Switching Windows XP Pro from English to French Solved/Closed

Question

Hello, I just got a version of Windows XP Pro, the problem is that it is in English, the keyboard is set up in French as well as all the options that were asked during installation. Since I paid for the license and I don’t understand much English, I don’t want to buy a French version.

So is there a way to switch my English version to French, but not just the text, because I also have a CD for Service Pack 2 for a French version that won't install since the language is different? It would be a total conversion. I don't know much about Windows, so maybe there is an option that allows this.

I do not have a high-speed connection, so it is impossible for me to download SP2 from Microsoft, and since I have already ordered the only copy I am allowed, I cannot order a CD for SP2 in English either; I am completely stuck.

I searched the internet but found nothing about Windows XP, only about versions like 98 or 95, so I turn to you.

A big thank you to all of you for taking your time.

Configuration: Windows XP Pro ENGLISH

achil_78 · Accepted Answer

The answer my friends is here finally the solution The purpose of this manipulation is to recover the entire French menus of the French operating system on an English OS. Everything happens in the registry In my case, it is necessary to install the French SP3 on the English OS (which already includes the English SP3 (pre-installed)). thus 2 difficulties to be circumvented  1) The OS must believe that the original installation language is French 2) The OS must believe that the installation of SP3 is an upgrade from SP2  1) for the language Go to the key -hkey_local_machine\system\currentcontrolset\control
ls\language\install language and replace the value 0409 (English) with 040c (French) as well as the default one 040c (French)  2) to fool Windows into thinking SP3 (English) is an SP2  Go to the key  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Windows] "CSDVersion"=dword:00000300  and change the dword value  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Windows] "CSDVersion"=dword:00000200  Go to the key [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion] "CSDVersion"="Service Pack 3"  and change .....  [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion] "CSDVersion"="Service Pack 2"  Reboot .....you can verify that the system writes Service pack 2  now we install the French Service pack 3 ..... .....after about 40 minutes and 2 reboots the system is transformed into French    and if indeed the interface is in French but you lose, for example: control panel -> Administrative tools: EMPTY! to regain computer management: [windows]+[R] "%SystemRoot%\system32\compmgmt.msc /s" and [enter]

NiWi · Answer

Hi,  actually I have exactly the same problem as you but with a German version. (it's even worse than English!)  unfortunately, I believe that the XP versions are not multilingual and therefore you have to change the CD for a French version...  now if anyone knows a solution, I'm interested too!  bye

jmp59 · Answer

Hello to both of you,  Problem already raised several times on this forum; also for Italian and Spanish. Unfortunately for you, there is no solution to my knowledge.  Bye.

LeRenardDuWeb · Answer

Impossible.  We're not at Mac.  Formatting required.  Sorry.  Talk to you later.   "You didn’t believe me... you’ll have me cooked!" _______________Joan of Arc_____________

LoX · Answer

Goodbye, thank you very much, I will manage, Windows costs way too much to get another one, I will pay more attention to the version during my next purchase, thanks again for the quick responses, it's common to wait 6 months on other forums, at least here we know right away.

gigi52p@hotmail.com · Answer

Hello, I often make language changes under XP Pro. I didn't know that this posed a problem.
- Control Panel - Regional and Language Options (it's the icon that represents a globe on a stand) - choose...

Jos · Answer

This problem bothers me too.

I got a lucky break to buy a PC that includes a license for Windows XP. However, this one is in English.

If I format the PC and reinstall from a French version of Windows XP, will I be able to activate it without any problems with my key that is for an English version?

Thank you.

jmp59 · Answer

It's not just a question of language. The key is not a master key. It is linked to the CD it accompanies.  What you are considering is therefore not possible.

styledu84 · Answer

Salut. Moi aussi j'ai ce problème. Je viens d'acheter mon ordinateur portable à Andorre et Windows est en espagnol et je ne sais pas comment faire pour le changer. On m'a dit de le formater mais déjà je n'ai pas de lecteur de disquette pour relancer mon ordinateur et j'ai peur que je perde des fichiers comme pour le graveur de DVD par exemple mais je m'y connais pas trop donc si vous pouvez m'aider ça serait pas de refus.

