Probability score: 0.6  

Question improvement suggestion: Provide the exact error message you receive when using the Glossary Converter and specify the version of MultiTerm you are using.  

In the meantime, based on the information you have provided, here is a suggested answer to your question:  

Hello! It sounds like you're experiencing some frustrating issues with creating a TermBase from your Excel file. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and hopefully resolve the problem:

**Step 1:** Check the Excel File Format  

Ensure that your Excel file is formatted correctly. The first row should contain the headers (e.g., "Japanese" and "English"), and there should be no empty columns between the data columns. If your file has multiple sheets, make sure you are using the correct one.

**Step 2:** Use the Glossary Converter  

Since you mentioned using the Glossary Converter, ensure that you have the latest version installed. You can download it from the RWS AppStore. Once installed, try dragging and dropping your Excel file directly into the Glossary Converter application.

**Step 3:** Review Error Messages  

If you receive an error message like "Something Went Wrong," try to capture the exact wording of the error. This can help in diagnosing the issue further. If possible, check the logs for any additional details.

**Step 4:** Importing with MultiTerm  

If the Glossary Converter does not work, you can try importing the Excel file directly into MultiTerm. Make sure you are using a compatible version of MultiTerm (2011 or later). Follow the import wizard carefully, ensuring that the column headers match the expected fields in your termbase.

**Step 5:** Check for Updates  

Since you mentioned that all programs are up to date, double-check that there are no pending updates for both Trados Studio and MultiTerm. Sometimes, updates can resolve underlying issues.

**Step 6:** Alternative Tools  

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider using other tools like MultiTerm Convert, which can also handle various file formats, including Excel.

If you continue to face challenges, please provide more details about the error messages and the specific versions of the software you are using. This information will help in providing more targeted assistance.

I hope this answer addressed your question. If not, please reject the answer, add the question improvement suggestion information, and click the RWS Community AI checkbox on the right to try again.  

RWS Community AI

**Step 1:** Check the Excel File Format  

Formatted correctly. One sheet.

**Step 2:** Use the Glossary Converter  

Latest version installed.

**Step 3:** Review Error Messages  

Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

Source: Sdl.MultiTerm.Client.Connectors
at Sdl.Tools.GlossaryConverter.TMO17.Interop.ITermbaseRepository.Connect(String UserId, String Password)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseProxy.CreateLocalTermbase(String path, String termbaseName, String xdtPath)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbaseInternal(String path)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbase(String path, List`1 fields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.CreateTermbase(String outputPath, List`1 orgfields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.Initialise(String outputPath, List`1 fields, Dictionary`2 attributes)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.Converter.Convert(List`1 inputFilters, List`1 inputPaths, IFilter outputFilter)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.HandleMultipleFiles(List`1 files)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.ProcessFiles(List`1 files)
Program version 6.4.9138.36048

Windows version: Windows 10, Build 26200, 64 bit (Japanese (Japan))

.net versions:
v2.0.50727 2.0.50727.4927 SP2
v3.0 3.0.30729.4926 SP2
v3.5 3.5.30729.4926 SP1
Client 4.8.09221
Full 4.8.09221
Client 4.0.0.0

