We recently took a look at how to use input languages in Windows 7. In this follow up, we focus on multi-language support in Windows 7. Unlike Input Language, this allows us to make Windows 7 display and work in a different language apart from the default language. This is great if you are sharing a computer with someone who speaks a different language, such as a co-worker, family member.

There is one caveat though, you need to be running the Ultimate edition of Windows 7 to obtain and install different languages. If you are a volume license customer (large business), you might have access to the business equivalent of Windows 7 Ultimate called Enterprise edition. If don’t have either edition installed, you will need to do a Windows Anytime Upgrade from your current edition of Windows 7 to Windows 7 Ultimate. Click here to learn more about Windows Anytime Upgrade.

Before you can start using a language in Windows 7 Ultimate, you must first download and install it. Microsoft offers up to 35 different multi-lingual user interfaces through its Windows Update service. Lets take a look at how to install and configure one. For the purposes of this review, we are gonna install Spanish.

First, launch Windows Update.

Click Check for updates.

Click the optional updates are available link.

Here you will see a list of available languages for download. Check the desired language you would like to have installed, then click OK.

You will be taken back to the main screen, click Install update.

Wait while the update is downloading.

Installing the Language Pack

After the installation has completed, we will now enable the language pack.

Click Start, then type: language.

Hit Enter on your keyboard.

Click on the Keyboard and Languages tab.

Under Choose a display language, click in the list box and select the language you want to have displayed.

Click Apply and then OK.

You will be prompted to Log off now. Do so then log back in.

That’s it, you are now operating in Windows 7 using a different language.

When you are ready to change back to another language, just reopen the Region and Language dialog and select your default language.

That’s It!

Resources:

How to use Windows Anytime Upgrade
Language Packs in Windows 7
How do I get additional Display Languages

How to Install and Use Languages in Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate is a post by Andre from Notebooks.com.

Windows Anytime Upgrade is Microsoft’s solution for Windows 7 customers who want more functionality. A Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade allows you upgrade an existing edition of Windows 7 to a higher edition with more features.

We took a look at this in a previous Notebooks.com article showing you how to upgrade from Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate. In this article, we will take a look at troubleshooting Anytime Upgrades since I have been noticing a number of people experiencing problems using Anytime Upgrades lately.

Supported Windows Anytime Upgrade paths: Windows 7 Anytime Upgrade Pricing List for USA

• Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Home Premium: $79.99
• Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Professional: $114.99
• Windows 7 Starter to Windows 7 Ultimate: $164.99
• Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Professional: $89.99
• Windows 7 Home Premium to Windows 7 Ultimate: $139.99
• Windows 7 Professional to Windows 7 Ultimate: $129.99

Countries Windows Anytime Upgrade is supported in:

If you are in Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK, and the US you can use Anytime Upgrade. If not you will need to buy the version of Windows 7 you want.

Which Editions of Windows 7 support Anytime Upgrade?

Windows 7 Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium and Professional

Where are the Anytime Upgrades for Windows 7 Home Basic?

People running Windows 7 Home Basic, will need to do the Anytime Upgrade from within Windows 7 Home Basic by clicking Start, type Anytime Upgrade, click the option to purchase a upgrade key online and choose the edition they would like to upgrade to. If this option is not available to you or you don’t have a credit card, then you will need to purchase a retail upgrade or full version license and use the product key to do Anytime Upgrades.

I notice there are no Anytime Upgrade Cards available in stores for certain Anytime Upgrade Paths.

Not all editions of Windows 7 have an Anytime Upgrade card available in stores. Some upgrades will have to be done by purchasing the upgrade through Windows Anytime Upgrade or you need purchase the product key for the desired upgrade path through the Microsoft Store (http://store.microsoft.com) So, you might not be able to find product cards for Starter to Professional or Professional to Ultimate.

I purchased an Anytime Upgrade, but there is no disc.

Anytime Upgrades are only available as product keys on a product card, the software is already in Windows 7, all you need to do is launch it and enter the product key.

I purchased an Anytime Upgrade key online, I need to reinstall Windows 7, where do I find the product key?

The product key should have been sent to the email address you provided during the purchase. Check your Inbox or Junk Mail folder to see if the receipt is still there. If the license is still installed, you can use a key retrieval program to find the product key.

Here are four utilities, all of which will may display your product keys if they are still there:

• Belarc Advisor - It does a good job of providing a wealth of information.
• Magical JellyBean Keyfinder
• Nirsoft CD Key Viewer
• RockXP – Includes many additional features.

My Windows Anytime Upgrade license refuses to activate.

