Vista MUI Solution With Vista MUI Tools

First of all, I would like to say thank you to Same Frank, who has been so helpful and kind to provide his step by step guide on using Vista MUI Tools v2.2.

Vista MUI Tools v2.2 is a freeware developed by Nice-Repair.com, a non-official Microsoft product, to apply Windows Vista Ultimate Language Pack for multilingual feature on non-Ultimate editions!

This tiny freeware is only useful and work on non-Ultimate Vista editions. The MUI pack is not included as its purpose is merely to automate the process of applying the extracted MUI files on non-Ultimate Vista editions. Thus, you’ll have to manually download the Vista MUI pack for your language from Microsoft server.

The text and guide below are comment posted by Same Frank on “Download Windows Vista Ultimate MUI Installer”. With his consent, I’ve decided to make his comment as a new post, to make way for follow-up related to Vista MUI Tools.

Posted by Same Frank, on 3rd of March

It took me a few days to sort out the problems listed below and am now happy to post the official download link and my notes on installation.

Direct Download Vista MUI Tools v2.2

This program helps install additional MUI Packs to all versions of Windows Vista and allows users to select their own language interface.

Although the program has been fully tested, it is still in beta stage. Users are strongly advised to back up their system before using this program.

Install Notes….Before you run the program, you must:

(i) Enable Administrator Account, and logon as Administrator (see below)
(ii) Disable User Account Control (see below)
__________________________________________________

Install Steps:

1. Unrar the file to C:\Windows Vista MUI Tools v2.2\folder
2. Make a C:\MUI\folder, put the downloaded MUI pack in this folder.
3. Run Windows Vista MUI Tools v2.2
4. Choose Method 1, click Install
5. EXE2CAB Choose Input File is the exe MUI file in C:\MUI\folder
6. EXE2CAB Choose Output File is the C:\MUI\folder
7. The MUI exe file will be converted to MUI cab file, when completed, click Install again
8. Click the MUI cab file and click open, installation will start
9. Installation will take up to 15-20 minutes
10 When completed, a confirmation box in Chinese will pop up , click YES.
11. Another pop up in Chinese asking you to delete temp files, click OK
12. Wait for the cleaning process to complete,(5-10 minutes)
13. Choose the newly installed language in Select Windows Vista Language,
14. Click Apply, click OK/Yes, then restart through start menu.
15. Vista starts in new language.

—————————————–
Enable Administrator Account

1. You can enable Administrator account by right clicking My Computer>Manage>Local Users and Groups>Users, and then right click Administrator>Properties…untick the account is disabled box, click apply, click OK, then log off and log in as “Administrator”. You can disable this account by re-ticking the box.

2. Or run the net user administrator /active:yes command (without quotes) from Start>All Programs>Accessories>command prompt, right click command prompt, in the pull-down menu choose Run as Administrator, then key in the command, when its finished, log off, the Administrator will appear alongside your own account, log in as Administrator.

——————————————
Disable User Account Control

Click Control Panel, User Accounts, you will see the option “Turn User Account Control on or off”, turn it off (by unticking the box).

——————————————-
Windows Updates, Windows Sidebar Problems

Most of the problems will disappear after a few reboots. If the problems persist, you can use these solutions:

1. Windows Update may not work properly in the new language. Download this Microsoft Hotfix –Update for Windows Vista (KB947506)—in the new language, turn off UAC, and run it. After its completed, reboot.

2. Windows Sidebar may not function. This problem was caused by Update for Windows Vista (KB943411). Download this update for the newly installed language, use winrar to unrar it, and look for the 2 files (Sbdrop.dll.mui and Sidebar.exe.mui) in the language folder (for example en-US folder).Then copy the 2 files to the Program Files\Windows Sidebar\xx-YY folder (xx-YY like en-US) and reboot.

——————————————-
Unable to select new language

If you run this program by logging in as Administrator with UAC turned off, this would NOT happen.

If after running the program you know you have installed the MUI pack but are unable to click the Apply button in Select Windows Vista Language, log in again as Administrator and turn UAC off and try again.

