If you are using a computer with Windows XP operating system and you need to use an additional language, you can solve your problem by adopting one of the many methods available. If Windows XP is already installed on your computer, changing the language in which windows and programs are presented can be a little more complicated. Note that you can also change the keyboard language to be able to enter written text using different idioms.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Display Language
Step 1. Try installing a "Language Pack"
Microsoft's official website offers a wide variety of "Language Packs" that can be installed on your computer individually, without having to reinstall the entire operating system. In order to use these tools, however, you need to install Windows XP "Service Pack 3".
- Select this link to search for the language of your interest. If the language you want to install appears in the list and if its base language is already present in your system, you can use the "Download now" link to start downloading the new "Language Pack". If, on the other hand, the language in question is not present in the list or if you are not using the relevant basic language required, continue reading the article.
- Run the downloaded installation file and follow the instructions that appear on the screen. For the new changes to take effect, you will need to restart your computer after the installation is complete.
Step 2. Understand how the following procedure works
While it is not technically possible to change the base language of Windows XP without reinstalling the operating system, you can work around this limitation and change the language displayed by most Windows interfaces. To proceed you need to install the operating system "Service Pack 3" (even if you have already done so) and modify some registry keys.
Step 3. Download the "Service Pack 3" for the language you wish to install
To do this, access the following web page. Use the "Select language" drop-down menu to select the language you want to use. At the end of the selection, press the "Download" button, then choose the second option in the window that appears. To proceed with the download of the installation file, ignore all additional options and press the blue "No thanks, continue" button in the lower corner of the window.
Do not immediately start the installation of the new "Service Pack 3". To do this you will have to wait until you have edited the registry
Step 4. Start Registry Editor
In order to change the language used by Windows XP you must first make some small changes to the registry. The registry is the heart of Windows, from which you can control all its functions, so when making changes to this file always be cautious and careful.
To open the registry editor, follow these instructions: press the hotkey combination ⊞ Win + R, type the regedit command in the "Open" field and finally press the Enter key
Step 5. To navigate through the countless registry keys, use the tree menu on the left of the window
You'll be able to expand both primary and secondary nodes, all of which have a folder icon. Selecting a folder from the menu, its contents (keys and values) will be displayed in the box on the right.
Navigate to the following folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE / SYSTEM / ControlSet001 / Control / NIs / Language
Step 6. Double click on the mouse to select the "(Default)" key
This should be the first item on the list. A new pop-up window will appear allowing you to change its value.
Step 7. Enter the code for the new language you want to use
Each language is identified by a four-digit code that you must enter in the "Value data:" field of the key in question. To enter the correct code for the chosen language, refer to the list below. Make sure it matches the same idiom you chose for the "Service Pack 3" installation file.
Language Codes
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Language Codes
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Step 8. Repeat the previous step for the "InstallLanguage" key
Normally this entry is located at the end of the list of values. Enter the same code you entered in the "(Default)" key.
Step 9. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer
Before proceeding you must necessarily restart your computer, otherwise the installation of "Service Pack 3" will not be able to be performed.
Step 10. After the reboot is complete, open the "Service Pack 3" installation file
Even if "Service Pack 3" is already present on the system it is not a problem, the new installation will overwrite the existing system files with those related to the new language. To proceed with the installation, simply follow the instructions that appear on the screen.
Step 11. After "Service Pack 3" installation is complete, restart your computer again
This step is important for the new changes to take effect. At the end of the restart, the Windows interface should appear in the new language chosen.
You will notice that some items will continue to be displayed in their original language relative to the Windows XP installation. Unfortunately, this is a limitation of the procedure described in this article. The only way to completely change the language used by Windows XP is to reinstall the operating system by choosing the desired language
Step 12. After changing the base language of Windows, download a "Language Pack" (optional)
If you have performed the procedure described in this method, in order to change the base language of the operating system in order to install a new "Language Pack" you can proceed with the download and installation. For more details refer to step number 1 of this section.
Part 2 of 2: Input Language
Step 1. Open the "Control Panel"
To do this, go to the "Start" menu. In older versions of Windows XP, to access the "Control Panel" you will need to select the "Settings" item.
Step 2. Choose the category "Date, time, language and locale"
If you are using the classic view mode, choose the "Regional and Language Options" icon instead.
Step 3. Go to the "Languages" tab of the appeared window
From here you will be able to change the input language.
If you want to use a language belonging to East Asia or using a non-Latin alphabet, select the relevant check buttons, then press the "Apply" button. This will download and install the related additional files
Step 4. Press the "Details" button
The "Text Services and Input Languages" window will appear.
Step 5. Press the "Add" button
Choose the desired language and its keyboard layout using the appropriate drop-down menus. At the end of the selection press the "OK" button.
Step 6. Select your new default language using its drop-down menu
The chosen language will be added to the "Default input language" menu. If you want to change the input language immediately, select one of the options provided by the menu in question. When finished, press the "Apply" button to save the new changes.
Step 7. To quickly and easily switch between input languages, you can use the language bar
The language bar appears automatically when multiple input languages are installed. You can find it on the far right of the taskbar. Select the icon for the currently active language to view the list of available options.