MultiTerm version: MultiTerm 14.0.0.0

<Settings version="4">
<Fields>
<Field>
<FieldName>日本語</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>ja</LanguageCode>
</Field>
<Field>
<FieldName>English</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>en</LanguageCode>
</Field>
<Field>
<FieldName>追加情報</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>ja-JP</LanguageCode>
</Field>
<Field>
<FieldName>additional information</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>en-US</LanguageCode>
</Field>
</Fields>
<Windows>
<MainWindow>
<Left>3072</Left>
<Top>487</Top>
<Width>390</Width>
<Height>390</Height>
</MainWindow>
<Settings>
<Left>2244</Left>
<Top>178</Top>
<Width>600</Width>
<Height>600</Height>
</Settings>
<FieldType>
<Left>2117</Left>
<Top>519</Top>
<Width>400</Width>
<Height>200</Height>
</FieldType>
<ContentType>
<Left>2117</Left>
<Top>499</Top>
<Width>400</Width>
<Height>240</Height>
</ContentType>
</Windows>
<AlwaysShowFieldsDialog>false</AlwaysShowFieldsDialog>
<CheckForUpdates>true</CheckForUpdates>
<PlaySound>false</PlaySound>
<PerformanceMode>false</PerformanceMode>
<XpathAllowRedundantFields>false</XpathAllowRedundantFields>
<PlainExcelMode>false</PlainExcelMode>
<ExcelHistory>false</ExcelHistory>
<ExcelTags>true</ExcelTags>
<CollapseExcelFields>true</CollapseExcelFields>
<RawMode>false</RawMode>
<DetectWebLinks>true</DetectWebLinks>
<MergeFiles>false</MergeFiles>
<SkipReorgTermbase>false</SkipReorgTermbase>
<UseTermbaseTemplate>false</UseTermbaseTemplate>
<UseMasterTermbase>false</UseMasterTermbase>
<MergeLanguages>false</MergeLanguages>
<MergeSubLanguages>false</MergeSubLanguages>
<ExportEntryNumber>false</ExportEntryNumber>
<MasterTermbase></MasterTermbase>
<MergeField></MergeField>
<TermbaseTemplate></TermbaseTemplate>
<Synonyms>
<Type>OneLine</Type>
<Column></Column>
<Repeat>false</Repeat>
<Separator>|</Separator>
</Synonyms>
<MultiFieldMode>FirstOnly</MultiFieldMode>
<DefaultOutputFilter>MultiTerm Termbase</DefaultOutputFilter>
<UiLocale>en</UiLocale>
<UiTheme>Default</UiTheme>
<SettingsPage>TabFormats</SettingsPage>
<EmptyOutput>false</EmptyOutput>
<IgnoreUnknownFields>false</IgnoreUnknownFields>
<CreateEmptyFields>false</CreateEmptyFields>
<WriteDocType>false</WriteDocType>
<VerifyXml>true</VerifyXml>
<SkipVerify>false</SkipVerify>
<CreationUser>glossaryconverter</CreationUser>
<TbCopyright></TbCopyright>
<TbDescription></TbDescription>
<UseContentFilter>false</UseContentFilter>
<RegexContentFilter>false</RegexContentFilter>
<ContentFilterText></ContentFilterText>
<Tbx>
<XcsSupport>false</XcsSupport>
<XcsAsk>false</XcsAsk>
<V2Basic>false</V2Basic>
<Dialect>Core</Dialect>
<ResolveNote>false</ResolveNote>
<MappingFile></MappingFile>
<Tbx3Mode>Pragmatic</Tbx3Mode>
<UseMappingFile>false</UseMappingFile>
</Tbx>
<TbxHistory>false</TbxHistory>
<BilingualSourceLanguage></BilingualSourceLanguage>
<BilingualTargetLanguage></BilingualTargetLanguage>
<ForceBilingual>false</ForceBilingual>
<ForceBilingualHeader>false</ForceBilingualHeader>
<OutputChangeFolder>false</OutputChangeFolder>
<OutputFolder></OutputFolder>
<SilentOverwrite>false</SilentOverwrite>
<OpenOutput>false</OpenOutput>
<UseLibreOffice>false</UseLibreOffice>
<UseMultiterm>true</UseMultiterm>
<UseStudio>true</UseStudio>
<SortMode>Source</SortMode>
<ResolveXmlEntities>false</ResolveXmlEntities>
<SdltmWaitMinutes>20</SdltmWaitMinutes>
<ExportTradosTmx>false</ExportTradosTmx>
<RemoveEmptyColumns>false</RemoveEmptyColumns>
<PicklistSeparator>,</PicklistSeparator>
<MultiFieldSeparator>‖</MultiFieldSeparator>
</Settings>
in: C:\Users\Rowan\Dropbox\xxx
out: C:\Users\Rowan\Dropbox\xxx

Conversion start: 1/16/2026 11:13:06 AM
**** There was an error creating the output file.
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at Sdl.Tools.GlossaryConverter.TMO17.Interop.ITermbaseRepository.Connect(String UserId, String Password)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseProxy.CreateLocalTermbase(String path, String termbaseName, String xdtPath)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbaseInternal(String path)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbase(String path, List`1 fields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.CreateTermbase(String outputPath, List`1 orgfields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.Initialise(String outputPath, List`1 fields, Dictionary`2 attributes)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.Converter.Convert(List`1 inputFilters, List`1 inputPaths, IFilter outputFilter)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.HandleMultipleFiles(List`1 files)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.ProcessFiles(List`1 files)

**Step 4:** Importing with MultiTerm  

Followed the import wizard, zero terms were imported.