If problem persist, then you can try to modify the registry key

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI\UILanguages\xx-YY

to read as

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI\UILanguages\aa-BB

and created a string value inside it :

DefaultFallback = “xx-YY”

(where xx-YY is the existing language, aa-BB the new language, ie English is en-US, German is de-DE…)

Enjoy..

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40 Comments so far

Same Frank March 6th, 2008 2:04 pm

Thank you Walker for this great job!

Just an update on the Windows Update problem. The Hotfix can only be run by logging in as Administrator with UAC turned off. Otherwsie, it will return with an error message saying resource center cannot find any MUI.

The Windows Update problem is a hard nut to crack. Most people who change their language manually cannot get it to work. When you run Windows Update in the new language, it opens a blank window with all icons and text missing, and you cannot go further.

I have re-tested it this morning and the Hotfix works beautifully. MS knows how to torture people who did not go by the book.

Hope this helps.
Walker March 7th, 2008 2:03 am

Hi Frank, thank you for the updated guide again.

BTW, could you please comfirm the direct download link is the correct KB to fix Windows Sidebar malfunction issue?
Same Frank March 7th, 2008 7:38 am

Hi Walker, yes it is the direct download.

But I think people should also be given the chance to read about the release notes. at the link below:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/943411/en-us
Walker March 8th, 2008 4:45 am

Frank, you’re right.
I almost forgot the importance of reading KB release notes.
You’re great!
Same Frank March 14th, 2008 5:25 am

Just another update.

Thanks for the link.
There has been hundreds of downloads since this post.
I am sure lots of people find it helpful.
Paco March 16th, 2008 3:28 am

Hi Frank,

when I get to the step 8, I get an error message. The window is called “Information” and then I get another error message with the error 0×80070057. Do you know what I can be doing wrong?

I have followed every step with no problems, but when I get there I cannot install the .cab file.

Thank you very much in advance

Paco
Same Frank March 16th, 2008 3:04 pm

Hi Paco,

I think this is a parameters error when the file path folder is made up of one of more spaces.
Try put everything in the C;\MUI folder (copy all files in the C:\Windows Vista MUI Tools v2.2 folder to the Mui folder, include the MUI pack ) and run the tools there by right clicking the tools file, and in the pulldown menu chhose Run as administrator.

Frank
Dimi March 17th, 2008 8:49 am

Hi Frank,

I have installed everything successfully but in the following step
13. Choose the newly installed language in Select Windows Vista Language,

I select the new language (Greek) but the Apply button is grey out not selectable..

Thanks Dimi.
Paco March 17th, 2008 11:32 pm

Hi Frank, it worked! Thank you very much!

By the way, when selecting the new language, I had to select English (American because with the English (UK) the Apply button was grey out not selectable. I suppose both must use the same file, so I let you know just in case someone has the same problem.

Thank u again, and kind regards,

Paco
Same Frank March 18th, 2008 4:39 pm

Hi Dimi,

You can try the part on changing registry. Or run the program by right clicking the installation, and in the pulldown menu, choose Run as administrator.

Frank
J March 18th, 2008 5:45 pm

Hello, great stuff. However, I cannot get started as I don’t have the Exe2Cab program and there seems to be no working url from where to download it. Does anyone have an idea where to get it?

Does it have to be this program? Or are there other possible alternatives?
Dimi March 18th, 2008 10:14 pm

Hi Frank,

I tried the registry change, but I had two entries there el-GR and en-US. So I removed the entry en-US rebooted and it worked Greek Windows!

The Windows Update and Sidebar are functioning properly without any updates or hotfixes.

I will post if I see any new issue.

Thanks for your help.
Same Frank March 19th, 2008 6:34 am

Hi.

Thanks Paco and Dimi for the feedback, Really appreciated it.

And J March, just download the tools (see the direct link above).
The EXE2CAB file is included in the program folder.
As for you other question, this is the only working program apart from the one that I posted in the PB forum (which made use of WAIK, a MS tool too large to downland and handle if I may say so).

