New Laptop - Vista - Change Gui Language + Free Upgrade To Windows 7..?

[Thanh-BKK]

Hi.

Sorry for the long headline, i tried to put all questions in there already So this is the situation.

Boss wants to buy a new laptop for his daughter who's on visit here in LOS right now. New laptops typically come with Vista, which is what he wants anyway. BUT the GUI language has to be changed to French! Now that can usually only be done during INSTALL of Vista, but the discs supplied with a new laptop (if any) are usually of the type "recovery" and no Vista full-install-discs.

So how can it be done..? Re-install from a pirated disc and use the perfectly legit serial number that came with the computer..? But they want no cracks or other dodgy stuff that usually comes with "Panthip-Windows". French GUI is a must however.

Also what does one need to do to get a free upgrade to Windows 7, once available? I have read that this is possible and certain vendors actually include that with new Vista-powered computers, but how would it work? As that laptop will be in France then. Will the upgrade be a download? Or is it required to get back to the shop (here in Bangkok!) to get a disc? Or can any Microsoft vendor issue a disc, also in France, if the computer was bought here in Bangkok?

Appreciate any answers

Kind regards.....

Thanh

[garyh]

I am sure when i just did the SP2 update on Vista home premium it had the option to download about 10 of the more common langauges such as spanish, german and FRENCH

[MikeWill]

Many vendors sell laptops without OS installed. You may look into this option as well.

BTW, which Brand/Model do you want to buy?

I'm also looking to buy one for my daughter (grade 2).

[Rice_King]

You get additional Vista language packs via the Windows Update utility. No requirement for the install disk(s). Follow the directions from Microsoft, How do I get additional language files? to download the French language file and then, Install a display language directions.

As a test for this post, I conducted this procedure on a Vista Ultimate virtual machine and it worked as advertised.

Also what does one need to do to get a free upgrade to Windows 7, once available?

I have only heard rumors of a "free upgrade" from Vista to Win7. I sincerely doubt that MS will give away Win7 to current Vista users... but I have been wrong before. (I'd be very happy to be corrected on this one.)