Solved Two conflicting languages after reinstallation

Zhe

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I reinstalled windows 8 on my machine (installed all updates including 8.1) . The installation was in Swedish but since i prefer English as my display language I added this language, removed the Swedish language pack and changed my keyboard to Swedish layout.

Now my display language is English... mostly. Some parts are still in Swedish. Eg, if i hold my mouse over the speaker it will show the tool-tip "högtalare"(Swedish for speaker) but the arrow next to it has the correct language tool-tip "show hidden icons".

It seems like the remove button in the language menu does not completely remove a language pack but rather hides the option until you reinstall it, I believe this is the case since it takes no time at all to reinstall the Swedish language pack after i removed it.
Is there a way to completely remove the pack if that is the case?

Any other thoughts or ideas are much appreciated as well.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
If the OS version is the Swedish version. It will always be Swedish. You need to get an English (U.S. or UK) version.
 

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If the OS version is the Swedish version. It will always be Swedish. You need to get an English (U.S. or UK) version.

Yes its a Swedish version, but you don't need a new version of the OS just to change language. I had only English in my OS before i reinstalled it (same version I am using now).
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
If the OS version is the Swedish version. It will always be Swedish. You need to get an English (U.S. or UK) version.
Although it is an option, the OP has no need to get an English version to get Windows in English.

Your Windows core language is Swedish, whatever you do to get rid of it because of you using a Swedish install media. After installing English language pack and applying it your user account has been transformed to English as much as possible without using an English install media. Some device names remain in the language of the install media, the core language of your Windows, but that's it. Other than that your Windows is and will be completely English.

I have the same situation as you. I only use English install media it being my work language, but as native Finnish and Swedish (bilingual home) speaking ex-pat living in Germany I have separate user accounts on all my Windows computers in Finnish, Swedish and German. When I sign in to my Swedish user account, Windows is completely in Swedish except these few device names; whereas you see the name of your speaker device in your English Windows in its core language Swedish, I see the same device in Swedish Windows user account in English, "speakers". The language of the install media is the determining factor.

Naturally, the core language cannot be changed. Your speakers will most probably always be called Högtalare instead of Speakers but how big a problem that can be? If it really is a problem, you have two options:
  • Option 1 (does not work on all hardware setups): When English language pack is installed and applied, Swedish disabled, and the machine rebooted, remove the device with disturbing name from the Device Manager, thereafter reboot again and after the reboot force Windows to search new hardware from Device Manager > Action menu > Scan for hardware changes. This sometimes works; I have not found any logics in it, I do not know why sometimes the same hardware is found in core language, sometimes in the language user has changed to.
  • Option 2: Find an English Windows 8 / 8.1 ISO image and use it to reinstall. Windows product keys are version and edition but not language specific, meaning you can install an English Windows 8.1 Pro with a Swedish Windows 8.1 Pro key.
Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
If the OS version is the Swedish version. It will always be Swedish. You need to get an English (U.S. or UK) version.
Although it is an option, the OP has no need to get an English version to get Windows in English.

Your Windows core language is Swedish, whatever you do to get rid of it because of you using a Swedish install media. After installing English language pack and applying it your user account has been transformed to English as much as possible without using an English install media. Some device names remain in the language of the install media, the core language of your Windows, but that's it. Other than that your Windows is and will be completely English.

I have the same situation as you. I only use English install media it being my work language, but as native Finnish and Swedish (bilingual home) speaking ex-pat living in Germany I have separate user accounts on all my Windows computers in Finnish, Swedish and German. When I sign in to my Swedish user account, Windows is completely in Swedish except these few device names; whereas you see the name of your speaker device in your English Windows in its core language Swedish, I see the same device in Swedish Windows user account in English, "speakers". The language of the install media is the determining factor.

Naturally, the core language cannot be changed. Your speakers will most probably always be called Högtalare instead of Speakers but how big a problem that can be? If it really is a problem, you have two options:
  • Option 1 (does not work on all hardware setups): When English language pack is installed and applied, Swedish disabled, and the machine rebooted, remove the device with disturbing name from the Device Manager, thereafter reboot again and after the reboot force Windows to search new hardware from Device Manager > Action menu > Scan for hardware changes. This sometimes works; I have not found any logics in it, I do not know why sometimes the same hardware is found in core language, sometimes in the language user has changed to.
  • Option 2: Find an English Windows 8 / 8.1 ISO image and use it to reinstall. Windows product keys are version and edition but not language specific, meaning you can install an English Windows 8.1 Pro with a Swedish Windows 8.1 Pro key.
Kari

First of all thanks for your reply!