Frank
naeco March 25th, 2008 1:28 pm

Hi Frank,

Thanks a lot for the guide, I managed to change my Vista French version into English successfully.

However, I have a problem switching back to original language. When I launched the program and selected fr-FR (the original language), it wouldn’t want to change it back (apply button remains grey).

Can you guide me through this one?

Thanks a lot ! Keep up the good work !
Same Frank March 26th, 2008 8:43 pm

Hi Naeco,

Try logon as Administrator, turn off UAC, and run the tools by right clicking it, and in the pulldown menu, choose Run as administrator. See if you are able to use the Apply button now.

Or, as one user suggested, run Regedit, and see if the key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\MUI\UILanguages\en-US
is present (if not, create one)

Cheers.
naeco March 27th, 2008 7:17 pm

Hi Frank,

I did try the things that you mentioned but it did not change back to original. I tried uninstalling the MUI files, then I couldn’t read the texts in windows anymore (file name, shortcuts,…)

Any idea why?
desmo April 1st, 2008 6:55 am

hello

I tried everithing reported here … but it’s not work: error 0×80070057

I tried to change the language from Spanish vsita home premium to italian home premium …

It start to install but after 30-35% it’s block …

I tried different version of the tool and I also tried what you racomented about the folder, ec… I also download the Microsoft patch …

I have Vista withot SP1 … any Idea?

thanks in advantage
desmo April 1st, 2008 6:56 am

sorry the error error 0×80070057 now it’s not appear more …

but like first It start to install but after 30-35% it’s block …

bye
Same Frank April 2nd, 2008 8:49 pm

Hi Desmo,

I think it was probably due to permission problems. First log in as Administrator, then turn off UAC, then run the tools by right clicking the file, choose Run as administrator in the pulldown menu.

You can also try to force-install the Mui Pack as follows.
After Exe2Cab converted the Mui Pack to a cab file, rename it to Lp_it.cab and put it in a newly created C:\Temp folder. Open command prompt as Administrator and run the following command:

Start /w pkgmgr /ip /m:C:\Temp\Lp_it.cab

This will hopefully install the Italain Mui and will enable you to switch to Italian.

Frank
Same Frank April 20th, 2008 5:22 pm

Hi Guys,

I have repacked the latest version of the Mui Tools and the installation guide.

You can download the new version here:

http://www.fs2you.com/files/843157d1-0eb8-11dd-9221-0014221f3995/

Frank
Walker April 20th, 2008 10:52 pm

Hi Frank,

Thank you for the prompt update.

Btw, what are the features or fixes included in this latest repack?
Same Frank April 21st, 2008 12:57 am

Hello Walker,

The repacked version is v 2.55. All dialogue boxes can now be displayed in English as well as Chinese, and it includes separate tools for x86 and x64. It is also compatible with Vista SP1.

Some users reported mistakes in running the program because they did not log on as administrator with UAC turned off. I have thus rephrased the installation guide to make these points more apparent.

Frank
Walker April 21st, 2008 12:16 pm

Hello Frank, you’re the man!

Thank you for the efforts.
Orion April 24th, 2008 5:03 pm

Hi Frank,
I`m trying to change my Vista Japanese version to English. I have the same problem of someone. However i use run as Administrator the Apply button could not be clicked. In the registry, there was only ja-JP. I created en-US and restarted but it was in vain.
Could you guide me to solve this problem?

Thanks for your work!
Same Frank April 30th, 2008 4:14 pm

Hi Orion,

Pls download the new version from the link above.
Run the program again and when its finished, DO NOT reboot.
Use regedit to open registry and you will probably see both ja-JP and en-US
Delete the ja-JP entry and then reboot.

Frank
Direct Download Vista SP1 MUI Pack And Vista Ultimate Extras - Walker News May 12th, 2008 3:17 am

[...] could try to install Vista SP1 MUI Pack on non-Ultimate Vista edition with 3rd-party, unofficial Vista MUI Tools (provided by Same [...]
shaman May 19th, 2008 10:40 pm

Hi Frank.

