Terry's TMG Tips

Installing the Language Module

This page updated 28 Dec 2007

Version note: Applies to TMG 7 & 8

Use of TMG's language features to use the program in a language other than the standard English, or to obtain customized results, is described in my articles on Languages. Before you can use any of those features, you must have the Language Module installed, which is the subject of this article.

Installing the Language Module

The default installation procedure for TMG includes installing the Language Module. But if choose a custom installation and unchecked that box during installation it will not be installed. If you are in doubt, you can verify whether it is installed by choosing File > Language on the main menu. If you see only English, the Language Module is not installed. If you see multiple Languages, it is.

If the language module is not installed, you can install it by running a full TMG installation again, but this time check only the Language Module when you have the opportunity to select the features to be installed. The full installer can be either on a CD you have received, or downloaded. You may need to reenter your registration number, so make sure you have it available before doing this.

If your current version of TMG is more recent than that of the full installer you use this procedure will not produce the latest update for the Languages file. This is not a problem if you just plan to modify some English phrases. But if you intend to work in one of the other supported languages you may want the latest version. You can obtain the current full installer from the Wholly Genes Website – look for the links to the "30-day free trial."

Program Updates and Language Issues

When the Language Module is installed, when you install program updates you will be asked if you want to overwrite the Languages file. Your response should depend on how you are using the language capabilities:

If you are using...	Then respond to the update prompt...
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	Either Yes or No. If you respond "Yes" you will get the latest updates but lose the ability to work with your custom Sentence Structures. 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. If you answer "No" you will preserve your custom language, but not get the updates.
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.
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.

There is an Import/Export feature on the Languages screen (File > Language > Customize) that allows you to export any standard or custom language - except English(U.S.) - and then share it with others, or re-import it later. This feature can be useful if you have either customized a standard language or created a custom one and want to accept the upgraded language module that is part of a program update. To use it, export your custom (or customized) language before the upgrade, then import it again after the update to restore your customizations. Note that if the language you exported and imported was a customized version of a standard language, this procedure will preserve your customizations but any updates of that language from the program update will be lost.

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