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Add a Language Pack Online

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Applies To: Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2

Note

This content applies to Windows 7. For Windows 8 content, see Windows Deployment with the Windows ADK.

All installations of Windows® 7 contain at least one language pack and the language-neutral binaries that make up the core operating system. Licensing requirements state that Windows 7 can include only a single language, with the exception of the Windows 7 Ultimate and the Enterprise editions. These are referred to as single-language editions. However, the Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise editions can include multiple language packs. These are referred to as multilingual editions.

This topic includes information about adding Language Packs to a running operating system using one of the following methods.

  • From a command-line prompt using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM.exe) tool.

  • From the Language Pack Setup tool (Lpksetup.exe) graphical user interface. The LPKSetup tool will validate license requirements.

  • From an unattended answer file during the auditUser or oobeSystem configuration pass of Windows Setup using a RunSynchronous command to specify Lpksetup command-line parameters.

You can use these same procedures to add or remove Language Interface Packs (LIPs). For more information about the difference between a language pack and a LIP, see Understanding Multilingual Deployments.

To add a language pack using DISM

When you add language packs using DISM, the licensing requirements are not verified. Therefore, if you add multiple language packs to a single-language edition of Windows, all non-default languages will be removed from the computer after the end user boots to Windows Welcome, selects a language, and restarts the computer. For more information, see Understanding Multilingual Deployments.

  1. On the running Windows 7 operating system, open an elevated command-line prompt.

  2. Type the following command to add a language pack to the operating system.

    Dism /online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:\test\LangPacks\lp.cab

For more information about DISM international servicing commands, see Languages and International Servicing Command-Line Options

To use the Lpksetup tool on a running operating system

When you add language packs using the LPKSetup tool, the licensing requirements are verified. You will be alerted if you are running a single-language edition of Windows and cannot install additional language packs.

  1. Install Windows.

  2. Copy the language pack (.cab) file to an accessible location in the installed Windows operating system. Do not expand the LP.cab file.

  3. Run Lpksetup in one of the following ways:

    • At a command-line prompt, type Lpksetup.

      The Install or Uninstall Display Languages window appears. Follow the on-screen instructions to add a language pack.

      -or-

    • At a command-line prompt, type Lpksetup with the options to install or to update language packs. For more information about the command-line syntax, see Lpksetup Command-Line Options.

    The language pack is added to the operating system. In some cases, the computer must be rebooted.

To run Lpksetup.exe during an unattended installation

You can run the Lpksetup.exe tool as part of an unattended installation by creating a RunSynchronous command and specifying the exact Lpksetup parameters. For more information about the Lpksetup command-line usage, see Lpksetup Command-Line Options.

If you are running a single-language edition of Windows, this process will not complete.

  1. Open Windows System Image Manager (Windows SIM).

  2. Open an answer file. For more information, see Open an Answer File.

  3. On the Insert menu, point to Synchronous Command, and then select either the auditUser or the oobeSystem configuration pass from the submenu.

Important

The Lpksetup tool does not process language packs in any configuration pass other than auditUser and oobeSystem.
The Lpksetup tool requires administrator privileges to run. The RunSynchronous command must run in an account that has administrator privileges.
The Lpksetup tool cannot install expanded .cab files. Do not expand the LP.cab file when using Lpksetup during an unattended installation.

  1. In the Create Synchronous Command dialog box, specify the command-line options that you intend to use in the Enter command line text box. For example, type:

    lpksetup.exe /i de-DE /r /p %SYSTEMDRIVE%\LangPacks

  2. Save the answer file and close Windows SIM. The answer file should look similar to the following XML sample:

       <SynchronousCommand wcm:action="add">
       <Order>1</Order>
       <CommandLine>lpksetup.exe /i de-DE /r /p %SYSTEMDRIVE%\LangPacks</CommandLine>
       <Description>Install German (Germany) Language Pack</Description>
   </SynchronousCommand>

  3. Run Windows Setup to apply the answer file and add the language pack to the computer.

    In some cases, the computer must be rebooted.

See Also

Concepts

Service an Online Image
Service an Offline Image
Understanding Servicing Strategies
Understanding Multilingual Deployments