Support
Changing the MDT language and fixing odd characters
Summary
The MDT interface may be shown in a language other than the one you want (in English after installation, for instance, or after a configuration change) and, in some cases, certain special characters in the menus appear as question marks. This article explains how to change the interface language from MDT's own configuration, what to do when the change does not take effect at the first attempt, how to proceed if the language you need is not available in your version, and how to fix the characters shown as question marks by adjusting the Windows regional settings.
Applies to
MDT 9 — changing the language from the configuration is documented in this version.
MDT Standard 2025 — documented case on language availability.
MDT 25 (TcpMDT 25) and MDT 26 — documented case of characters shown as question marks; it also applies to the current version, since the origin is the Windows regional settings and does not depend on the MDT version.
Symptoms
The MDT interface or menus are shown in English instead of the intended language, either because the program was installed that way or because the language changed unexpectedly after some configuration change (certain menus or editors appear in English, for example).
The language you need (Portuguese, for instance) is not among those available: only English and Spanish are offered.
In the menus, some special characters of certain words are shown as question marks instead of being displayed correctly.
Cause
The interface language is selected in the MDT configuration and may end up set to a language other than the intended one after installation or after configuration changes.
The languages available depend on the version of the installer used: the most recent interface languages are included in the latest installers released.
The characters appearing as question marks are due to the Windows regional setting for non-Unicode programs not being set to the appropriate language.
Solution
Case: changing the interface language
Open MDT > Utilities > Configuration.
In the configuration dialogue, select the language you want.
Click OK.
Case: the language change does not take effect at the first attempt
If some menus or editors are still shown in the previous language after selecting the one you want:
Open MDT > Utilities > Configuration.
First select a different language and apply the change with the corresponding button.
Select the language you want again and click the button once more to apply it.
Then check whether the menus and editors are shown in the right language.
Case: the language you need is not available
If the language you need is not among those available (only English and Spanish are offered and you need another one, for example):
Go to your Private Area and download the latest installer available.
Uninstall the current version of the program.
Install the new download; this brings in the most recent interface languages.
Case: characters shown as question marks in the menus
Open the Windows Control Panel > Region.
Check the Language for non-Unicode programs setting and make sure it is set to the language of the interface.
If it is not, correct it: on the Administrative tab, under Language for non-Unicode programs, click Change system locale and select the language you need. Windows will ask you to restart the computer to apply the change.
If the problem persists
If the menus are still partly shown in another language after applying the language change several times, contact APLITOP technical support, indicating the MDT version you are using.
You need your Private Area credentials to download the latest installers. If you do not have them yet, request them through Aplitop's usual channels.
Category: Interface and customisation · Level: Basic