New French laptop into English???

[jbenj01]

Just bought an IBM laptop (Thinkpad G40), but it's a foreign version -- the whole setup procedure is in French.. ??? (don't ask.. ;)

Is there any way to convert the entire setup AND system into English?? Would appreciate much.. Thanks.

[dvd_maniac]

you mean the bios or Oprating system? If bios, then try flashng it.

[jbenj01]

Actually, the BIOS is in English (go figure??); however, when powering up, EVERYTHING is in French, i.e., ALL prompts/instructions/directions to get the system up and running in order to get the OS installed.

The OS is "WinXP Editione Familiale", or what i gather is, Family Edition.. But that's not an issue, as i already own a copy of Win2000 and WinXP Pro, which i was going to install in lieu of XP Family Edition..

Note: During initial setup (in French), i did notice that the system asks you a series of questions--country residence, primary language and 1 other that i forget (i did take a year or 2 of French in high school many years ago.. :) ---> I was going to choose U.S. and English for all selections, but was a bit leary of doing anything before I checked with other folks (who are much more knowledgeable...).

If i do choose U.S. and English for all questions, will the whole system setup convert from French to English?? Thanks for responding..

Edit: I also checked in BIOS whether there was option to change system language... I didn't see anything... OR maybe i overlooked it..??

[waheed]

You have a french version of Win XP installed. you need to remove and install the english version.

i once bought a copy of Wix XP from Spain and it was in spanish.LOL

[jbenj01]

So you're saying that even tho i've NOT installed the OS yet (WinXP F.E.), the laptop already came with it loaded?? I ask b/c the manual/instructions clearly state/s that I must install the OS..

Also, how do i uninstall that sucker since everything is in French?

merci... :)

[dvd_maniac]

rhen fdisk, format, reinstall english version. winxp setup should give you this option too. or is everything in French when you try setup?

[Ramirez]

Hey Jbenj01 what's up? Still abusing your piggy bank? :D

The thing is that IBM and many other manufacturers usually sales their notebooks/desktops with an O.S PRE-INSTALLED ready to use and activated.
Usually you don't get the actual WIN-XP installation CD with those notebooks since the O.S itself including all drivers is IMAGED and stored either on removable media (usually its 2 CD's set/Restoration CD-1/2) or stored on a hidden partition on your HD.

Now, there is no way (AFAIK) for you to switch from French>English since it's operated by the localized version of Restoration Wizard and /or O.S itself.

Anyway not a big deal ,since you're already own a copy of Win-XP I'd suggest you to wipe out your hard drive using IBM-DISK Manager (http://www.redzone.co.il/vad/bin/IBM DM954.zip) and start a clean installation of O.S

You'd have to put these files on a bootable CD/Floppy disk, and launch the program by typing "DM" from the DOS command prompt.

[jbenj01]

dvd_maniac,

Yes, everything is in French during setup.. Actually, I didn't get past the initial phase where it asks which region/country, language, etc.. I was going to choose U.S. and English for all queries but have not done so yet...

Oh, in your post, you say, "rhen fdisk".. You do mean "run", yes?? Just want to make sure it's not some tech acronym, which I'm unaware of..

Ramirez,

How are you, friend.. Yeah.. it's become an addiction.. :D The WinXP F.E. OS disc did come with the laptop.. I've not opened it yet so it well may be that inside the packet are the 2-disc set that you speak of..

[dvd_maniac]

Yes I mean run fdisk with a startup dos or windows98/me floppy. This will start everything off fresh and when you run setup from the cdrom everything will/should be in English. Sorry about the spelling error. I just boought a 200.00 motherboard from ASUS and the ps2 inputs stopped working the other day and I am using the onboard keyboard, so I seem to be making alot of mistakes.

[jbenj01]

Ramirez.. thanks. You are indeed correct --> No discs were included with the system. What i thought was WinXP F.E. disc was only a quick guide with a piece of cardboard stuffed amidst the pages, making it seem like there was a disc (or something 'hard' and breakable) in there..

