Windows XP supports more than 100 languages and dialects. Typically, you use one primary language on your computer. However, with Windows XP, you can set up multiple languages, and then switch between them with just two mouse clicks. A multiple-language setup is useful if you often send and receive documents in different languages. If your computer is used in a multilingual household, you can configure each user account with a different language.
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Set up your computer for multiple languages
To change the primary language or set up multiple languages on your computer, first you need to add your preferred languages.
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Switch between languages
To change the language on your computer, use the Language Bar.
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After you have set up the user accounts, you can show everyone who uses your computer how to switch between user accounts.
How to set up Windows XP for multiple languages
To add languages
1.
Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.
Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options.
3.
Click Add other languages.
4.
In the Regional and Language Options dialog box, on the Languages tab, click Details.
5.
In the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box, on the Settings tab, click Add.
6.
In the Add Input Language dialog box, click the Input language list and select your preferred language and dialect. If you want to change the standard keyboard layout, click the Keyboard layout/IME list and select a new keyboard layout. Then, click OK.
7.
In the Text Services and Input Languages dialog box, on the Settings tab, click the Default input language list, and select the language you will use most often. The language you select as the default will display when you first start your computer.
8.
To add additional languages, go back to step 5.
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If you have finished adding languages, click OK.
9.
In the Regional and Language Options dialog box, if required, select the Install files for complex script and right-to-left languages and Install files for East Asian languages check boxes.
10.
Click the Regional Options tab. Click the Standards and formats list, and then select your region.
11.
Click the Location list, and then select your location
12.
Click OK to save your settings.
How to switch between languages
If more than one language is installed on your computer, Windows XP displays the Language Bar in the lower-right corner, near your system clock. The Language Bar shows the two-letter abbreviation for the language that is currently displayed.
To switch between languages
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Click the Language Bar button, and then select the language and dialect you want to use.
Note: It may take up to a minute for the new language to appear.