Can I switch German version to English?

[Andrew Fiddian-Green]

I live in Switzerland, and foolishly I just bought by mail order Vista
German Ultimate Upgrade when actually I want to have English.

But before I go to all the trouble to return the software to the mail order
company, Iwonder if I can anyway make this version speak English? I heard
that if you have an English version (Ultimate) you can add other language
packs to it, but my question is can I add English to a basically German
version?

And if I can change the language, will it change everything in the O/S or
would there still be some functions that would remain in German?

Thanks in advance.
AndrewFG

 

[kirk jim]

you can go from english to any...
but not the other way around...

send it back and change it

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[Richard G. Harper]

Any language pack you would add would only add support for another language,
not change the underlying language. The only way to fully "change" the
language would be to wipe and reinstall using the language you wanted in the
first place.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

you can go from english to any...
but not the other way around...

I don't believe you are correct on that but that is only based on what
I have seen others say; I've not done it myself.

With Ultimate I understand you can go from any language to any language
provided the MUI pack is available.

 

[kirk jim]

you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with

 

[Shane Nokes]

You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs will
completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave strands
dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research instead of
just trolling.

you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with

My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[kirk jim]

provide links please

You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs will
completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave strands
dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research instead
of just trolling.

you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with

My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[kirk jim]

I stand corrected! For once you were right and I was wrong! astonishing..

I hope you enjoy it because this will seldom happen

Indeed Vista is language neutral (XP was not!)

You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs will
completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave strands
dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research instead
of just trolling.

you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with

My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[kirk jim]

andrew.. I am sorry.. I seldom give wrong advice.. indeed you can install
english

see here:
http://technet2.microsoft.com/Windo...9fd8-4963-b06a-5ecc457006c71033.mspx?mfr=true

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

I have English thanks -- I was born in England.

But you are still wrong ......

What you may be thinking of is related to what the following MS website
says about initially available language packs:

http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/en/library/cfb72225-d7fd-
46b0-9316-81769ec909791033.mspx?mfr=true

Supported Language Packs

The following tables show the supported language packs available for
the release of Windows Vista. Additional language packs might be made
available after the release of Windows Vista.

which is followed by a table with column headings:

Language | Culture | Windows Vista Starter Language | Language Pack
Type | Supported Base Language | Hexadecimal Identifier | Decimal
Identifier |

To shortcut since I can't really reproduce the table:

If you were to want to apply Arabic (Saudi Arabia) you would have a
Partial Language Pack and you must already have installed EN-US,FR-FR

But if want to apply English then you will find that it is a Full
Language Pack and under Supported Base Language you will find the magic
words "Does not apply" -- in other words you can apply English to any
base language.

So although some language changes may require another previous version
this is not universally true and is specifically not true for English
on top of another.

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

Check with Microsoft in Germany if you can but see my message to Kirk
Jim since the MS Technet says you can put English on top of any base
language.

But you never know with Microsoft and different countries.

One point to bear in mind however is that this applies to VISTA itself
and any applications that came with it on your CD may either not change
languages or require their own language packs if they comply with this
new language system.

 

[Hugh Wyn Griffith]

Thanks for that <s>

I think people will find this set of pages more understandable and more
directly useful:

Manage Language Packs for Windows

http://technet2.microsoft.com/WindowsVista/f?en/library/5b61931f-e39a-
41d0-98a8-51162e13539d1033.mspx

What you can do to what is covered in the last of the pages under that
reference:

Supported Language Packs

 

[Shane Nokes]

Also incorrect.

As I stated to Kirk Jim earlier Vista is programmed to be language neutral.

Installing the new pack COMPLETELY changes the language of the OS.

There is no "underlying language" used in Vista.

Any language pack you would add would only add support for another
language, not change the underlying language. The only way to fully
"change" the language would be to wipe and reinstall using the language
you wanted in the first place.

--
Richard G. Harper [MVP Shell/User] (e-mail address removed)
* NEW! Catch my blog ... http://msmvps.com/blogs/rgharper/
* PLEASE post all messages and replies in the newsgroups
* The Website - http://rgharper.mvps.org/
* HELP us help YOU ... http://www.dts-l.org/goodpost.htm

I live in Switzerland, and foolishly I just bought by mail order Vista
German Ultimate Upgrade when actually I want to have English.