If you did not activate the base qualifying license from which you upgraded, then you will need to use phone activation. If your activation request is refused, then the best option is to reinstall the original license, activate it then do the Anytime Upgrade again.

Activate Windows 7 manually:

1. Click Start, and in the Search box type :  slui.exe 4

2. Press ENTER on your Keyboard

3. Select your Country.

4. Select the Phone Activation option, and hold on for a real person.

How should I reinstall my Anytime Upgrade?

You will need to reinstall the base license first. For example, if your computer came with or you upgraded to Windows 7 Home Premium, then you did an Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate, you will first have to reinstall Windows 7 Home Premium, reactivate it, then do the Anytime Upgrade to Windows 7 Ultimate again and reactivate it.

Windows Anytime Upgrade Fails with a Invalid Address error message.

Try using the 9 digit ZIP Code if you are located in North America eg xxxxx-xxxx (in 5-4 format).

Try using abbreviations for St (Street), Ct (Court) and so on without a period.

To find the correct format of your address, go to the Microsoft Store (http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Windows-Windows-7/category/102) and go through the process like you are going to order an upgrade.  Enter your address/billing info, the website will suggest a preferred format for your address and say something like “Is it ok if we use this address?”

Windows Anytime Upgrade fails and rolls back the installation to the previous edition of Windows 7

There could be a number of reasons why this happens. Try the following solutions.

Attempt 1:

1. Disable any security software before attempting to upgrade or do a clean install.

2. Make sure your computer is updated (devices and applications)

3. Disconnect any external devices before installing.

4. Check your hard disk for any errors:

Click Start

Type: CMD, from the results, right click CMD

Click ‘Run as Administrator’

At the Command Prompt, type: chkdsk /r /f

When you restart your system, your computer will be scanned for errors and attempts will be made to correct them.

Attempt 2:

1. Click Start, type msconfig in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

User Account Control permission

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.

2. On the General tab, click Selective Startup.

3. Under Selective Startup, click to clear the Load Startup Items check box.

4. Click the Services tab, click to select the Hide All Microsoft Services check box, and then click Disable All.

5. Click OK.

6. When you are prompted, click Restart.

7. After the computer starts, check whether the problem is resolved.

Also run the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor:

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/upgrade-advisor.aspx

Windows Anytime Upgrade says my product key cannot be used with Windows Anytime Upgrade and I need to do clean install.

Windows Anytime Upgrade only supports the following types of licenses: Anytime Upgrades (supported upgrade paths), Windows 7 retail full version or upgrade licenses.

The following distributions of Windows 7 are not supported: OEM, Volume License, Microsoft Software Developer Network – Academic Alliance licenses (MSDN-AA).

I cannot find the Windows Anytime Upgrade program in my Start menu > All Programs

If you are unable to find the Anytime Upgrade program, first, make sure you are running a supported product, WAU does not support Windows 7 Enterprise or Ultimate since these are the most complete editions of Windows 7. If you are running Home Premium or Professional and you are not able to find it, click Start > click Control Panel. Click in the View by: list box and click Large icons then double click the Anytime Upgrade Control Panel Item.

Is WAU supported in volume license distributions of Windows 7 Professional?

By default, it is disabled. It likely is possible to do an Anytime Upgrade, but it may disabled by your Network Administrator to prevent upgrades of Company licenses. Consult with whoever manages your computer to find out if you can upgrade the machine.

If you have Administrator access to the machine, try the following, click Start, type: gpedit.msc then hit Enter on your keyboard.

Expand User Configuration

Expand Administrative Templates

Expand Windows Components

Click Windows Anytime Upgrade

Double click Prevent Windows Anytime Upgrade from running

Double click Prevent Windows Anytime Upgrade from running, select Enabled then click Apply and OK You should restart the machine and then you should be able to do an Anytime Upgrade.

Can I do an Anytime Upgrade from Windows 7 Enterprise to Ultimate?

No, you will have to do a custom clean installation.

Can I do an Anytime Upgrade from Windows 7 Professional to Windows 7 Enterprise?

No, you will have to do a custom clean installation.

Can I do an Anytime Upgrade from Windows Vista or XP?

No, you need to purchase a full version license or a retail upgrade license. If happen to have purchased an Anytime Upgrade license thinking you could have used it to upgrade Windows XP or Windows Vista, you should return it for a refund and purchase the correct product.

http://www.microsoft.com/mscorp/productrefund/refund.mspx

Items ordered from Microsoft Store online:

http://store.microsoft.com/Help/Returns-Refunds

How to Troubleshoot Windows Anytime Upgrades is a post by Andre from Notebooks.com.

