error message in Trados Studio 2022 "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" when trying to open downloaded packages from WorldServer

hi

I get the error message "Object reference not set to an instance of an object"  when trying to open downloaded packages from WorldServer

I have looked through the suggestions in the forum and tried to apply them - including reinstalling the WordServer component package

still, I cant open these packages

other packages I have no problems with

has anyone come across and found a solution to this issue? it also happens only on 1 of my computers - I dont have the problem on different computer with the same licence (and packages from same clients)

thanks!

Screenshot of the Trados Studio interface showing the 'Open Package' window. The 'Package Import Preparation' step is active, with an error message: 'Object reference not set to an instance of an object.'



updated info
[edited by: Harald Roald at 1:05 PM (GMT 0) on 14 Mar 2026]
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  • Probability score: 0.7  

    Question improvement suggestion: Provide the exact version of Trados Studio you are using, as well as any specific troubleshooting steps you have already attempted. This will help in diagnosing the issue more effectively.  

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

    Hello!  

    It seems you're encountering the "Object reference not set to an instance of an object" error when trying to open downloaded packages from WorldServer on one specific computer. Here are some steps you can take to resolve this issue:

    **Step 1:** Ensure you have the latest version of the World Server Compatibility Pack installed for your version of Trados Studio. You can download it from the RWS AppStore. Make sure to select the version that matches your Trados Studio installation.

    **Step 2:** Uninstall any previous versions of the World Server Components from your computer. You can do this by going to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, and then selecting the World Server Components to uninstall.

    **Step 3:** After uninstalling, close Trados Studio and any other related applications. Then, install the latest World Server Compatibility Pack by double-clicking the `World Server Components.msi` file you downloaded and unzipped.

    **Step 4:** Reopen Trados Studio and try to open the WorldServer package again using the "Open World Server Package" option in the Projects view.

    **Step 5:** If the issue persists, consider checking for any duplicate names in the termbase definitions in WorldServer, as this can sometimes cause compatibility issues. You may need to rename any duplicates to resolve the problem.

    **Step 6:** As a temporary workaround, you can rename the WSXZ package to a ZIP file, extract it, and remove the `terminology_data.tbx` and `xcs.xml` files. Then, re-compress the remaining files into a new WSXZ package. However, please note that this will remove the termbase from the package.

    If you continue to experience issues, please provide the exact version of Trados Studio you are using and any additional troubleshooting steps you've already taken. This will help in diagnosing the problem more effectively.  

    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

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