Can't switch PC from Spanish to English

It is not PC to force your PC to speak English.

Living in Spain I have often purchased a Spanish computer and yes the windows software stays in the original language as purchased. You cannot change the operating system language as so many people believe. You have a legal licence number for your version, so reformat and load again using an English version and your licence number. Borrow a copy of someone and use your licence number. We have done this a few times over the years. MAKE SURE you back up all your files first so you can reload them. (If you have a split drive and the operating system only is on C and files on another drive you should not loose them - BUT never trust this!)

joebedford wrote:
I wonder if the Windows 10 upgrade will allow me to select the target language?

I did a little research on this and it appears that Windows 10 will allow user management of language packs. I guess I just have to wait for W10 then change the language to English.

joebedford wrote:
My ISP seems to be blocking torrents.

Use a VPN like Hotspot Shield.

What you're not seeing is that obtaining, in this case by downloading Microsoft software from unlicensed sources is considered pirated software. In which case, you cannot legally install it anyway.

1492 wrote:

darsben wrote:


No it was not a joke it is a solution. If the user follows some simple precautions an effective and LEGAL solution as long as he has a legitimate key.
I have used bit torrent for years and napster before that plus many others. I always inspect what I download and scan it 2 or 3 ways before using the resultant program.
Just finished downloading Delorme Street Atlas 2009 because m DVD was to scratched to save. I have the license and it works nicely. With your scenario shareware and downloads from CNET are to be avoided as well or are those okay. Bittorrent does not introduce any added risk in itself. The program may be corrupt no matter where you get it.
We each have our own level of comfort and decide for OURSELVES what is acceptable risk.

Completely, not true. It is illegal to distribute software without explicit authorization, regardless whether you have a legit license key or not. Have you ever read the terms of use? Did Microsoft give permission to distribute their software through BitTorrent? The former Digital River sites were licensed by Microsoft to distribute Windows OS.

Code can also be manipulated with embedded Malware, especially root kits such as keylogger/capture software which may not be easily detected by many AV software.

Yu are not bound by terms of use before you use it. After install and you agree then you are bound b terms of use agreement NOT BEFORE you agree.

darsben wrote:


No it was not a joke it is a solution. If the user follows some simple precautions an effective and LEGAL solution as long as he has a legitimate key.
I have used bit torrent for years and napster before that plus many others. I always inspect what I download and scan it 2 or 3 ways before using the resultant program.
Just finished downloading Delorme Street Atlas 2009 because m DVD was to scratched to save. I have the license and it works nicely. With your scenario shareware and downloads from CNET are to be avoided as well or are those okay. Bittorrent does not introduce any added risk in itself. The program may be corrupt no matter where you get it.
We each have our own level of comfort and decide for OURSELVES what is acceptable risk.

Completely, not true. It is illegal to distribute software without explicit authorization, regardless whether you have a legit license key or not. Have you ever read the terms of use? Did Microsoft give permission to distribute their software through BitTorrent? The former Digital River sites were licensed by Microsoft to distribute Windows OS.

Code can also be manipulated with embedded Malware, especially root kits such as keylogger/capture software which may not be easily detected by many AV software.

1492 wrote:

darsben wrote:
I would go to bittorrent and download a copy of windows 7 ISO create a DVD from it and use that to install windows 7 using my KEY CODE.
There is no illegal activity in doing so..

I'm sure this was meant to be a joke. Downloading copies of Windows from torrents is a sure fire way to introduce malware in your system.
Plus, using methods which block authentication will most certainly result in not being able to install future system and security updates, as MS is aware of these schemes and typically introduce patches to disable these methods in updates. Basically, locking you out of your own system until you get a legit license key.

License keys are not language specific. It's not unusual for users to purchase a PC in a different language, especially in Europe, and re-install Windows in the users native language using the same license key.

No it was not a joke it is a solution. If the user follows some simple precautions an effective and LEGAL solution as long as he has a legitimate key.
I have used bit torrent for years and napster before that plus many others. I always inspect what I download and scan it 2 or 3 ways before using the resultant program.
Just finished downloading Delorme Street Atlas 2009 because m DVD was to scratched to save. I have the license and it works nicely. With your scenario shareware and downloads from CNET are to be avoided as well or are those okay. Bittorrent does not introduce any added risk in itself. The program may be corrupt no matter where you get it.
We each have our own level of comfort and decide for OURSELVES what is acceptable risk.

Try this:

change the display language

or this:

converting for reserved accounts

I'm guessing it has something to do with whether or not you are listed as an administrator. If the original owner set him/herself as sole administrator with a password, you will need that password.

darsben wrote:
I would go to bittorrent and download a copy of windows 7 ISO create a DVD from it and use that to install windows 7 using my KEY CODE.
There is no illegal activity in doing so..

I'm sure this was meant to be a joke. Downloading copies of Windows from torrents is a sure fire way to introduce malware in your system.
Plus, using methods which block authentication will most certainly result in not being able to install future system and security updates, as MS is aware of these schemes and typically introduce patches to disable these methods in updates. Basically, locking you out of your own system until you get a legit license key.

License keys are not language specific. It's not unusual for users to purchase a PC in a different language, especially in Europe, and re-install Windows in the users native language using the same license key.