2sm · Answer

MUI Pack

jmp59 · Answer

You want, you want ...  Since we’re telling you it’s not possible!  -- To err is human, to persist is diabolical.

noa · Answer

Hello, I think that with an update of XP in French it doesn't cost a fortune and it's the right way to go because at the same time you will have XP in French and also the key.

noa · Answer

What to reply to that!!! We could discuss it until tomorrow goodbye

mgr877 · Answer

I bought the Windows XP Pro Pack 2 in English, but I received a second CD that puts everything in French, in case it helps someone.

naila · Answer

Bonjour, j'ai installé Windows XP Professionnel et je voudrais maintenant passer à Windows Vista.

Raidwan · Answer

For the Windows XP Pro transition from Eng => FRA, it seems possible, but let's say the solution seems quite... how to find the words... well, never mind, you will have understood... Here is the link:
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/reference/win2k/setup/unattended.mspx

This is to install the MUI on Win XP (only from an English version) to be able to change the language.

I haven't tested it... But this solution being offered by ~crosoft, we can expect anything.

Good luck to those who want to try this :) (note that it would be interesting to know if it works or not ;) )

plaster_qc · Answer

What is the MUI CD, is it on the original Windows XP CD in English?

Also, some people here are mistaken... if you have a Windows XP Pro key on a sticker for example, you can format and install your Windows in whatever language you want. The key is not at all tied to your original CD or to the original language. I was able to buy computers from the USA with US stickers and formatted them to install Windows XP FR with Canadian French without any problem... I just had to call Microsoft’s activation service and you just have to say that the reason for reinstalling Windows is due to your hard drive failing. They will believe everything and give you a 30-digit activation key, I think, and that’s it.

It's true that if, like in my case, you’re not interested in doing all the reinstalling work, you will look for something else. That’s why I would like to get clarification on the MUI... where can I actually find it?

But, I say it again, whether your key is originally English, Spanish, German, whatever, you can format and install your Windows in French with an original French Windows XP disk. You just need to activate it by phone.

jmp59 · Answer

Is it on the original CD of Windows XP in English?  No, but by going to http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/drintl/FAQs/muifaq.mspx#MUIques6 you will find the following answer:  How can I acquire Windows MUI?  The Windows XP/2000 MUI is sold only through Volume Licensing programs such as the Microsoft Open License Program (MOLP / Open), Select, and Enterprise agreement (or with a new computer as an OEM version at customer request). It is not available through retail channels.  -- To err is human, to persist is diabolical.

Loul · Answer

It is possible to reinstall a French version with a French XP disk and an English OEM XP license key; it works, but I don't know if it works in all cases. In this one, the number was accepted. This does not address those who would like to francize a pre-installed Windows by borrowing a French CD and using the English activation key, but apparently, it is fine.

cdric · Answer

Who could explain to me what the link contains because everything is in English and it's a hassle to understand, thank you.

ABLO · Answer

m'aider à changer mon xp de anglais en français sans réinstallation

Synbios · Answer

Here is the link, it's multi :)  http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=f120acd9-73f2-4dbe-ba34-84d362993616&DisplayLang=en

cricou · Answer

I installed XP Home on a new disk, it works except for the screen resolution which stays stuck at 640, unable to switch to 800x600 knowing that my keyboard is in QWERTY so I have to change it.
Can someone help me resolve this screen resolution issue?

jmp59 · Answer

Probably your graphics card is not installed.  -- To err is human, to persist is diabolical.

cricou · Answer

how to do?

morgan · Answer

You need to install your graphics card driver.

You can find it on the following site: https://www.touslesdrivers.com/
Click on online automatic driver detection and then Start detection.
The site will give you a brief summary of your configuration as well as all the drivers you haven't installed or that are too old.

Bye

lagaffe · Answer

Hello everyone - Big problem not speaking English. I received as a gift a laptop with Windows XP Professional in English, how can I reformat it in French? It seems to be a difficult issue to resolve given the number of requests and practically no solutions. Where can I get the CD? Is there anyone in the room competent enough to solve this problem??? Thank you for responding.

jmp59 · Answer

Hello

With XP Pro, it is possible
But for that, you need a software called MUI. This software can only be obtained by certain individuals or entities that have been authorized by Microsoft.

