Windows: Nub Language question

I noticed that when new sony models are released here in Belgium, the old ones do not drop in price (or barely drop) or just dissapear, unlike in the states for example where you can strike real bargains with older models.

However, recently I discovered that it is possible afterall for me to purchase for example a sony vaio z12 for 1500, because of the release of the z13.
The "problem" is that its from a webstore which is located in our capital (mostly french speaking), and therefore comes with a french OS.

I know that when I reinstal windows on my laptop, I have the option of chosing different languages (I currently use english).
I want to know if this is also possible with the french windows versions.

 

The easy way:
- Choose 7 Ultimate, that one has language packs, you don't even have to reinstall
The hard way:
- If you have an English DVD with the same version of 7 as the installed one on the notebook, you can reinstall it from the disk, but with the key of the notebook...It will work, but this could be borderline illegal...

 

Most laptops let you choose when first starting windows. If it does not you can either reinstall, but you will need an English language sony OEM disk. There are also ways to change the language of non Ultimate versions of Windows 7. You can download the language pack you want and then make some changes in the regestry and other places. Google it, there are many guides for it.

IF I were you I would be much more worried about the keyboard layout.

 

You'd think so, but I think that Flemish speakers also use the specific Belgian AZERTY as well as French speakers.

FWIW, I know some Dutch speakers who use the UK English QWERTY keyboard on machines that they've bought from the UK which is close to the Dutch keyboard, so that might be an alternative source for a laptop. Dunno what the excange rate is like at the moment.

 

Thx for your replies, I think i'll go with a language pack and guide then.

And nankuru is correct, eventhough Flemish people speak dutch, we use french azerty keyboards (while the Dutch in the Netherlands use qwerty).