So basically, I would just download Disk Manager onto a cd-r (or burn the files onto cd-r, yes?) and boot from the cd? I'm assuming the boot process will take me into DOS-mode, correct? thx.

dvd_maniac.. thanks. Does your method of running "fdisk" the same as running IBM Disk Manager? Also, can i just go into DOS from the French version of WinXP and then type "fdisk" (C:\>fdisk) ?

Interesting story after calling MS customer support:

a MS customer support rep just stated this regards my problem --> said to hit F1 during boot-up and go into BIOS.. He said if BIOS is in English (which it is), the OS could be "converted" from French to English... for a small fee of $35.. i told him to have Bill give me a call to discuss.. :p

I actually don't have a copy of XP Pro in my hot little hands yet, but will so in about a week.. But i'm wondering if what the rep said was accurate, ie, that it can be converted from French to English, ... how???

[dvd_maniac]

both, almost any partitioning program will delete your partition (fdisk). I would search internet on changing languges of OS b4 giving Bill anymore money.

[Ramirez]

As I said you'd have to create a BOOTABLE CD (you know how to create one, right?) which indeed will boot your PC into DOS mode, then launch the program from the DOS command line, I'd highly recommend you to use this far the most simple and professional tool instead of dreaded fdisk and format Utilities (this little tool will format/create partitions of any size within 2 mins tops)

a MS customer support rep just stated this regards my problem --> said to hit F1 during boot-up and go into BIOS.. He said if BIOS is in English (which it is), the OS could be "converted" from French to English...
This is pure B.S ,there is absolutely no connection between these two, you could install an English version of OS on your notebook even if your BIOS menus where in klingon language.:D

I guess that M$ representative offered you either an upgrade edition of XP () or an English language Pack CD which indeed would allow you to convert (not exactly convert..) your OS, I'd suggest you to forget it, IMO go ahead and install full version of XP from scratch.

[jbenj01]

Ramirez.. ko.. will do.. I've downloaded Disk Manager but in answer to your query.. No, I don't know how to create a bootable CD..

After dl'g Disk Manager, I simply burned it to a cd-r.. but for some reason, seems that is not correct.. please advise.. thanks.

Also, after creating bootable CD, i'm assuming
1. simply power up the laptop, go into BIOS and set it to boot from the cd-rom drive, yes??

2. Then just make sure the boot CD is inserted before i exit BIOS..

3. Hopefully a DOS screen pops up.. then type "DM" and just follow prompts.. ??

[jim1595]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't both Windows 2000 and Windows XP on bootable disks, why not just change your boot order in BIOS if nescesary, pop in the disk you want to use and go through setup. Anyway, assuming I'm wrong, here's a link describing the boot cd process in Nero: http://www.bootdisk.com/nero.htm

Good luck, hope this helps

[jbenj01]

Ramirez,

Hope all's well, my friend. thanks for the info.. you've been right on so far... But...

How do I access the "hidden partion"?? I've installed WinXP Pro and it will not recognize the graphics adapter, nor the network controller.. ??

Please advise.. Thanks.

[Ramirez]

Hi john,sorry for the late response m8, anyway no, there are no hidden partition on your notebook my friend, you'd have to download all required drivers and install them one by one. (Isn't IBM great?)

Visit this page > IBM ThinkPad G-40 (http://www-3.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/product.do?template=/productpage/landingpages/productPageLandingPage.vm&brandind=10&familyind=119670&machineind=0&modelind=0&partnumberind=0&subcategoryind=0&doctypeind=9&doccategoryind=0&validate=true) , and don't forget to burn these drivers on a CD later on) :)

[mrlipring]

yep, download all the drivers for your hardware (or have another net-connected pc handy when reinstalling) and boot from the xp install cd, deleting any existing partitions. create (a) new partition(s) and install in english.
i can't see you needing partition managers or fdisk or boot discs or anything.

[jbenj01]

Thanks Ramirez, mrlipring, a/k/a, m8's.. :D got it!