Practically, despite what you might be told, the only legal way for an average individual is to buy a CD of XP with its license.

--
To err is human, to persist is diabolical.

lagaffe · Answer

Hello jmp 59.
Thank you for your response. Presented this way, it seems easy for an experienced internet user.
I am a complete beginner, 73 years old, and my generation was not lucky enough to be raised with this technology, which I am discovering with pleasure. What does ''lambda'' mean and where can I buy a CD of XP with its license, by mail (Fnac, Darty) as I am in Vietnam. I doubt it is possible here. In Ho Chi Minh City, English is spoken more than French!!! Why????......
Thank you for answering me.

jmp59 · Answer

Hello,

73 years old, pfff... I will be 79 soon! But I’ve had a PC at home for 17 years and I worked on computers before retiring.

The term "average user" is not a specifically technical expression! Definition given by Wikipedia Adjective meaning any (example: An average individual)

Providers: FNAC, Darty, yes. But there are others: Cdiscount, Rue Mongallet, Grosbill, etc... Depending on the promotions, it can be more interesting to order from one or the other.
But if you're willing to "suffer" for 2 or 3 more months, I would advise you to upgrade to Windows 7. Unlike Vista, which is a flop, people using the beta version seem very satisfied.

I will give you more explanations, but I need to do some research and it might take a while.

@+

--

To err is human, to persist is diabolic.

lagaffe · Answer

Hello. I think I made a mistake when I sent you a reply to your message. I don't think it reached you. ! See you later.

jmp59 · Answer

Indeed, nothing appears. Can you put it back?  -- To err is human, to persist is diabolical.

lagaffe · Answer

Yes, I was telling you, thank you for your information. I've been struggling until now with translating, it's not always easy to copy and then go do the translation, so I can be patient. It's nice of you to be willing to help me. I stumbled upon "how does it work" by chance and honestly without much conviction given some responses.... It shouldn't become a burden for you. Well, we are retired that's true, with time but still!!!!!

clement072 · Answer

Could someone give us this MUI?

chantal · Answer

Hello, I have an English Windows XP SP2 installed, and I would like to upgrade it to French SP3. So I followed all the instructions from Achil regarding the language and left the "200" and "service pack 2" in the registry key so that Windows thinks we are upgrading from SP2 to SP3. I downloaded the French SP3 and started the installation, then it asked to restart, which I accepted. I have been waiting since 10 AM, it has been seven hours now, and it shows a screen with the Windows image and the message "please wait..." Should I keep waiting or do I need to do something? Please help me Thank you

louloutte27 · Answer

I would indeed advise you to restart your computer a second time because it seems long to me...

didiao · Answer

Je suis désolé, mais je ne peux pas aider avec cela.

gourgane12 · Answer

Does torrent mean anything to you?

jeje · Answer

you can change the language, just install a French patch, that's what I did. Here it is.

MC 31 · Answer

It is indeed possible to change your system language from English to French; you just need to carefully follow the step-by-step instructions given by Achil.I myself carried it out with the utmost attention and thus switched from an English OEM to French.To summarize, you need to download the following items:_Sp3 English_Multilingual MUI Pack_Sp3 FrenchOnce your installation is complete, do not perform any updates except for the three mentioned above.You will install the Sp3 English on your English OEM along with the multilingual pack.You will set all regional options to French throughout the entire system, and it will ask you at the end if you want to restart; you agree.Once your system has rebooted, press the Windows key (the one with the four distorted squares) and the "R" key simultaneously.This will open a window; in it, you type "regedit," and it will then open a new window, and in this new window, you look for:hkey_local_machine\system\currentcontrolset\control
ls\languageIn the right window, you will see a multitude of numbers and letters, and at the very end, you will notice two different values, one named "Default" and the other named "InstallLanguage." For these two values, you will indicate your installation language and your system language, and to set them to French, you will replace "0409" with "040c."You close the registry editor window and restart your system.Once your computer has restarted, you execute the French Service Pack 3, and upon its reboot, it will finally be in the French language.Test under MCE 2005 with a few minor hiccups like "some folders still in English but nothing insurmountable."PS: It is essential not to perform any updates other than those I indicated, as doing so could result in a bug and conflicts in your system updates!

Switching Windows XP Pro from English to French

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