Laptop default language

Posted by snoopy88 (224 days ago)

If I buy a laptop in HK, assuming that it is loaded with XP Pro or Vista.

Can I switch the default language (for menus etc etc) between English & Simplied chinese ?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

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Posted by axptguy38 (223 days ago)

With Vista, language packs can just be downloaded so yes.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (223 days ago)

Unless the laptop is preloaded with a MUI then no you cannot. Language packs are for loaded applications and have no effect on the menus of the OS.

There are several laptops that come with a MUI, but it does mean shutting down and then rebooting in another language.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by snoopy88 (223 days ago)

What is a MUI ? What questions should I ask at the shop to determine if this app is pre-loaded ?

thanks for the advice

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by evildeeds (222 days ago)

Multilingual User Interface.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by snoopy88 (222 days ago)

thanks

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (220 days ago)

I did some checking. There are three methods of getting languages other than English:
- A localized version that is running "natively" in a language other than English. For example Traditional Chinese.
- A MUI overlay on the English version. Vista Ultimate and Enterprise, as well as XP Pro and Embedded have the MUI. The other editions do not.
- Language Interface Packs (LIPs) that translate some of the interface and work on any Vista edition.
Functionally, there is little difference between the first two options. With the MUI, different users can have different languages, and there is no need to reboot.

I am currently doing some testing and will report back.

More info here: http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/DrIntl/faqs/muifaq.mspx


"Unless the laptop is preloaded with a MUI then no you cannot. Language packs are for loaded applications and have no effect on the menus of the OS."

In Vista, language packs work with the MUI so they do change the OS menus. But the nomenclature is confusing, as there seems to be a difference between Language Pack and Language Interface Pack.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (220 days ago)

Testing done. This is all in Vista Ultimate Edition, so I have the MUI. I downloaded the Swedish Language pack from Windows Update and it installed. I could then change the interface language.

This is user specific, so different users can have different languages. Changing language for a user requires logging on and off. A reboot is not required.

Most Windows menus are changed, but of course programs remain in the native language of the OS.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by snoopy88 (220 days ago)

This is good news. Many thanks for the efforts.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by axptguy38 (220 days ago)

No problem. I was curious.

Also wanted to correct an error in my post. The last sentence should read "programs remain in the native language of the program unless program has localization that supports the MUI (unlikely)".

Also wanted to add that directories like "My Documents" and "Pictures" change names to their equivalents in the other language.

(I am based in Hong Kong)