**Step 5:** Check for Updates  

No updates pending.

**Step 1:** Check the Excel File Format  

No issues with format. One sheet.

**Step 2:** Use the Glossary Converter  

Latest version installed

**Step 3:** Review Error Messages  

Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

Source: Sdl.MultiTerm.Client.Connectors
at Sdl.Tools.GlossaryConverter.TMO17.Interop.ITermbaseRepository.Connect(String UserId, String Password)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseProxy.CreateLocalTermbase(String path, String termbaseName, String xdtPath)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbaseInternal(String path)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbase(String path, List`1 fields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.CreateTermbase(String outputPath, List`1 orgfields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.Initialise(String outputPath, List`1 fields, Dictionary`2 attributes)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.Converter.Convert(List`1 inputFilters, List`1 inputPaths, IFilter outputFilter)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.HandleMultipleFiles(List`1 files)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.ProcessFiles(List`1 files)
Program version 6.4.9138.36048

Windows version: Windows 10, Build 26200, 64 bit (Japanese (Japan))

.net versions:
v2.0.50727 2.0.50727.4927 SP2
v3.0 3.0.30729.4926 SP2
v3.5 3.5.30729.4926 SP1
Client 4.8.09221
Full 4.8.09221
Client 4.0.0.0

MultiTerm version: MultiTerm 14.0.0.0

<Settings version="4">
<Fields>
<Field>
<FieldName>日本語</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>ja</LanguageCode>
</Field>
<Field>
<FieldName>English</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>en</LanguageCode>
</Field>
<Field>
<FieldName>追加情報</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>ja-JP</LanguageCode>
</Field>
<Field>
<FieldName>additional information</FieldName>
<FieldType>Language</FieldType>
<FieldContent>Language</FieldContent>
<Ignore>false</Ignore>
<LanguageCode>en-US</LanguageCode>
</Field>
</Fields>
<Windows>
<MainWindow>
<Left>3072</Left>
<Top>487</Top>
<Width>390</Width>
<Height>390</Height>
</MainWindow>
<Settings>
<Left>2244</Left>
<Top>178</Top>
<Width>600</Width>
<Height>600</Height>
</Settings>
<FieldType>
<Left>2117</Left>
<Top>519</Top>
<Width>400</Width>
<Height>200</Height>
</FieldType>
<ContentType>
<Left>2117</Left>
<Top>499</Top>
<Width>400</Width>
<Height>240</Height>
</ContentType>
</Windows>
<AlwaysShowFieldsDialog>false</AlwaysShowFieldsDialog>
<CheckForUpdates>true</CheckForUpdates>
<PlaySound>false</PlaySound>
<PerformanceMode>false</PerformanceMode>
<XpathAllowRedundantFields>false</XpathAllowRedundantFields>
<PlainExcelMode>false</PlainExcelMode>
<ExcelHistory>false</ExcelHistory>
<ExcelTags>true</ExcelTags>
<CollapseExcelFields>true</CollapseExcelFields>
<RawMode>false</RawMode>
<DetectWebLinks>true</DetectWebLinks>
<MergeFiles>false</MergeFiles>
<SkipReorgTermbase>false</SkipReorgTermbase>
<UseTermbaseTemplate>false</UseTermbaseTemplate>
<UseMasterTermbase>false</UseMasterTermbase>
<MergeLanguages>false</MergeLanguages>
<MergeSubLanguages>false</MergeSubLanguages>
<ExportEntryNumber>false</ExportEntryNumber>
<MasterTermbase></MasterTermbase>
<MergeField></MergeField>
<TermbaseTemplate></TermbaseTemplate>
<Synonyms>
<Type>OneLine</Type>
<Column></Column>
<Repeat>false</Repeat>
<Separator>|</Separator>
</Synonyms>
<MultiFieldMode>FirstOnly</MultiFieldMode>
<DefaultOutputFilter>MultiTerm Termbase</DefaultOutputFilter>
<UiLocale>en</UiLocale>
<UiTheme>Default</UiTheme>
<SettingsPage>TabFormats</SettingsPage>
<EmptyOutput>false</EmptyOutput>
<IgnoreUnknownFields>false</IgnoreUnknownFields>
<CreateEmptyFields>false</CreateEmptyFields>
<WriteDocType>false</WriteDocType>
<VerifyXml>true</VerifyXml>
<SkipVerify>false</SkipVerify>
<CreationUser>glossaryconverter</CreationUser>
<TbCopyright></TbCopyright>
<TbDescription></TbDescription>
<UseContentFilter>false</UseContentFilter>
<RegexContentFilter>false</RegexContentFilter>
<ContentFilterText></ContentFilterText>
<Tbx>
<XcsSupport>false</XcsSupport>
<XcsAsk>false</XcsAsk>
<V2Basic>false</V2Basic>
<Dialect>Core</Dialect>
<ResolveNote>false</ResolveNote>
<MappingFile></MappingFile>
<Tbx3Mode>Pragmatic</Tbx3Mode>
<UseMappingFile>false</UseMappingFile>
</Tbx>
<TbxHistory>false</TbxHistory>
<BilingualSourceLanguage></BilingualSourceLanguage>
<BilingualTargetLanguage></BilingualTargetLanguage>
<ForceBilingual>false</ForceBilingual>
<ForceBilingualHeader>false</ForceBilingualHeader>
<OutputChangeFolder>false</OutputChangeFolder>
<OutputFolder></OutputFolder>
<SilentOverwrite>false</SilentOverwrite>
<OpenOutput>false</OpenOutput>
<UseLibreOffice>false</UseLibreOffice>
<UseMultiterm>true</UseMultiterm>
<UseStudio>true</UseStudio>
<SortMode>Source</SortMode>
<ResolveXmlEntities>false</ResolveXmlEntities>
<SdltmWaitMinutes>20</SdltmWaitMinutes>
<ExportTradosTmx>false</ExportTradosTmx>
<RemoveEmptyColumns>false</RemoveEmptyColumns>
<PicklistSeparator>,</PicklistSeparator>
<MultiFieldSeparator>‖</MultiFieldSeparator>
</Settings>
in: C:\Users\Rowan\Dropbox\xxx
out: C:\Users\Rowan\Dropbox\xxx

