German Vaio - changing OS to English language?

Redderneck

Hi - inherited a Sony Vaio laptop, about 3 years old; barely used, from a relative abroad. Problem is that it's a German system, OS is XP German language. My German is reasonable enough to get by dealing with the foreign language prompts, but the german keyboard is a pain.

Am thinking a solution might be to get the OS stripped out and go down the route of installing Linux, English & Open office route for basic set-up. I can source English language key stickers/transfers which I can apply to existing keyboard and I'd have a reasonable piece of kit to pass onto my daughter, who speaks no German. Intended use will primarily be web browing, iTunes/music & word processing/spreadheet work.

Is this at all a realistic option or just the ramblings of a well-intentioned fool?

majiktripp

Wipe & Re-install! Why bother worrying about changing the language? Does it have a COA sticker on the bottom with the XP license? If so, grab an XP cd (Home or Pro depending on lic.) and reinstall the OS in English.
And if you check eBay for the Sony Model number you might find an english layout keyboard for a small price, which you could easily replace completing the transformation!

Rebel021

Start -> Control Panel

Regional and Language settings, enjoy

crótach

AFAIK the language and regional settings just change the way dates are displayed, keyboard layout etc. To change the actual OS language you need to re-install XP with an english disc.

It's vista and later that allow you to change OS language in the control panel, and even then I'm not sure if all versions have this.

I can get you a copy of english windows xp, you'll just need you own key to install it. But to be honest on a slightly dated hardware like that you'd be better off using Ubuntu Linux or something similar.

majiktripp

crótach wrote: »

AFAIK the language and regional settings just change the way dates are displayed, keyboard layout etc. To change the actual OS language you need to re-install XP with an english disc..

Bet me too it.

Redderneck

crótach wrote: »

AFAIK the language and regional settings just change the way dates are displayed, keyboard layout etc. To change the actual OS language you need to re-install XP with an english disc.

It's vista and later that allow you to change OS language in the control panel, and even then I'm not sure if all versions have this.

I can get you a copy of english windows xp, you'll just need you own key to install it. But to be honest on a slightly dated hardware like that you'd be better off using Ubuntu Linux or something similar.

Thanks crótach (& others); reckon downloading Ubuntu is worth a lash so. The kit, as you say is dated - although has a fantastic screen. Puts my squinting at my trusty little work Portegé into harsh perspective.