Sitecore Dictionary not resolving – Things to check!

While working on Sitecore I am sure many of us have been faced with this stubborn situation where dictionary text just will not resolve! Here is a list of things we should validate in this case: 

Check Site Definition 

This is the most basic configuration for setting up site dictionary – given you are using a custom domain, and it is sure good to validate especially if you recently created the site in question in config. 

Ensure that dictionarydomain on the corresponding node has been set as expected in /sitecore/admin/showconfig.aspx 

Delete dictionary.dat 

In your website folder, delete /temp/dictionary.dat 

Clear Dictionary Cache 

While this can be done via code, and configured to be triggered as needed, the most convenient way by far, to execute this ad hoc is using the PowerShell Extensions Module 

[Sitecore.Globalization.Translate]::ResetCache($true)  Write-Host "Dictionary cache was reset!"

Clear Sitecore Cache 

Clear your Sitecore cache from /sitecore/admin/cache.aspx 

IISRESET 

Cross your fingers and reset IIS! 

These are the most basic steps to be taken to jump start your dictionary.