Conversion start: 1/16/2026 11:13:06 AM
**** There was an error creating the output file.
System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
at Sdl.Tools.GlossaryConverter.TMO17.Interop.ITermbaseRepository.Connect(String UserId, String Password)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseProxy.CreateLocalTermbase(String path, String termbaseName, String xdtPath)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbaseInternal(String path)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.TermbaseHandler.CreateTermbase(String path, List`1 fields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.CreateTermbase(String outputPath, List`1 orgfields)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Filters.SdlTbWriter.Initialise(String outputPath, List`1 fields, Dictionary`2 attributes)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.Converter.Convert(List`1 inputFilters, List`1 inputPaths, IFilter outputFilter)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.HandleMultipleFiles(List`1 files)
at Sdl.MultiTerm.Tools.GlossaryConverter.Workflow.FileHandler.ProcessFiles(List`1 files)

**Step 4:** Importing with MultiTerm  

Using the import wizard, zero terms were imported.

**Step 5:** Check for Updates  

No pending updates.

**Step 6:** Alternative Tools  

Unable to find MultiTerm Convert. Please provide link.

 Rowan White 

Looking through your errors a few obvious thing stick out:

1. Mulititerm 14.0.0.0 - that is a very old version of Mulititerm and will cause you problems. You should have the same latest version of Mulititerm installed as you do for Trados StudioViews.
2. You cannot find MulitiTerm Convert. This is installed when you install Mulititerm.
3. Your files seem to be in Dropbox and not in a local folder. Very likely the source of another problem even if you think this should be fine because you have Dropbox installed and it works fine with other programs.

I suggest you make sure you have the latest version of Mulititerm installed. Run a repair if you already have. And try placing your Excel in a non-cloud linked folder.

Paul,

I stand corrected. Your advice about Multiterm was correct and updating it has corrected the issue. Thank you for your extremely helpful response.