I’ve installed and changed the language from Japanese to English successfully however I can’t seem to change back to the previous language. The apply button for Japanese is greyed out and not clickable.

I used the MUI Tools 2.55. In the registry there are both en-US and ja-JP. I’ve turned off the UAC and used the Administrator account.

Please help.
Xris May 20th, 2008 12:57 am

Hey there,
I can’t get it to work on my EN Vista Business (MSDNAA) version to change it to German de-DE.
I get all the steps including no12 but I can’t select anything. No languages, nothing. The apply button is grey and not active. (v2.55 x86)
I have tried numerous times now, with regedit and so on. The last time I needed to repair my system because it ran into a bluescreen loop.
BTW, is the value to be added in the registry in doublequotes or without it?
I think that might have caused my bluescreen (Yeah, I crashed Vista!!).
I am loged on as the administrator with UAC off.
Any suggestions?

Xris
Lee May 20th, 2008 2:09 am

Hi,

Managed to convert my copy of Vista from German to English thanks, just having problems getting windows update to work correctly again. keep getting the following error mesage (Installer encountered an error: 0×80073afc, the resource loader failed to find MUI tool)
Same Frank May 21st, 2008 10:43 pm

hi guys,

you dont need to run the hotfix. the windows update problem will sort itself out after a few reboots.
as for japanese, the program has a small bug which greys out the apply botton. use registry to add or delete ja-JP entry and then reboot.

cheers.
Xris May 22nd, 2008 1:49 am

Hey Frank,
I managed to get it to work somehow. Thank you!!
One more thing: Is there any way that I may use the control panel to change back to EN if I wish to or do I have to use the Registry?
Cheers.
Andy May 22nd, 2008 7:54 am

Having trouble changing language under Vista SP1 x64.
Says “Regretably! Installation failed!” When i try to install the new pack.
Trying to change from english to swedish using the official SP1 mui pack. I’m in the admin account with UAC deactivated.

Same Frank: you should consider making the tools open source :)
sinan May 24th, 2008 2:32 am

after a few tries i used regedit and that worked perfectly for me…
though… when you make the change in the registry when you change the name xx-YY to aa-BB do not forget to remove the already existing key aa-BB there… you might crash your comp. i did so in the first time :o)
Shanw May 29th, 2008 10:59 am

Not sure what happened i rant he program several time and says it was succesful, try to install spanish on a english home premium… Still comes up in english but one i check the language selected in the install uninstall it show english but when i look at update it show spanish
shawn May 29th, 2008 11:30 am

Error line 0 (file “c:\mui.windows vista mui tools v 2.55 x86.exe”)
$pos=_arraysearch($languager_country_shoirt,$select {1},0,0,0,
$pos=_arraysearch($languager_country_shoirt,$select ^error
Rex June 23rd, 2008 5:31 pm

Hi,

The link for download for ‘Direct Download Vista MUI Tools v2.2′ is not working. Is it possible to update the link or provide another alternative download link?

I happen to passby same frank newer version v2.55. It seem not as stable as the earlier v2.2 do correct me if i am wrong.

Thanks in advance
Walker June 24th, 2008 3:25 pm

Rex, the link is still valid, except now the link requires user to register and login before the file download begin.

Please take note that that link is provided by Same Frank (and I believe that’s reliable source that maintained by Same Frank).
Walker June 24th, 2008 3:35 pm

Correction:

Please refer to Same Frank comment, the latest Vista MUI Tools can be sourced from this link too:

http://www.fs2you.com/files/843157d1-0eb8-11dd-9221-0014221f3995/
Michael July 17th, 2008 6:34 pm

Hello Frank、
Im using 2.55 and I guess the issues reported by some people regarding certain languages like german greek japanese are due to a small bug in the language select dialog of the MUI tool. Such languages internally in the registry use codes like de DE or ja JP aso., while the MUI tools tries to set and check for a none variant code like de or jp only.

Thanks for the tool
Jay July 22nd, 2008 2:30 am

thanks, walker and frank! genius!