The speakers being in Swedish was only one example of it, and i agree had that been the only thing then it would not have been that big of a deal. But this occurs all over the OS. Some other examples are the taskbar and navigation properties where 1 out of 4 tabs are in Swedish, the others in English. Under the security tab for my for hard-drives everything is in English, except the names of Group or user names and when i right-click in the menu screen I get a Swedish tool-tip. So option one would only solve a very small part of this problem.

I am very sure that this was not the case before I reinstalled my windows, and since i used the same CD when i Installed it the previous time there should be a way to fix this besides getting an English ISO.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
It is all because of the core language used, that is one thing you cannot change. You cannot completely disable the language of the used install media. It does not change the fact that the operating system itself is (almost) totally changed to language you have chosen, in your case English.

I have used multilingual Windows as long as it has been possible, limited since XP and fully since Vista. Here's a detail of my Windows 8 welcome screen (a bit outdated, as recently divorced I need to remove my wife's account ;)), separate user accounts in all languages I need on daily basis:

Logon_win8_2_zps5c12d8f4.png

I know the issue and honestly, it's only cosmetics. Windows, help files, menus, everything is in required language except a few core device and related names. I mean, how can this be an issue:

2014-05-20_09h51_47.png

Screenshot of one of my user profiles on one of Windows 8.1 laptops I have where core language (install media) is German but user profile in question is transferred to English using language pack, showing all English except the name of the speakers and headphones device which is in German. In normal use how often is that word in wrong language there to be seen? Or any other of the few devices or tabs still in core language.

Check these two things to make the language change as complete as possible:
  • Instead of Sweden in your case, change the location to a country using English from Control Panel > Region > Location (I use United Kingdom and UK number and date formats except € instead of £)
  • Follow instructions in this tutorial to change the language of logon / logoff and new user accounts
Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
I find it very odd that this is something that can not be changed when I didn't have this issue before I reinstalled windows. Nor do I currently have this issue on my laptop with Windows 8 that has Swedish as core language but changed to English.

This may not be an issue to you, but it is to me.

My region is already English(UK). But that copy settings tutorial did not only fix the login screen but also the user groups so that's a big step in the right direction, thanks!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
As I mentioned in one of my earlier posts, I am unable to find logics why sometimes removing the device from system in Device Manager and then reinstalling it the core language device names are changed to selected language. I believe this same mysterious "feature" is responsible for you not having Swedish device names in your earlier install although after reinstall they are in Swedish.

Sorry but the only option to get 100% English system is to use English install media.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Sorry but the only option to get 100% English system is to use English install media.

Since my previous installation on this computer and my current installation on my laptop had/has 100% English this can not be the case.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
Sorry but the only option to get 100% English system is to use English install media.

Since my previous installation on this computer and my current installation on my laptop had/has 100% English this can not be the case.

Let's put it this way: I have used language packs and multilingual Windows as long as it has been possible. I am quite experienced Windows user, both private and professionally. I have never seen / heard / experienced that Windows can completely forget the language of the install media used to install it.

As the name says, changing the Windows Display Language does exactly that, it changes the display language, not the core language (= language used to install Windows). All binaries remain in core language, as well as some HW devices and other items related to them. Using the words of Microsoft (article about Windows 7 but the language packs and display language work exactly the same way in 8):

[FONT=WOL_Reg]Need to work in multiple languages? [/FONT][FONT=WOL_Reg]If so, the Ultimate and Enterprise editions of Windows 7 were designed for you. These editions can [hl]display menus, dialog boxes, Help topics, and other text in 35 different languages[/hl]. Switching between them is easy and free.[/FONT]
(From Language packs - Microsoft Windows)

I repeat: it is absolutely totally profoundly 100% sure that you cannot make Windows completely forget the core language, the language used when it was installed.

Kari
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
I think we may have misunderstood each other a bit, I did start by asking about removing Swedish completely, you explained about the core language thing and I accept this. This is not the big problem.

Like I said "The speakers being in Swedish was only one example of it".
I understand that the core language will stay on my computer and if I want to change things like the speakers then i have to remove and re add them, this is fine, I can do this or live with it.

The other things however is the real issue. My main menu is in Swedish some other menus are as well, this is part of what should be changed when i change the display language but it does not.

I did say that the tutorial fixed my loginscreen, this was the only thing that was fixed though, the menus etc are still in Swedish.

When I said my previous version and my laptop was 100% English i meant that the display language was in English only, not that the core language was changed.

