Trying to do Google IME with an XP

[Meng Lelan]

I just downloaded Google IME Pinyin Input and it types characters fine, but in the input box I see just squares! So I went to Start | Control Panel | Regional and Languages | Languages | Install Files for East Asian Languages, only to have the computer tell me I have to get East Asian language files from the Microsoft HomeXP Service Pack 3 CD. Well, I don't have the Microsoft Home XP Service Pack 3. Isn't there some way I can simply download the East Asian language files without having to go through Microsfot Home XP Service Pack 3?

[Hofmann]

I recommend that you forget Google and use Sogou.

[Meng Lelan]

Ok, so where do I get Sogou and what are the advantages of Sogou over Google?

[imron]

It's quite possible that any Windows XP CD will do. It's only asking for Service Pack 3, and presumably it has already updated itself to Service Pack 3 through Automatic Updates.

Switching to Sogou from Google won't have any effect on solving this problem.

[Meng Lelan]

Argh, I can't find my Windows XP CD. I bought this XP over three years ago and after I moved into my new home I couldn't find the CD in all the stuff I packed.

[imron]

You pretty much need the CD.

[Meng Lelan]

Uh, so how do I get the CD now that I lost mine? It can't be downloaded from anywhere?

[Hofmann]

One advantage of Sogou is that you can choose which font to use in the input box. You can choose a font you have instead of Google choosing a font that you don't have.

[Meng Lelan]

imron, I found the CD for my XP but it carries Service Pack 2. I keep trying to install East Asian Languages but the window keeps telling me I need Windows Home Edition Service Pack 3 CD. Does anyone know where to get the Service Pack 3 CD?

[vampire]

language package should have no difference in different edition, maybe because the file directories are different from your origin disc, usually the prompt message would be -- you will need "xx file" in xx CD/DVDROM, try search that file to get the right file path and change it in the prompt window

[imron]

On the SP 2 CD, the language files are located in the :I386LANG directory. When the dialog box pops up and you are given the option to locate the files, select browse, and browse to this directory. There might be one or two files that it can't find here and if it gives you the option, it's ok to skip them and then continue with the installation.

[stephanhodges]

You can download the SP3 CD (for free) or order one for a very low price, that only covers basic costs. Found on google just by saying "XP SP3 Download"

Microsoft's "how to obtain the service pack" http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322389 shows how to download or order it.

AFAIK, this download is available even if your copy of Windows XP isn't legal because there are a very large number of security fixes.

Download is about 316 MB. Afterwards, I recommend you burn a copy.

Other links are:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/bb794714.aspx

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=5B33B5A8-5E76-401F-BE08-1E1555D4F3D4&displaylang=en

All downloads: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Search.aspx?displaylang=en#

Don't know how long those links will work, but they are available via the google search.

[Meng Lelan]

On the SP 2 CD, the language files are located in the :I386LANG directory. When the dialog box pops up and you are given the option to locate the files, select browse, and browse to this directory. There might be one or two files that it can't find here and if it gives you the option, it's ok to skip them and then continue with the installation.

imron, that's what I just tried to do....the Copying Files box opened and nothing happened and nothing got copied. Does that mean the :I386LANG directory would be on Service Pack 3 and not on my Service Pack 2 CD? I am going to try what stephenhodges is suggesting, I just went to the link he mentioned and ordered a copy of Service Pack 3 because I don't want to be sitting around downloading for what seems like forever. And the question is, I don't understand why the East Asian languages files would end up on Service Pack 3 instead of the original XP version???

[stephanhodges]

The web site explains how to use the service pack also. I think it's best to burn to a disk, so that you have a copy, but you can certainly do it just from your hard drive.

Be sure to download the full version, and not the "quick" one, since the full one has the languages, etc.

[imron]

Does that mean the :I386LANG directory would be on Service Pack 3 and not on my Service Pack 2 CD?

the I386LANG directory is definitely on the Service Pack 2 CD, I checked before I wrote that. You will of course need to put the corresponding drive letter before that, e.g. d:I386LANG if your CD drive is d: etc. If that doesn't work, then it must be doing some sort of version checking, which unfortunately means you'll have to wait til you get the SP3 CD.

[Meng Lelan]

the I386LANG directory is definitely on the Service Pack 2 CD, I checked before I wrote that. You will of course need to put the corresponding drive letter before that, e.g. d:I386LANG if your CD drive is d: etc. If that doesn't work, then it must be doing some sort of version checking, which unfortunately means you'll have to wait til you get the SP3 CD.

That's what I had neglected to do! Thanks to imron and stephan hodges, I have now got the East Asian language files downloaded from the CD with the XP and Service Pack 2. I guess I didn't need the Service Pack 3 after all. Now I am using Google IME for inputing Chinese and it looks fine, no more square boxes.

Edited November 11, 2008 at 09:13 PM by Meng Lelan

[imron]

Glad to hear the problem is solved

[Meng Lelan]

I am too because I like Google IME and I like XP. Thanks again to you imron.