After logging on to your operating system, you get the following error message during the auto start process for MultiTerm Widget:

XML Parsing Error
An error occurred whilst parsing the xml. Please check whether the file at C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\Appdata\Roaming\SDL\SDL MultiTerm\WidgetSettings.xml is well formed.
Root element is missing.

Alternatively, you may receive the following error message:

An error occurred whilst parsing the xml. Please check whether the file C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\Appdata\Roaming\SDL\SDL Multiterm\MultitermX\WidgetSettings.xml is well formed. 
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.

or

An error occurred whilst parsing the xml. Please check whether the file at C:\Users\[YOUR_USERNAME]\Appdata\Roaming\SDL\SDL MultiTerm\MultiTermX\WidgetSettings.xml is well formed.
‘’, hexadecimal value 0x00, is an invalid character. Line X, position Y.

Solution 1: Rename/delete WidgetSettings.xml

Open the path as given in the error message and delete/rename the WidgetSettings.xml file. Then restart MultiTerm Widget or reboot your PC.

Solution 2: Correct content in WidgetSettings.xml

In case opening the WidgetSettings.xml in an Text/XML editor and there is content included you might want to check if invalid characters like indicated in the error message can be corrected. However, if there is no sign leading to an invalid character you can apply Solution 1

Solution 3: Upgrade both Trados Studio and Multiterm to the latest version.

Do you still require help?

If this article has not solved your issue or if you require assistance, contact the RWS Support Team:

• For customers holding a support contract:
  1. Log in to the SDL Gateway with your RWS Account.
  2. Click on the blue Log a Case button.
     Note: For detailed instructions, refer to the video tutorial.
• For customers without a support contract: request support through our Web Form for TP Licensing & Installation Issues on https://gateway.sdl.com.

This error can occur if the file WidgetSettings.xml does not install correctly during installation of MultiTerm Widget or got corrupted due to unknown reasons. You can find the WidgetSettings.xml file in the path indicated in the error message. When you open the file in a text editor, you will see that it is empty or contains invalid characters when running a XML check for such.

This situation can occur when AntiVirus/Firewall Suites block the creation of the XML content or if you do not have enough enough permissions in your operating system.
Note: It is always recommended that you install SDL products with administrative rights or that you at least choose the Run as Administrator feature to start the installation on on Windows 7/8.1/10.