This page updated 18 Apr 2014
Version note: Applies to TMG 8 & 9
This article describes issues with the Language feature that may arise during the installation of an upgrade to an existing version of TMG, installing a new version of TMG, or when installing TMG on a new computer. If you have modified any phrases in the standard Languages, or have created a custom Language either to modify certain phrases or to obtain special output of Sentences in TMG's reports or in websites created with Second Site, you need to be aware of these issues when you make a new installation of TMG.
The Language feature and its applications are described in my articles on Languages.
The Language file, which identifies the available Languages and provide translations for all phrases used by TMG is a program file, not a part of your Project files. When a Program update is installed you will be asked if you want to overwrite the Languages file. If you accept the update the Language file will be completely replaced, destroying any Languages previously added or revised translations made. Your response should depend on how you are using the Language capabilities, as described below. If you choose "No" you should also un-check the "Ask next time?" box.
| If you are using... | Then respond to the update prompt... |
| Only English(U.S.) and have not customized any of the translations in other Languages or created your own Language. | doesn't matter, but choosing Yes this will provide the latest updates to all supported languages in case you should ever want to use them. |
| A supported language other than English(U.S.), and have not customized any of the translations. | Yes – this will provide the latest updates to all supported translations. |
| Customized version of English and creating some customized terms or phrases. | No – this will keep your custom phrases from being overwritten by the new update and lost. You will not receive the latest updates in other languages, but that will not be an issue for you. (Or, see note below.) |
| A non-supported Language and have created your own translations. | No – this will keep your custom language from being overwritten by the new update and lost. You will not receive the latest updates in other languages, but that will not be an issue for you. (Or, see note below.) |
| A custom Language only to create special Sentence Structures in that language and have created no translations | No – this will preserve your custom Language. If you respond "Yes" you will get the latest updates for other Languages but lose the ability to create Sentence Structures in your custom Language in new Tag or use them in new reports. But all that's required is to re-create your custom language. That's a simple matter, so long as you remember to spell it the same way. |
| A supported language, and have customized some phrases, or made some of your own translations. | There is not currently a good solution. Responding “Yes” causes the loss of your customized entries, and responding “No” means you will not receive the updates to the supported languages. |
When you make a new installation of TMG, whether a new version installed on your existing computer or an installation on a new computer, a new Language file is installed.
Any custom Language you created in your prior installation will not be included, and any translations you made to either a supplied or custom Language will not be included. If you created Sentences in a Project in a custom Language they will remain in your Project, and can be accessed if you move the Project to the new installation. But you will not be able create Sentences in that Language in any Tag Types where they do not already exist. And you will not be able to create reports using that Language except by using a Report Definition that already specifies that Language that has been transferred from the old installation.
There are several solutions, with the best depending on how you use the Language feature:
| If you are using... | Then ... |
| Only English(U.S.) and have not customized any of the translations in other Languages or created your own Language. | you do not need to do anything. |
| A supported language other than English(U.S.), and have not customized any of the translations. | you do not need to do anything. |
| Customized version of English and creating some customized terms or phrases. | you can either make a Backup or Export in the old installation and Restore or Import into the new one – see details below. |
| A non-supported Language and have created your own translations. | you can either make a Backup or Export in the old installation and Restore or Import into the new one – see details below. |
| A custom Language only to create special Sentence Structures in that language and have created no translations | you can either make a Backup or Export in the old installation and Restore or Import into the new one – see details below. Our, you can re-create your custom language. That's a simple matter, so long as you remember to spell it the same way. |
| A supported language, and have customized some phrases, or made some of your own translations. | you have currently no good solution. Using Backup/Restore or Export/Import as described below retains your customized entries, but means you will not receive the updates to the supported languages. |
There are two methods for transferring customizations of the Language file from one installation of TMG to another, or during a program update. Note that to be used with an upgrade to an existing version of TMG the Backup or Export must be done before the upgrade is installed.
The two methods, and their differing features, are outlined below:
| Export/Import | Backup/Restore | |
| Method: | Export Language from old installation; Import to new one | Include "Language translations" in Backup from old installation; Restore in new one |
| Instructions: | Use the File > Language > Customize menu command to open Languages dialog, and use the Export and Import buttons. | At Step 3 of the Backup wizard, check the "Language translations" box under Advanced Items. Check the same box during Restore. |
| Pros: | Languages are Exported and Imported individually, so updates for other supported Languages are not overwritten. | Can be done as part of Backup/Restore to transfer other customizations. |
| Cons: | Requires separate operation to transfer customizations | Transfers all Languages at once, removing any updates to supported Languages being provided. |
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