I just bought a new laptop yesterday, and "oopsed" when I installed my language choice. I installed the OS in French, and I can't read French. I could not finish the set-up because those instructions are also in French.

I did an <F10> at startup to go into DOS mode, and planned to reformat and start over again, however DOS mode is also in French

I contacted the manufacturer for assistance. They want me to buy their CD-recovery disk to correct the problem. The laptop does not have a built-in optical drive, which means I'd also have to purchase an external CD/DVD drive to run a recovery disk.

I don't have access yet to my "start menu" since I've been unable to complete the setup process. (I can't get to the control panel or do run command prompts).

Should I just continue the full set-up in French and then "keep my fingers crossed" that I'll be able to change the OS language after doing so?

Or maybe I should just try to return it to the store I purchased it from & hope they'll take it back?

Thanks!!!!!!!

Very strange.

If it is/were a French version of XP there is nothing to change.

However if it is an English version and you chose to install in French then you should be able to rectify this after install via the Control Panel > Regional and Language options.

But again the core OS is language dependent meaning an English version is not a French version and vice versa.

Might as well try to complete the install before returning it.

What is the make and model of the laptop?

Hi Jephree,
Thanks for your reply!

The laptop is an Acer Aspire One (actually, it's considered a "netbook")

It's sort of confusing to explain.
The computer is "marketed" as a bilingual computer. I live in Canada. We have TWO official languages: English & French.

The initial set-up defaulted to "Canada: English/French" language option.
I accepted the default since English is our primary language.
And that is the story on why my computer is in FRENCH! lol. I never saw that coming!

Your advice on continuing with the set-up process is good advice. I purchased it from Best Buy, and they can be a bit anal with their return policies. I think I am just going to wait until tomorrow morning and see how they respond to this situation before I proceed any further

I'll keep ya posted!

Hi Leia,

From further research you should be able to change back to English after install.

Again: start > Control Panel > Regional and Language options.

Jephree...
Thanks for your help, but I was able to return it to the store

I decided to get an HP instead. It was a bit more $, but I hope it will be worth it

Cool.

Thanks for the update and let us know if we can help further in the future.

I too did the same thing, will try what you have posted and report back.

Well, tried what was posted here and no go. I too contacted Acer and they to;d me I would have to purchase a set of recovery disks....

In general they only should charge a shipping fee for such disks.

I agree however I am sure the disks will be at a astrinomical amount.