Multilanguage pack with WinXP Pro??

[Netguy]

Hi,

I have a question about Windows XP Pro. Does it come with the Multilanguage
Pack or not? Microsoft's website suggests that it does and is one reason
consumers who desire this feature should choose pro over home.

Yet, I've read posts that the MUI is unavailable to consumers, but only
corporate customers. (???)

So does it come with XP Pro or not, and is it an add-on or what?

My use for this is that one day I would like to take up learning Japanese,
and so far installing Japanese fonts, besides the basic ones on IE, are
impossible to install on my Win98 machine, and I was thinking about
upgrading to XP so I could use them.

But, now I'm thoroughly confused. This shouldn't be so hard.

Thanks in advance,
Netguy

 

[PCyr]

So then why the hell doesn't MS say that on the choosing site?!?

--
Check out http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com for amazing tweaks and fixes

Member of "Newsgroups are for everyone"

5 Steps to computer safety:
1) Use a good quality anti-virus, and keep it up-to-date.
2) Use a firewall. The one in XP works fine, but there are better ones out
there.
3) Keep Windows up-to-date. It's your choice whether or not you want the
recommended updates, but the critical updates are just that - critical.
4) Beware of adware and spyware. There are many programs that will help to
protect your computer, but it's up to you to prevent it as well. Make sure
you read the agreement of the software before you install it. It should
tell you if it will be installing any additional programs.
5) Be cautious of attachments. Microsoft NEVER sends out attachments via
email. Always scan all attachments before opening them.

Email address is fake to prevent SPAM.
Real email address is pcyr2000 AT hotmail DOT com
Change the obvious to the obvious.
------------------

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

So then why the hell doesn't MS say that on the choosing site?!?

Because that's what newsgroups are for.

Seriously, most people aren't interested in buying an OS in their local
language with the idea of changing it to another language. The included IME
is usually enough to satisfy the needs of consumers. The MUI, on the other
hand is for businesses that have a presence in several different countries
and a real need to have the multiple language interfaces available. Another
issue is that including the MUI in consumer versions would make the OS much
more expensive.

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

 

[PCyr]

How expensive? Cause if its under a hundred, I'm sure there would be more
than a few home users buying it.

--
Check out http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com for amazing tweaks and fixes

Member of "Newsgroups are for everyone"

5 Steps to computer safety:
1) Use a good quality anti-virus, and keep it up-to-date.
2) Use a firewall. The one in XP works fine, but there are better ones out
there.
3) Keep Windows up-to-date. It's your choice whether or not you want the
recommended updates, but the critical updates are just that - critical.
4) Beware of adware and spyware. There are many programs that will help to
protect your computer, but it's up to you to prevent it as well. Make sure
you read the agreement of the software before you install it. It should
tell you if it will be installing any additional programs.
5) Be cautious of attachments. Microsoft NEVER sends out attachments via
email. Always scan all attachments before opening them.

Email address is fake to prevent SPAM.
Real email address is pcyr2000 AT hotmail DOT com
Change the obvious to the obvious.
------------------

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

How expensive? Cause if its under a hundred, I'm sure there would be
more than a few home users buying it.

Not sure, since it's only included as part of the package in certain high
end Volume Licenses. What I have seen about the MUI is that it's not
something that only requires a few clicks to work. Definitely not intended
for typical home users.

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

How expensive? Cause if its under a hundred, I'm sure there would be
more than a few home users buying it.

Oops. Forgot to include a link.

Windows Server 2003, Windows XP & Windows 2000 MUI:
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/DrIntl/faqs/MUIFaq.mspx

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

 

[Netguy]

Netguy

The only default language options on XP are the Keyboard layout and the
ability to display foreign language text. The MUI is for corporate customers
and can only be installed on an English version of XP.

Windows Server 2003, Windows XP & Windows 2000 MUI:
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/DrIntl/faqs/MUIFaq.mspx

Thanks for the info, Ronnie. That's too bad. Do you know of any types of
retailers that might manufacturer WinXP Pro with the MUI since the program
is for OEMs? Would a company like Dell or Gateway do this kind of
made-to-order PC?

Netguy

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Thanks for the info, Ronnie. That's too bad. Do you know of any
types of retailers that might manufacturer WinXP Pro with the MUI
since the program is for OEMs? Would a company like Dell or Gateway
do this kind of made-to-order PC?

Netguy

Sorry again, but the only way you can get the MUI is by purchasing a Volume
License.

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

 

[Netguy]

Sorry again, but the only way you can get the MUI is by purchasing a Volume
License.

Yes, I understand, but what I'm asking if since the MUI is for OEMs and
corporate consumers, are there third-party manufacturers that have this
pre-loaded on PCs, or is their sale to consumers prohibited as well? For
example, can you buy a Dell pre-loaded with XP with the MUI, or does
Microsoft prevent its sale to consumers even though Dell, for example, is a
third-party manufacturer? I understand they don't sell it directly to
consumers, probably like Sony doesn't sell VCR parts to consumers directly,
so I'm asking if there are pre-loaded XP machines out there with the
feature?

Larry

 

[Ronnie Vernon MVP]

Yes, I understand, but what I'm asking if since the MUI is for OEMs
and corporate consumers, are there third-party manufacturers that
have this pre-loaded on PCs, or is their sale to consumers prohibited
as well? For example, can you buy a Dell pre-loaded with XP with the
MUI, or does Microsoft prevent its sale to consumers even though
Dell, for example, is a third-party manufacturer? I understand they
don't sell it directly to consumers, probably like Sony doesn't sell
VCR parts to consumers directly, so I'm asking if there are
pre-loaded XP machines out there with the feature?

Yes, you can buy a Dell pre-loaded with Win2K or WinXP Pro and the MUI, but
only if you are a Volume License customer. It is not sold through retail
channels. This is the basic requirement in all cases. Dell, like other
vendors are legitimate VL dealers. The rules are very specific on this.
Sorry, but there is no way that a normal consumer can purchase the MUI
whether it is on a set of CD's or pre-installed. (Actually, I don't believe
that the MUI can be purchased separately, it is simply included as part of
certain, high end, VL packages) The only way that a consumer might get their
hands on it, would be through a subscription to MSDN but the restrictions on
it's use from there are very specific.

Windows Server 2003, Windows XP & Windows 2000 MUI:
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/DrIntl/faqs/MUIFaq.mspx#MUIques1

--
Ronnie Vernon
Microsoft MVP
Windows Shell/User

Please reply to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

 

[Netguy]

Yes, you can buy a Dell pre-loaded with Win2K or WinXP Pro and the MUI, but
only if you are a Volume License customer. It is not sold through retail
channels. This is the basic requirement in all cases. Dell, like other
vendors are legitimate VL dealers. The rules are very specific on this.
Sorry, but there is no way that a normal consumer can purchase the MUI
whether it is on a set of CD's or pre-installed. (Actually, I don't believe
that the MUI can be purchased separately, it is simply included as part of
certain, high end, VL packages) The only way that a consumer might get their
hands on it, would be through a subscription to MSDN but the restrictions on
it's use from there are very specific.

Windows Server 2003, Windows XP & Windows 2000 MUI:
http://www.microsoft.com/globaldev/DrIntl/faqs/MUIFaq.mspx#MUIques1

Okie dokie. Thanks for clearing that up and for providing the info, Ronnie.
I was just a bit confused. Now, new question. Is there an address
where a consumer can write to Microsoft to suggest changes or additions to
future products?

Larry aka Netguy