Changing language on Win XP computer

[BTB 500]

Have been given a Sony Vaio PC by my father in law, for the kids. It's running Win XP Pro version 2002.

Problem is that it's all in German. I've been through the regional settings tab, added UK English as a language, and made it the default. Changed location etc. to UK. Restarted the computer, language bar is now displayed (it wasn't before), showing 'EN'. However ... everything is still in German. There's only one account on the computer, which is an administrator.

I have added a new user account to see if logging in with that looks any different, but having rebooted I can't see that account as an option on the logon screen (which looks different to the one on my own XP Pro machine)??

Any suggestions/ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[timskemp]

You have a german version of windows (I'm assuming all the menus are in German) and that's fixed in the OS build I believe.

 

[BTB 500]

Yes all the Windows menus are in German - also everything within Word / Excel / etc.

So ... nothing I can do?

 

[Nik_Endeavour]

You have to reinstall Windows from scratch but I can't remember if OEM copies of windows give you the option. You could obtain another copy of windows xp pro (mate, neighbour) and then install it. Make sure you use the product key underneath the laptop which will make it a legit copy of yours as the license will be validated.

 

[BTB 500]

I have a set of 3 Sony CDs that came with the PC (it's a tower system btw, not a laptop). Not 100% sure what's on them ... says they are backup copies of the software already installed on the PC. They have Sony and Microsoft copyright lines at the bottom. If it was possible to re-install from these CDs I guess I might be no better off (the text printed on the CDs is only in German).

What I don't understand is why all the different languages show up in the regional settings dialog box ... if the language was locked down I would expect either no choices on the drop down, or for that option to be greyed out??

My own Dell has XP Pro, I have the Windows CD that shipped with that ... but lots of dire warnings about only using on a Dell computer.

 

[jpskiller]

What I don't understand is why all the different languages show up in the regional settings dialog box ... if the language was locked down I would expect either no choices on the drop down, or for that option to be greyed out??

My own Dell has XP Pro, I have the Windows CD that shipped with that ... but lots of dire warnings about only using on a Dell computer.

the languages options are for keyboard layouts not for the main windows, with the Dell pc you should be ok to use the CD as long as its not a restore CD, just so long as you use the license key from the PC it shoul activate OK may have to ring microsoft too this.

 

[Nik_Endeavour]

Yup just use the Dell CD (make sure you use the one co-branded Microsoft). Put the CD in and restart the computer. Press any key to boot from CD and follow the instructions, when it asks for the product key enter the key of the back of the tower (on a sticker)

 

[Gollom]

IIRC, the ones from Dell are keyed to Dell systems

I'd buy a OEM copy at £52 personally - it may save a whle lot of trouble!

http://www.aria.co.uk/Products/Software/Operating+Systems/Microsoft+XP+Home+OEM+SP2?productId=25139

HTH

 

[jpskiller]

Dont wish to disagree with Gollum but using a Dell CD has worked on a number of systems with no problems what-so-ever, its worth a try at least

 

[BTB 500]

Many thanks guys, I will give it a shot. Don't mind spending a few £ if I have to, not intending to connect this PC to the web btw.

 

[Nik_Endeavour]

Many thanks guys, I will give it a shot. Don't mind spending a few £ if I have to, not intending to connect this PC to the web btw.

You should be fine with the Dell one. Tried and tested many many times. A copy of Windows OEM for any manufacturer is the same essentially just the key is tied to the motherboard. If you use the key at the back on a sticker it will just be like using a Sony one.

 

[BTB 500]

Am re-installing from the Dell CD right now!

We only want the PC for the kids (aged 5 and 7) to practice on and maybe play the odd game. Although I've got a wireless router I don't plan to connect it to the Internet at all.

 

[Nik_Endeavour]

Am re-installing from the Dell CD right now!

We only want the PC for the kids (aged 5 and 7) to practice on and maybe play the odd game. Although I've got a wireless router I don't plan to connect it to the Internet at all.

It won't be a problem if you connect. It is recommended actually as there will be loads of Microsoft updates to be done.

 

[BTB 500]

OK, having completed the installation I only have 30 days to register the copy of XP by phone or over the net. So looks like I'll have to connect it after all.

So ... I need to use the product key on the sticker on the Sony tower. But although the PC previously came up with XP Pro (and that's what I've just re-installed), I notice the sticker on the case says XP Home Edition! Do I have a problem?

 

[Nik_Endeavour]

Yup, you have a small problem there. You need to reinstall Windows XP again and use Home Edition. Somebody has put Pro there as an upgrade but never gave you the key. Back to square one. Find a copy of Home Edition and install that and then use the product key at the back

 

[Gollom]

I stand corrected about using the Dell CD!

But.....

Want that URL again?

 

[nigel cross]

http://www.magicaljellybean.com/
If you have the software but no key codes try the above site.
In it you download a program that gives you all your Microsoft key codes.

 

[nickcc101]

You can display your key by using software from www.sc-services.co.uk. I bought this off ebay last year as my new pc came ready loaded without the Xp discs or the key.

 

[jpskiller]

You can display your key by using software from www.sc-services.co.uk. I bought this off ebay last year as my new pc came ready loaded without the Xp discs or the key.

if your pc came without a key then it was a dodgy copy and should have reported the people you bought it from, if it was a shop

 

[masqueraid]

There are loads of software utilities that will extract your CD Key from the registry - but as you have just created a brand new registry without a key installed there is nothing for it to report back.

Assuming the Vaio was legitimately supplied with XP Home, you need a Sony Vaio XP Home restore disk set for the same model (or a Sony OEM installation disk for the same model).

You DON'T need to install using a key, the OEM Restore CD will recognise the system board and rebuild the XP installation over the top of it.

OEM restores do not use the CD Key on the Certificate of Authenticity as the registry is rebuilt onto the drive & not installed. Installation CDs will ask for the Key on the sticker before they run but if you have not used precisely the correct version of installation disk the Key won't work.

Microsoft will sell you a valid key over the 'phone if you need one.

Your alternative route for the Vaio depends on its age. If it was built post 2003 it will have a 5Gb hidden partition on the drive containing the (German) installation which you can restore by holding down the F10 key when you switch the machine on.

As the window will be in German you need to select the middle of the three options. This will restore XP Home (German) fully licenced.

(If you have reformatted the entire drive during the installtion process you may find this option is unavailable)

Pre-2003 Vaios come with System Recovery CDs

From a licencing point of view Microsoft's view is the Vaio came with a licensed version of XP Home provided by the manufacturer. This OEM version cannot be transferred and if you want an English version you should buy a replacement copy of Windows.