If you have decided to upgrade to Windows 7, you have one other thing to to do, choose an edition. This will depend on a number of factors, whether you are doing a clean install, upgrading from a previous version of Windows, or you have multiple PC’s in your home. Microsoft has made choosing an edition of Windows 7 a little easier in comparison to Windows Vista. Instead of 6 editions, you will now see 3 editions in mainstream markets. Cost is also a factor and users need to evaluate their needs. Do I need all the features of Windows? Am I really using all the features of Windows? This article takes a look at whats included, hopefully you will be guided in the right direction.

Editions

I mentioned that Windows 7 is available in 3 editions, true, but there are still 6 editions. No, I wasn’t lying, its just how Microsoft is marketing the editions. If you go into a Best Buy or wherever software/computer products are sold you will see only 3 mainstream editions in pretty product boxes, but Windows 7 is available in the following 6 editions:

Starter, Home Basic, Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise and Ultimate.

Starter: Broad app and device compatibility, unlimited application support, Safe, reliable, and supported. Ability to join a Home Group, Improved taskbar and Jump Lists. Windows 7 Starter will be distributed only on new systems that meet a certain requirement: 10.1″ screen display with 1024×600 resolution, 1.66Ghz Intel Atom N280 processor, 1 GB of RAM, and a 250 GB hard disk – otherwise known as Netbooks.

Home Basic: Another OEM only version of Windows 7 will available on new systems in emerging markets. Microsoft describes this edition as a product for cost concious consumers. Users should note, that Home Basic is 32 bit only, (Vista Home Basic had a 64 bit edition). Home Basic includes enhanced visual experience, Advanced networking support (ad-hoc wireless networks and internet connection sharing), Mobility Center.

Home Premium: Now this edition is probably the sweet spot for many consumers who decide to move to Windows 7. You get all of the cool user interface features: Aero Glass & advanced windows navigation, Easy networking & sharing across all your PCs & devices through HomeGroups, Improved media format support, enhancements to Windows Media Center and media streaming, including Play To, Multi-touch and improved handwriting recognition. Windows 7 Home Premium is available in both 32 and 64 bit editions supporting up to 16 GBs of RAM if you have such a configuration (both disks are included in the product box too). If you have multiple PC’s, you can purchase the Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack Upgrade for 3 PC’s. This entitles you to upgrade 3 computers for just $149.99, great value. Learn more here

Professional: If you consider your self an advanced user, then Professional would be the right choice for you. Windows XP Professional or Windows Vista Business users, if you are running those editions, its most likely you will need this one. Professional gives you the ability to join a managed network with Domain Join, Protect  data with advanced network backup and Encrypting File System, Print to the right printer at home or work with Location Aware Printing. In addition to this, Windows 7 Professional includes Group Policy Editor for controling access and behavior of your computer. Windows 7 Professional supports up to 192 GBs of Random Access Memory and includes support for multiple physical processors and its also available in 32 and 64 bit editions.

Enterprise: This is a unique edition of Windows that you won’t find in stores. It is sold to businesses who need Windows licenses in volume to install on hundreds or thousands of computers. Basically, Windows 7 Enterprise is like Windows 7 Professional on steroids, you will find all the features of that edition along with some additional tools called BitLocker Drive Encryption and BitLocker To Go for encrypting your laptop hard disk or an external storage device such as Thumbdrive, in addition to this, Enterprise features World Wide Language support (Multi-Lingual User Interface or MUI’s) support, with up 35 available languages. Enterprise edition also works best when deployed with Microsoft’s Windows Server 2008 R2 network operating system to provide unique features such as AppLocker support, Direct Access, BrancheCache, features that protect what type of applications employees have access to, speedy access to network resources and faster access to Virtual Private Networks.

Ultimate: Combining all the features of Windows 7 Home Premium and Windows 7 Enterprise, this edition of Windows 7 gives you every single feature available. Microsoft dubs it, ‘the most complete edition of Windows’. Feautures such as BitLocker data protection on internal and external drives, DirectAccess provides seamless connectivity to your corporate network.  (requires Windows Server 2008 R2), Decrease time branch office workers wait to open file across the network with BranchCache. (requires Windows Server 2008 R2), Prevent unauthorized software from running with AppLocker are all available in Windows 7 Ultimate. If you want it all, this is the Windows for you.

Ultimate, Professional and Home Premium, are the editions you will see in stores this October.

How much will Windows 7 cost?

Windows 7 will be available in 6 editions, but primary emphasis is being put towards Home Premium and Professional for mainstream markets.

