Mac OS X 10.2: Cannot Change the Preferred Language

If you choose to update only one language when installing Mac OS X 10.2 over an existing Mac OS X 10.1 volume that included other languages, you may later encounter issues with changing the default language.
Symptom

After upgrading to Mac OS X 10.2, you cannot change the preferred language in System Preferences.

Note: Though one language is used as the example, this may occur any time you choose to upgrade fewer languages than were previously installed.


Solution

When installing, you should update the languages that you have previously installed. To resolve this, start up the computer from the Mac OS X 10.2 Install or Upgrade CD and perform a standard reinstallation of Mac OS X 10.2. All languages will be available after the installation.

Note: The Mac OS X 10.2 Installer requires a minimum of Mac OS X 10.1 to perform an upgrade installation. See technical document 106037, "Mac OS X 10.2: Upgrade Installation Requires Mac OS X 10.1".
Published Date: Oct 10, 2016