Using activation codes from a different copy

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I bought a German copy of Vista Home Premium but would love to have Vista in
English. I have read the former threads and understand that I cannot change
or even use language files or patches to change this unless you have Business
or Ultimate.
I wondered if I can use an English installation disk, reinstall Home Premium
from scratch but use the Activation code on the German edition if this would
work? I have not used it yet to activate so the code is as of yet unused.

If there is no way around this I will be very uspet.
 
Activation take note of all of the hardware on your machine. The German
activation code files will not match those of your English machine and
activation will be refused.

If you have an English version why can't you simply install that instead? Or
is it a case that the English version has already been installed on another
machine. There is nothing stopping you buying an English version,
reformatting the hard drive of the machine with the German version on and
then installing an English version on that machine. All you have to remember
is that you can only use one copy of windows on one machine.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..
 
Hi Barry--

As I understand it there are two types of language files:
MUI and LIP and both seem to have partial translations in different ways.
LIP language files are available for all editions of Vista.

MUI are more extensive and according to the link below:

• "Windows Vista Multilingual User Interface Pack (MUI).? Windows Vista MUIs
provide a translated version of most of the user interface. MUIs require a
license to be used and are only available with Windows Vista Ultimate and
Windows Vista Enterprise.

• Windows Vista Language Interface Pack (LIP).? Windows Vista LIPs provide a
translated version of the most widely used areas of the user interface. LIPs
are freely available for download on the Microsoft website, and most LIPs
can be installed and used on any edition of Windows Vista. Because not all
of the user interface is translated, LIPs require at least one parent
language. The parts of the user interface that are not translated into the
LIP language are displayed in the parent language. When you download a LIP,
you are given the parent language requirements for that language. The parent
language pack needs to be installed before the LIP can be installed."

I haven't seen them or worked with them, so I'm not qualified to say how
complete they are. Maybe someone who has can elaborate.

How do I get additional language files?
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/35a1b021-d96c-49a5-8d8f-5e9d64ab5ecc1033.mspx

CH
 
John - I am only talking about one machine. I bought the components for that
Machine, as well as an OME German Vista License in Germany and have only just
built that PC. I have installed home premium and it will not change Language
to English as I thought it would. But I have not connected the PC to the
internet yet to activate. What I wondered was if I can get a UK installation
DVD from a Friend without paying for it OR getting their activation code if I
can install Vista Home Premium with that UK disk using my German Vista
activation key. I only want to use the code I have paid for on 1 machine with
1 language but not the language on the DVD I paid for.
Yes I know I probably should have waited and bought it when I am back in the
UK next but I just want to know if I can do this.
 
Barry said:
I bought a German copy of Vista Home Premium but would love to have Vista in
English. I have read the former threads and understand that I cannot change
or even use language files or patches to change this unless you have Business
or Ultimate.
I wondered if I can use an English installation disk, reinstall Home Premium
from scratch but use the Activation code on the German edition if this would
work? I have not used it yet to activate so the code is as of yet unused.

If there is no way around this I will be very uspet.
Click to expand...


It won't work. Product Keys are bound to the specific type and
language of DVD/license (OEM, Volume, retail, full, or Upgrade) with
which they are purchased. For example, a Vista Home Basic OEM Product
Key won't work for any retail version of Vista Home, or for any version
of Vista Business, and vice versa. An upgrade's Product Key cannot be
used with a full version DVD, and vice versa. An OEM Product Key will
not work to install a retail product. An Italian Product Key will not
work with an English DVD. Bottom line: Product Keys and DVD types
cannot be mixed & matched.


--

Bruce Chambers

Help us help you:



They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary
safety deserve neither liberty nor safety. -Benjamin Franklin

Many people would rather die than think; in fact, most do. -Bertrand Russell
 
Barry I think Bruce Chambers has answered you query. In a nutshell what you
want to do won't work.

As far as languages go only Vista Ultimate and, I think, business can
actually change the language completely using MUI. By using a new MUI in
Vista Ultimate you can change the whole display language whereas normally
simply changing the language option in regional languages will still keep
the toolbars, menus etc in the original native language.

--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..


--
John Barnett MVP
Associate Expert
Windows - Shell/User

Web: http://xphelpandsupport.mvps.org
Web: http://vistasupport.mvps.org

The information in this mail/post is supplied "as is". No warranty of any
kind, either expressed or implied, is made in relation to the accuracy,
reliability or content of this mail/post. The Author shall not be liable for
any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising out of the
use of, or inability to use, information or opinions expressed in this
mail/post..
 
Hi Bruce:
I believe that Microsoft has a 45-day money back refund if you are not
satisfied with their product in North America. It's possible they offer it in
other countries but you'll have to check. It certainly sounds like you are
not satisfied and perhaps you could just send it back to them following their
return instructions. The North American refund policy is shown at this url:
http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.asp
I don't see any reason you wouldn't qualify for a refund if available. Then
just buy the product you really needed.

xiowan..........in tucson
 
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