But before I go to all the trouble to return the software to the mail
order company, Iwonder if I can anyway make this version speak English? I
heard that if you have an English version (Ultimate) you can add other
language packs to it, but my question is can I add English to a basically
German version?

And if I can change the language, will it change everything in the O/S or
would there still be some functions that would remain in German?

Thanks in advance.
AndrewFG

 

[Shane Nokes]

How would it seldom happen?

I helped build this OS for 2 years so I know what it can and cannot do.

On the other hand, you are usually wrong unfortunately

I stand corrected! For once you were right and I was wrong! astonishing..

I hope you enjoy it because this will seldom happen

Indeed Vista is language neutral (XP was not!)

You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs will
completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave strands
dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research instead
of just trolling.

you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with


My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[kirk jim]

I helped build this OS for 2 years

Can you explain the above? What do you mean?

How would it seldom happen?

I helped build this OS for 2 years so I know what it can and cannot do.

On the other hand, you are usually wrong unfortunately

I stand corrected! For once you were right and I was wrong! astonishing..

I hope you enjoy it because this will seldom happen

Indeed Vista is language neutral (XP was not!)

You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs
will completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave
strands dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research
instead of just trolling.


you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with


My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[Shane Nokes]

I do side work for Microsoft on occasion and part of that work was on
Longhorn/Vista.

I helped build this OS for 2 years

Can you explain the above? What do you mean?

How would it seldom happen?

I helped build this OS for 2 years so I know what it can and cannot do.

On the other hand, you are usually wrong unfortunately

I stand corrected! For once you were right and I was wrong! astonishing..

I hope you enjoy it because this will seldom happen

Indeed Vista is language neutral (XP was not!)


You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs
will completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave
strands dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research
instead of just trolling.


you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with


My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that
can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[kirk jim]

Can you tell me in what area is your expertise?

what kind of things did you do, or do you know?

thanks

I do side work for Microsoft on occasion and part of that work was on
Longhorn/Vista.

I helped build this OS for 2 years

Can you explain the above? What do you mean?

How would it seldom happen?

I helped build this OS for 2 years so I know what it can and cannot do.

On the other hand, you are usually wrong unfortunately


I stand corrected! For once you were right and I was wrong!
astonishing..

I hope you enjoy it because this will seldom happen

Indeed Vista is language neutral (XP was not!)


You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to
any other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs
will completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave
strands dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research
instead of just trolling.


you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with


My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that
can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?)
are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[Guest]

I have a new Dell with SWEDISH vista home premium. I have been told it is not
possible to get English as the OS language without upgrading to ultimate. How
could MS do something so stupid? Many people living abroad, and even natives
in foriegn countries want English. I am desperate and will eat my own hat if
you can tell me how to get this Damn Vista Dell into English without
upgrading. Or is it simply a matter of waiting until MS adds a download?
--
Leap Frog.

How would it seldom happen?

I helped build this OS for 2 years so I know what it can and cannot do.

On the other hand, you are usually wrong unfortunately

I stand corrected! For once you were right and I was wrong! astonishing..

I hope you enjoy it because this will seldom happen

Indeed Vista is language neutral (XP was not!)

You are incorrect.

Any language for which an MUI update has been created can change to any
other language.

Vista has been programmed as a language neutral OS so that MUI packs will
completely change the OS to the correct language and not leave strands
dangling.

It's not an EN-US only feature.

Please know what you're talking about or at least do the research instead
of just trolling.


you are not correct.. You have to have english to start with


My understanding is that the Ultimate edition is the only one that can
change languages.

Have you tried Windows Update to see if the Language packs (MUI?) are
there? I've seen others say they get them there.

Try a search on the Microsoft VISTA website on [ Multilingual User
Interface Packs }

 

[Guest]

I was born in the US, a stone throw from MS headqaurters. I have even been
jetskiing right past good old Bill Gates's beach. My problem is I now live in
Sweden and just got a new Dell that is Swedish version. I have home premium
and have been told you cannot get it into English. I am a student here and do
not want to spend my few crowns on an ultimate upgrade. Is there any hope for
me?