How to install Khmer Unicode on Windows XP, Vista

All Khmer pages of this website are written in Unicode - Why Unicode

Unicode is not just another font. Unicode is a standardized typing convention, that allows searching and sorting of text. Furthermore, Unicode is an extension of the Latin Character Set, therefore Latin and Khmer characters can be typed without switching between fonts. This is a great advantage, as Khmer fonts can be used with that for databases, document retrieval and other applications. The Internet nowadays provides a great source of information in Khmer language. Khmer search engines and online databases more and more shift to the Unicode standard, although the installation is still a bit difficult. Once you have installed the Khmer Unicode, visit the following web sites to see how useful the Khmer internet has become:

The experiences of developing web platforms in Cambodia in the recent years have shown, that the use of proprietary fonts (such as Limon or ABC font) is limited and many technical difficulties were encountered, when transferring typed text from one software application to another. In reflection to similar developments in other Asian countries, Unicode will become the future standard in Khmer computing, facilitating access to knowledge and enhanced education.

This section shall help to overcome the difficulties in installing the Khmer Unicode. If you have questions using the Khmer unicode, please refer to the contact persons below or an experienced computer shop near your location.

Techncial Requirements:

Operation system: Windows XP SP2 or Windows Vista English version
Khmer OS installation CD-ROM or Khmer Unicode Installer from Khmer OS
MS Office 2003 (a DLL of that is required to display the Khmer Unicode font correctly in your web browser and other applications (e.g. Notepad)) or better, or Open Office

Additional Software:

Mekhala Web Browser (Khmer FireFox)
Khmer Email Application Moyura

Overview on Installation steps

In the package of the Khmer Unicode Installer, there is a keyboard layout of Khmer Unicode included. It is important to have all the above mentioned software packages installed (except additional software) in order to make use of the Khmer Unicode. Partial installations (e.g. fonts only) will lead to a unsatisfactory results. In general, you need to:

have Microsoft XP pro english installation,
an MS Office 2003 installation or better
run the khmer unicode installer,
run Unicode watcher to copy a DLL file from office into the system and activate complex scripting and make sure that the installation is successful
create/activate a keyboard layout, once activated, you can toggle between english and khmer keyboard layout using the ALT + SHIFT key at the same time.
in some cases change your application's default font to Khmer OS font (e.g. Notepad, Internet Explorer, FireFox english version)

How to install Khmer UNICODE using the KhmerOS CD-ROM from NIDA:

The following text is a broad translation of the Khmer instructions of the Khmer Unicode CD-ROM provided by NiDA.

1. Please insert CD into drive
2. Click on Install "Khmer Unicode", this runs the Khmer Unicode Installer as mentioned above.

Above: A translation of the KhmerOS Khmer Unicode Installation Program

Khmer Unicode Installer (downloaded Installer or from Khmer OS CD-ROM)

A dialogue will pop up to ask whether you want to install Unicode.

Click Yes

3. Again, Click Yes
4. Again, Click Yes
5. Please follow the instruction of the box on the right of your computer.
6. The Installation requires .Net framework program. You must choose "I agree" than click button "Install" after that click Button "OK
7. Please click button "Yes" after 100% finished and restart your computer.
8. You must identify Open office base in Khmer language in order to make page number, serial number, and other program in khmer Unicode.

Start up OpenOffice
Choose Menu Tool and choose OpenOffice.org, click "OpenOffice box": in order to Open/Save as OpenOffice form in Khmer Language
Choose identify language>Language
Please Choose Khmer in this identify base
Click button Agree ()

Windows Vista

Install the Keyboard Layout in Control Panel, Regional and Language options.

Windows XP - Installation Desktop in Khmer Language

Even though Unicode installed in Window XP, you still can’t see the khmer menu title bar in OpenOffice program because program not yet identify character of Unicode. You can use Royal Khmer program for make every working. