Multilingual Excel Filetype not converting special characters correctly and not exporting target file accordingly

Question

Hello all, 
 we encountered a few issues while using the new Multilingual Excel FileType Plug-In. We are aware that it is a new filter, but thought it might be useful to address these issues that we have encountered. Our project was one excel-file with approximately 14,000 words. The project had 5 target languages. A lot of segments were locked (only between 4,000 and 7,000 words were translated for each language combination). We noticed that special characters such as ">" and "<" were replaced by "&gt;" and "&lt;". "&" was replaced by "&amp;" as well. These characters were also replaced within the locked segments. Our biggest concern is the duration of the process as well as the target file in this particular case. We started the process at around 11am and it wasn't done by 4pm. Trados seemed to be finished with the task but the option to "finish" was greyed out. Trados was in this state for an hour until we stopped it. The final target file was broken, but we received one functioning file for each language combination, containing that specific translation. 
 Do you have any advice on how to handle these issues?

Lydia Simplicio · Answer

Hi Dietmar Simon - I hope you are well As you say Multilingual Excel FileType Plug-In is a new app and so there is lots to be learnt. Ive addressed your 3 concerns separately 
 We were able to reproduce your first concern: 
 Dietmar Simon said: characters such as ">" and "<" were replaced by "&gt;" and "&lt;". "&" was replaced by "&amp;" 
 When the target file was being generated. It comes down to the entity settings which need amending. 
 Resolution Summary: Dont allow your entities to be written You can get to them under the Multilingual Excel File Type - Entities Look under HTML Special and you will find the following entity names: gt | It | amp 
 Also under HTML you will find amp 
 Please disable the "Write as entity". 
 Your second concern was 
 Dietmar Simon said: These characters were also replaced within the locked segments. 
 Response: Locked segments are only effective while you are in the editor view of Trados Studio. When the content is being processed and in your case as part of target, it would be expected certain file type settings are being implemented as part of the process (where applicable). However now that you know about the written settings that can be toggled, I dont think this will concern you further. 
 Lastly 
 Dietmar Simon said: Our biggest concern is the duration of the process 
 I am honestly not surprised. 14 000 x 5 languages = 70 000 words. Average time of 5h is roughly 200 words per min and not even factoring in other variables such MT etc. That said, large excel files are notoriously slow but what I can check with you is: 
 
 is the project being created local to the machine or placed on the network 
 Is the source file local to the machine or placed on the network 
 what other integrated resources are being used, if any 
 are they local to the machine or placed on the network 
 
 Advisory point being, keeping things as local as possible will help eliminate any network lag that for sure will contribute to process time. I hope this helps 
 Lyds

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Multilingual Excel Filetype not converting special characters correctly and not exporting target file accordingly