:
+            opts = args = []  #give empty values in case of exception
             opts, args = getopt.getopt(sys.argv[1:], 'dhiv')
         except getopt.GetoptError:
             if wxPlatform != '__WXMAC__': # macs have some extra parameters
diff --git a/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xxx.py b/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xxx.py
index a135f78fa0..ac93753e72 100644
--- a/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xxx.py
+++ b/wxPython/wxPython/tools/XRCed/xxx.py
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ from globals import *
 from params import *
 
 currentEncoding = wxLocale_GetSystemEncodingName()
+if not currentEncoding:
+    currentEncoding = 'ascii'
 
 # Base class for interface parameter classes
 class xxxNode: