SDL MultiTerm Convert can not convert Excel files

Hello,

I have currently trouble converting an excel file from .xls or .xlsx into a glossary that can be used in Trados Studio 2017. I was trying to follow this (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSRow6w4UdM) instruction in order to convert the file, but whenever I am at step 4/9, i.e. choosing a file, I get an error message. I have selected the correct source file and when I press next it says "The file cannot be opened in Microsoft Excel.". My Office version is 2016 and it works without problems. I have even tried to uninstall and reinstall Office, but that did not work either. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to solve this issue?

Best regards.

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  • I have SDL Trados Studio 2017 SR1 - 14.1.10015.44620 and SDL MultiTerm 2017 SR1 - 14.2.6.23639.
    I have tried the Glossary Converter before, but it does not work either. First of all it does not accept excel files. But even if I use a tab-delimited text file it only outputs .tbx or .utx or .xml files and Trados Studio will not accept them as glossary files.
  • Hi

    I think there are two problems here.  The first is that if you are only getting TBX, UTX or XML files and none of the other options work for you then it sounds as though MultiTerm itself is not installed correctly.  The second problem is a known issue, but also suggesting a problem with the installation of Excel.  It says this in the Glossary Converter help:

    Excel Not Found

    Known Issues ›› Parent Previous Next

    Sometimes a functioning Excel installation is not recognised and you get a warning that spreadsheets cannot be handled. Try to do a repair install of excel, even if it looks perfectly fine by itself. Unfortunately this is something that I have no control over; it seems to be related to the way that installers handle some excel components, especially when updating Office.

    If that does not help, you can install LibreOffice or OpenOffice, both support all formats that Excel does and are (hopefully) picked up by the converter if Excel is not. You may have to enforce the use of Libre/Open Office, see the section about command line use. That section also describes how to get a debug log in case of Excel issues. If you have problems with Excel, please send that debug log.

    If all else fails, use the -l option on the command line and stick to csv/txt formats. In that case, no Excel or Office installation is used at all. For example, convert an sdltb file to txt, using the -l option, and if you want an xlsx file, open the txt file in Excel and save as xlsx there. A bit more cumbersome, but at least you'll get your data in the end.

    The fact you have problems with them both points towards installation issues on your computer so i would recommend you log a support case for the non-functioning MultiTerm Convert and this may help you understand what needs to be done to fix the Glossary Converter as well.  Use this link:

    gateway.sdl.com/liveagentlicensing

    You have two options:

    1. Submit a case using a webform
    2. Use live chat to get a licence reset

    You want to use the first option and make sure that you refer to this thread so the teams can see what you have tried already.

    Regards

    Paul

    Paul Filkin | RWS Group

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