Applies to all editions of Windows 7.

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Why can't I install or remove language files?

With language files, you can change the language used for text in wizards, dialog boxes, menus, Help topics, and other items in Windows. Here are solutions to some common problems with installing or removing language files.

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I can't install a language file.

Here are some reasons why this might occur:

  • There isn't enough space on your hard disk to install the language file. A language file typically requires 200 megabytes (MB) of disk space. Free some space on your hard disk by deleting some files or programs, and then try the installation again.

  • You don't have the proper license to install the language file. You must be running a genuine copy of Windows 7 to install and use language files. A language pack can be used only on computers running Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise. For more information, see What is genuine Windows?

  • Your computer is missing one or more files that are required to install the language file. For example, if you're trying to install a Language Interface Pack (LIP), you must also install the parent language pack for that LIP. For more information, see How do I get additional display languages?

  • The language file isn't compatible with your computer configuration. When choosing files to install, make sure they're designed for the type of processor your computer has (32-bit or 64-bit). For more information, see View your computer information.

  • The language file is corrupted. Try downloading the language file again and reinstalling.

  • The language file is already installed on your computer. Make sure that the language file hasn't already been installed by following these steps:

    1. Open Region and Language by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking Clock, Language, and Region, and then clicking Region and Language.

    2. Click the Keyboards and Languages tab.

    3. Under Display language, look at the languages in the list.

      If the language you're trying to install is in the list, it's already on your computer.

I can't remove a language file.

There are two reasons why this might occur:

  • The language you are trying to remove is the system language. The system language is the default language of the user interface. The system language can't be removed.

  • To work properly, other languages on your computer require the language you are trying to remove. This is the case with Language Interface Pack (LIP) languages and their parent languages. You must remove the LIP before or at the same time you remove its parent languages.

I can't run the Install or Remove Language Files wizard.

There are two reasons why this might occur:

  • User Account Control (UAC) is turned off and you're trying to run the wizard without administrative rights. You must be logged on to an administrator account to install language files. If UAC is turned on, Windows will ask you for permission to run the wizard. If UAC is turned off, you can't give your permission so you can't run the wizard. You need to log on to the computer as administrator or turn on UAC. For more information, see What is User Account Control?

  • The wizard is already running. Wait for the wizard to finish what it's doing, and then try running the wizard again.

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