Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Examfreaker]

Hey.

I'm desperate. Had a bad week, decided to get piss*d with some friends on Saturday afternoon, ended up buying a laptop/notebook. i know nothing about computers. Nothing.

Model was cheap (relatively), Averatec (TG Sambo - no idea why two names) 6100. 80GB hard drive, 1024MB RAM, KRW990,000w.

My problem? Korean OS. Not english. In fact, I have no idea if it's even possible to convert the system from one language to another (friend says yes, but doesn't knoe how or why and is only marginally less clueless about computers then me). And if it is possible, HOW?! It didn't come with any program or stuff like that.

Can anybody help me?? I feel even more moronic than usual (quite the feat) and would prefer not to have wasted a million of my (somewhat) hard-earned won!

Thanks in advance to anyone who can provide guidance.

[the_beaver]

You need an English copy of Windows to change it.

[SuperHero]

Buy English XP and install it.

[denverdeath]

Go out and buy an English OS and pop it in your drive(usu better from boot) and do a clean install - or d/l an illegal internet version. There's no way to convert Korean XP into English XP if that is what you are asking.

[Demophobe]

Drivers may be an issue.

[mindmetoo]

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=32089

[Examfreaker]

Wow, thanks for the quick replies!

In particular, that thread link would've been particularly useful before I got drunk and stupidly purchased. Let this be a warning to you all - tasty though Irish whiskey unquestionably is, it's not to be used in conjunction with techno-purchasing!

Anyway, a few more questions, if I may:

where can I buy this windows xp english disk?

how much will it cost, approx.?

can the village idiot install it on his rashly purchased notebook?

is there any chance i could, damage e.g. explode my notebook by , you know, messing with the drive thing etc.?

will my notebook run like a normal computer after I do this?

I realise I'm teetering dangerously close to the MORON line on this, but any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers!!

[Demophobe]

I'm guessing the notebook came with a cd burner? If so, copy a bunch of files off the computer before you wipe it. Folders to copy include system, system 32, driver cache, inf. Choose "Arrange icons by type" in c:Windows (아이콘정렬순서 -> 형식) and see if there are any .inf or .dll files that look useful. Copy them all...it can't hurt.

When you wipe it, if there is a driver issue, you may be able to use this created disc for solutions. I am not speaking from experience here...I have never done what you will do, but it sounds reasonable to assume that it may find it on the disc.

With an English copy of XP, it isn't at all hard to do. Just follow the instructions after going into the BIOS and setting the primary "Boot Devices" menu to CD-ROM and rebooting.

[schwa]

I'm a technobozo too & I wouldnt have a first clue about implementing the well-meaning directions offered above.

In your shoes I'd drop it off at my nearest neighborhood electronics repair shop & tell the guys I needed english Windows. Heres betting they'd have it back to you in a couple hours all set to go with all the requisite drivers, & charge you about $20.

[denverdeath]

You might also want to bring it back to the same store where you bought it and ask them to put English XP on it...they might do it for free.

[cubanlord]

drivers are never a problem as Windows XP comes with pre-installed generic drivers to at least get your PC functional. Once you are up and running with your fresh copy of XP, get online and download them. Even if the hardware was made in Korea, you can still download the English version of the drivers. I have done it 3 to 4 times already. No problems as of yet.

[SuperHero]

[cubanlord]

[cubanlord]

FYI OP, to get your laptop specific drivers, all you have to do is go to your laptop manufacturer's website and download them. It's easy.

[Demophobe]