Install Hebrew on Windows XP

Daniel Petri

Jan 8, 2009

How can I install and use Hebrew fonts on my Windows XP computer?

Windows XP (and 2000/2003/Vista) has the built-in ability to display Hebrew fonts on your system without the need to install language packs or special localized versions of the OS. To see Hebrew fonts on your Windows XP computer you MUST perform the following tasks precisely in the order listed here. Not doing so might cause your computer to display ??????? instead of Hebrew fonts, especially in Office applications.
Unlike W2K, it is SAFE and it is OK for you to install Hebrew language support during the GUI setup phase of Windows XP.
Note: You might also want to read the following articles:

Option 1: During the GUI phase of the setup process

After rebooting from the text-based setup phase, the computer will display the setup GUI, and the fist prompt you’ll get is the Regional Settings customization window.
You can install Hebrew support at this phase by pressing the Customize button and going to the Languages tab.

Select the “Install files for complex script and right-to-left languages” check-box.

A warning message will appear. Press Ok.

Warning: You must now press Apply!!!

Setup will copy the necessary files from the installation point.

You can now go to the Regional Options tab and select Israel in the Location drop-down list, and Hebrew in the Standards and Formats drop-down list. Click Ok.

Option 2: On a running installation of XP

If you already have XP installed you can basically do the same, only this time it’s done from within Control Panel and you’ll need to have the installation CD (or at least the I386 folder from the CD) handy, because the OS needs to copy files from it.

Open Control Panel and go to Date, Time, Language and Regional Options applet. When it opens click Add other languages.

If you’re running Control Panel in the classic view – go to Regional and Language Options.

Now go back to the top of this page and follow step 1-4.

Warning: Don’t forget, you must press Apply after selecting the “Install files for complex script and right-to-left languages” check-box!!!

A reboot is required to finish the process.

You may also want to read:

Install Hebrew on Windows XP

Option 1: During the GUI phase of the setup process

Option 2: On a running installation of XP

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