Pricing:

• Windows 7 Starter Entry-level OEM SKU in all markets for cost conscious consumers.
• Windows 7 Home Basic Value SKU in emerging markets for cost conscious consumers on value PC’s.

Windows Anytime Upgrade makes it easier to get more features.

Anytime Upgrades allow you to move from one edition of Windows 7 to another without the need to reinstall from scratch or purchase the desired edition at retail upgrade pricing. Its great if you have exhausted the features of the current edition of Windows 7 installed and you need more. Another great thing about Windows Anytime Upgrade under Windows 7 compared to Vista’s, you don’t need a special disk and you don’t need to be online to do the upgrade, just have a key for the edition you want and you are good to go. Microsoft will be offering Windows Anytime Upgrades online in 13 countries: Australia, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the UK or the US. While the Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack will be available in the US and 8 European countries (UK (£149.99), Ireland (£149.99), Germany (€149.99), France (€149.99), Switzerland (€149.99), Austria (€149.99), the Netherlands (€149.99), and Sweden (€149.99) on October 22nd 2009 while supplies last.

Which should you choose?

I have been reading through a number forums, and persons keep asking, which edition is right for me? Other questions that pop up, I have xyz amount of PC’s, how do I get to upgrade all of them. First of all, you need to evaluate your needs. A person who has 6 PC’s in his house hold used by four individuals in his family with 4 PC’s running Windows XP Professional SP3 and one system Vista Home Premium and the other Vista Ultimate would have to invest in a lot of licenses if they wanted to upgrade to corresponding editions of Windows 7. Considering that 4 of the PC’s are being used at home, do most of the PC’s running Windows XP Professional need the unique functionality of Professional (most of which are business oriented)? You probably could reduce the expenditure by investing in two Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack Upgrade Licenses for 3 PC’s. Home Premium features easier networking and sharing of resources such as Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos and even Printers. You can do things like stream music and videos to other PC’s and you get all of the major user experience features in that edition.

Windows 7 Home Premium Family Pack provides an affordable way to upgrade multiple PC’s to Windows 7.

Another way to reduce the cost of licensing, if you have a student enrolled in college with a valid .edu, you could let them take advantage of Microsoft’s Student discount offer that gives you the option of purchasing either Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional for just US $30. Please note, these are upgrade licenses, meaning, you need to have a qualifying operating system such as Windows 2000 Professional, XP or Vista. Learn more here and here

Microsoft is putting less prominence towards Windows 7 Ultimate with this release too and you can see the reason why when you compare it to the Professional edition. The Windows Team has made each successive edition a subset of the other. So for instance, Professional is a subset of Home Premium including all its features and more. Unlike Vista Business which only included business only features, users will be pleasantly surprised to know functionality like Media Center is now available in Professional. The pricing is also another factor. Windows 7 Professional cost $300 (upgrade $200) for the full version, while Ultimate cost $320 (upgrade $220), this probably should be a time for reevaluating the need to upgrade from Windows Vista Ultimate to Windows 7 Ultimate or choose an edition that is more inline with your needs.

Upgrade paths

This is probably the tough part. Users of Windows XP and prior versions of Windows must understand you cannot do an in place upgrade to Windows 7. Windows Vista users too must also evaluate their upgrade paths, because certain editions cannot do in place upgrade to certain editions of Windows 7. An in place upgrade allows you to upgrade to Windows 7 while preserving your personal files, settings, applications and installed drivers.

Don’t let this surprise you, if your are running Windows 2000, XP or Vista you are eligible for upgrade pricing to any edition of Windows 7. Customers who are running Windows Vista that can do in place upgrades to respective editions of Windows 7 must ensure they have Service Pack 1 or later installed.

Netbooks

Prior to Windows 7 users had two choices for operating systems on Netbooks, Windows XP or Linux. Microsoft has really improved the performance in areas such as disk and memory foot print, making any edition of Windows 7 suitable for that form factor. Most manufacturers might pre-load their Netbook devices with Windows 7 Starter, but you will have the option of using Windows Anytime Upgrade to move to a more feature rich editions such as Home Premium.

Conclusion

The information provided in this article might come across a bit overwhelming, but that really is the case when it comes to choice. Microsoft develops multiple editions to meet different needs and market trends. Hopefully with a simplified retail line up and more value added features available in Home Premium and Professional, users can make better choices without feeling there are trade offs in the process.

Resources:

Windows 7 Compare Editions

Windows 7 System Requirements

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor

Purchase Windows 7 at the Microsoft Store

A Look at the Windows 7 Editions is a post by Andre from Notebooks.com.