Removing foreign language fonts

Anonymous
2009-10-30T16:13:49+00:00

Does anyone know of a way to remove the many foreign language fonts from Windows 7? There wasn't an option to exclude them during setup. I've tried deleting them, but Windows tells me that they are system fonts which cannot be deleted. I've also tried "Hiding" them, but they still show up in the font list in Office and other programs. All I want and need are the basic English language fonts. Having to wade through dozens of useless (to me) fonts is a major annoyance. There should be a way to exclude them from my system if I don't need them.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Accessibility

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Anonymous
2009-12-05T14:33:12+00:00

Hello mcbarker69,

The reason that I did not know the fonts in question is because no particular fonts were mentioned, and I had gone into fonts and removed a couple foreign fonts with no problem. However that being said, in order to remove the fonts that are being referred to follow these steps:

Take ownership of the file:

 - Click Start Orb > type fonts in the search box > click Fonts

 - Right-click the font > click Properties - Click Security tab > click Advanced - Click Owner > click Edit - Select your Username > click OK

Click OK on the Windows Security box

Change Permissions of the file:

 - Click Permissions > click Change Permissions

 - Select your Username > click Edit

 - Checkmark Allow for Full control

 - Click OK - Click OK

Click Yes on the Windows Security box

 - Click OK

You will need to remember the names of your font(s) that you want to delete.

Delete the file:

Will need to start Safe mode with command prompt

Restart your computer and tap F-8 continually, this will bring you to your Advanced Boot Options, select Safe mode with command prompt.

Once you have booted:

In command prompt navigate to fonts:

 - type cd c:\windows\fonts > press enter

 - type del "font name" > press enter *Do not use the quotes around the font name

This should bring you back to a clean prompt.

Once you are finished > Ctrl+Alt+Del > select restart from the arrow in the bottom right corner of your screen and start Windows normally.

Hope this helps

As the Windows Security box states; this could cause Windows to act differently. Make sure you know which fonts you are removing and that Windows does not need them before you remove any protected system fonts. This could cause many complications with your installation of Windows.

Chris.H

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

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  1. Anonymous
    2009-12-10T22:02:05+00:00

    >>>Take ownership of the file:

     - Click Start Orb > type fonts in the search box > click Fonts

     - Right-click the font > click Properties - Click Security tab > click Advanced     [.....]

    When I right click on a font, I do not see Properties in the menu.

    I right clicked on the C:\Windows folder and edited permissions so that I have Full Control of Folder, subfolders, and files. But I still can't delete the Eastern fonts.

    Any suggestions?

    Thanks!

    Elise

    Graphic Designer

    Portland, Ore. ****

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  2. Anonymous
    2009-12-11T11:16:37+00:00

    Hello ElipsePDX,

    You are more than likely trying to right-click the font family. Just double-click the font family, that will take you to that font family folder, then follow the same process as stated above.

    Hope this helps

    As the Windows Security box states; this could cause Windows to act differently. Make sure you know which fonts you are removing and that Windows does not need them before you remove any protected system fonts. This could cause many complications with your installation of Windows.

    Chris.H

    Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

    Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

    Was this answer helpful?

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  3. Anonymous
    2009-12-15T19:25:21+00:00

    Hi Chris,

    Thanks for your response. I did all of the above. Actually, our IT guy did it. He restarted my computer in Safe Mode, went to the Fonts directory, typed del batang.ttc (for example) and the message was "Access denied."

    What now?

    Thanks!!

    Elise

    Graphic Designer

    Portland, OR

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  4. Anonymous
    2009-12-15T20:40:47+00:00

    I too tried all of the steps submitted by Chris H before coming here to look for an answer. This solution doesn't work. I've worked with (in depth), most MS operating systems, from DOS 2.1 through Win7, and have been building my own systems since the mid 1980's, so I'm not a newbie looking for a quick fix. This is a problem which is starting to give Win7 a distinct odor of Vista, or the Office ribbon. Sorry MS, but contrary to your beliefs, you apparently don't know what's best for us, even though we don't like it. I'm starting to get tired of MS program bugs which turn out to be new "features".

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