Kompoota question

[bobleponge]

As is well documented by myself, I am a computer numpty, so hopefully someone can answer this for me?

One of the laydeez in the office bought a small computer from Germany. All the operating instructions are in German.
Whilst the language of Word etc can be changed, can the actual language of the software be changed from German into French?

If it can, would appreciate a very simple "how to"

Ta.

[taff]

YouTube - How to change your computer language

or there are more options to the side for different operating systems.

[bobleponge]

Thanks Taff.
Work internet toooooooo slow to run YT but will have a look this evening and see if thats it.
I may not have explained myself very well but will let you know in the morning.

[taff]

what operating system is it?

[bobleponge]

Already I am struggling at such a technical question. Does that mean Windows or XP or something like that?

[taff]

yup

Windows Xp
Xp professional
Xp home
Windows 7

etc

[bobleponge]

Windows XP

[taff]

To be honest, it looks like there is no simplle way for you to do it if it's xp home
Changing the language settings in the control panel won't change the whole computer to french. It will change the keyboard input so you can type in french, but it won't change the entire system so everything is in french.
Your options are
install windows again using the original cd and choosing french as the install language
install windows again using a new cd
downloading service pack 3 [or if it's already installed, uninstalling it and downloading it in french], changing some registry settings.
Install linux.

Option 3 sounds lovely, but may prove to be a bit of a bugger to do properly.

If it's xpProfessional there's a pack that will change it, this one, Microsoft Windows XP Multilingual User Interface Pack (MUI), but it will only work with the professional edition.


[must point out I am in no way an expert......someone may be along soon]

[bobleponge]

You are a bazillion times more expert than me, rest assured.

Appreciate the help, will have a chat and see if she has the cd's etc and to see if its home or professional. Option 3 sounds a million miles out of my depth, would just about tread water at install windows again and choosing French as install language.

[bishop]

try this it might help
Configuring and Using International Features of Windows: How To Change the language used to display menus and dialogs in MUI