Changing the Mac OS X Leopard language

...without reinstalling from scratch!

Important:

The procedure below is for extracting extra languages from hackintosh DVDs.

The Mac OS X Leopard original DVD (8GB) includes a setup that you can run anytime, that will install extra languages, among other software. If you get your hands on one, just use it!

The iAtkos 5i Leopard DVD I used for installing my Mac had the language files stripped from the original Leopard DVD. Meaning, that I had no alternative when I chose the language during the Leopard installation.

My challenge now was to change a Leopard system language without loosing anything I already had, and with the help of others on the web that already tried this procedure, it worked without a glitch.

But first, the... 

Disclaimer:

- If you decide to follow my procedure, you are on your own, meaning that I assume NO responsibility for your actions or the outcome of this procedure.

- Although it will probably work just fine, remember to always prepared for the worst, so backup your files before starting.

 

That said, here's the full instructions for changing a Mac Leopard system language after installation:

1. If you installed from a DVD without the full language set, your first objective is to get one (I used an iDeneb distribution and worked fine).
2. Make sure that in Preferences->International->Idioms, your language is on the top of the list.
   
3. Install Cocktail (it will be needed later).
4. Insert the Leopard DVD containing all the necessary language files.
   
5. Install Pacifist, and follow these steps:
   - Click the "Open Apple Install Disks" button.
   - Select your Mac OS X Leopard DVD.
   - Search your language using the search box.
   - On the right, select the search results that match, right click each and from the menu select "Install to Default Location". Replace all existing files.
   
6. Start Cocktail, and follow these steps:
   - On System->Startup Language, set the combo to your language.
   - On Files->Caches, clear the System and User caches by using the checkboxes.
      => If you don't do this, your applications will get unstable!
7. Reboot, and your system should boot with the new language installed.
8. Troubleshooting:
   If it doesn't, see if you missed a step or used a DVD without the complete language files, specially the files Contents of [language].pkg and the [language].lproj within the AppleSpell.service folder.
   

Good luck!