What i want is for my display language to be 100% English, not 75% English and 25% Swedish(disregarding any HW devices).

I'm sorry for being confusing and hope that this clears things up a bit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
100% sure that you cannot make Windows completely forget the core language, the language used when it was installed
:ditto:

http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/16520-change-system-language-english.html

You can't. If it gets on your nerves that much you must re-install. I did.

That post starts by saying "To be clear I am not talking about display language or input language as there are many posts about this."

I am talking about display language.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
100% sure that you cannot make Windows completely forget the core language, the language used when it was installed
:ditto:

http://www.eightforums.com/installation-setup/16520-change-system-language-english.html

You can't. If it gets on your nerves that much you must re-install. I did.

That post starts by saying "To be clear I am not talking about display language or input language as there are many posts about this."

I am talking about display language.

You can call it what you want. If you installed Windows in Swedish (which you said you did) then you can't get rid of it. You can change the "display language" but bits will remain in Swedish. It just does. Not only what you noticed but internal directories, device descriptions, and all sorts of odd things as well. That is why I did a clean install in EN-US not French.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender
My main menu is in Swedish some other menus are as well, this is part of what should be changed when i change the display language but it does not.

If I understand you correctly, you get some menus in Swedish? Please post some examples of this with screenshots (tutorial here), also of other parts of your display language if they are still in Swedish. List and post a screenshot of as many items in wrong language as possible.

All my Vista, Seven and Eight machines where I have used or am using language packs transform the complete display language in to my selected language. As they should; if Start menu and Start Screen, Windows own menus and help texts, screen tips and balloons, File Explorer, Internet Explorer and all it's functions, Control Panel, built-in Windows tools and apps (Disk Management, Regedit, Notepad, Paint to name a few) and so on are not in your selected language, you have either done something wrong or you have a corrupt Windows installation.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
I'll give you an example - Lenovo and Cisco installation utilities look at SYSTEM not DISPLAY language. So they will display their menus in whatever language you initially bought or installed. Not you current display language.

Windows will not change device descriptions but will duplicate them into English. It has been the same since at least Windows 7.

I did have a thread here about it but can't find it.

The problem is many developers (both in MS and outside) do not consider that you may in fact live outside the US or want a language that is not connected to your IP address.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro Prieview x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    MacBook Pro Core2Duo
    CPU
    T7600
    Memory
    3
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Radeon X1600
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Internal
    Screen Resolution
    1440 x 800
    Hard Drives
    40GB
    Keyboard
    Apple
    Mouse
    Apple
    Internet Speed
    Varies
    Browser
    Various
    Antivirus
    Defender

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Yes, i get some menus in Swedish and the others in English.



Main menu with Swedish text when i right-click: 1 -  Main menu.png 2 - main menu.png

Taskbar: 1 tab in Swedish the others in English:4- taskbar.png3-taslbar second tab.png

Internet Explorer, Control panel and File explorer are all in English: IE Language 5 -FE.png
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
OK, you have a problem.

I am currently on an English core language machine, but I believe on my core Finnish and German machines using English language pack, all those examples of yours are in English.

Let me get a laptop with German core and login to English user profile, I'll check. A few minutes.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
Yes, I was right. A core Finnish machine, Windows 8.1 user profile in English, absolutely everything shown in your example screenshots is in English, in other words in user selected language instead of core language.

The same on a core German Windows 8.1 using an English user profile, everything in English. Screenshots from this latter machine just now:

2014-05-20_21h17_05.png

2014-05-20_21h26_10.png

Your language pack installation seems to have partially failed. My recommendations:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP ENVY 17-1150eg
    CPU
    1.6 GHz Intel Core i7-720QM Processor
    Memory
    6 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 5850 Graphics
    Sound Card
    Beats sound system with integrated subwoofer
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" laptop display, 22" LED and 32" Full HD TV through HDMI
    Screen Resolution
    1600*900 (1), 1920*1080 (2&3)
    Hard Drives
    Internal: 2 x 500 GB SATA Hard Disk Drive 7200 rpm
    External: 2TB for backups, 3TB USB3 network drive for media
    Cooling
    As Envy runs a bit warm, I have it on a Cooler Master pad
    Keyboard
    Logitech diNovo Media Desktop Laser (bluetooth)
    Mouse
    Logitech MX1000 Laser (Bluetooth)
    Internet Speed
    50 MB VDSL
    Browser
    Maxthon 3.5.2., IE11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender 4.3.9431.0
    Other Info
    Windows in English, additional user accounts in Finnish, German and Swedish.
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