Playing with restoration CD..

[ALfromparis]

I have an original system recovery form my T61 (about 4 DVD)
in french.

Can I use those on a German SL500, in order to get vista in French ?

If not is there a way to change the laptop os that does not involve buying a new OS ?

[sparta.rising]

If your machine has the COA (certificate of authenticity) on the bottom, you can use an OEM vista cd and the product code on that COA to install the OS from scratch.

[ALfromparis]

COA is the Microsoft label with a product key right?
It will have that is sure, But are you sure that a product key for German vista will work on a French os ?
Wasnt working for XP

[sparta.rising]

Yes the COA is the Microsoft sticker on the bottom. Sorry I'm not sure about the French/German options, but if memory serves me correctly Vista gives you the option to choose language at the start of install.