Windows XP Language, explorer.exe

Posted by nmuntz on Super User See other posts from Super User or by nmuntz
Published on 2010-04-19T18:11:45Z Indexed on 2010/04/19 18:53 UTC
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Hi,

I was given by my company a laptop with Windows XP Professional in Spanish. I would like to translate it to English, since I really DISLIKE to use localized versions of programs. I have read about Windows MUI packs, however you MUST have Windows XP Pro in English in order to translate it to other language, you can't translate it TO English from other language.

Since reinstalling the OS using a Win XP CD in english is not an option (don't have the license nor the CD, and don't have domain privileges to rejoin my computer to the domain), I was wondering what are the essential files that contain localized strings of text. I was doing some research, and apparently explorer.exe has many of the Windows Error Messages and other strings. Will replacing my original explorer.exe with one from Windows XP in English be enough (and work) for having a "basic" english version of windows? Im mainly interested in having error messages, start menu, and the control panel in english. Also, does it HAVE to be the same version as the Service Pack im running?

Besides explorer.exe are there any other essential files that i should try to get and replace?

Do you see any "dangers" in replacing this files with english version ones?

Thanks in advance for your help.

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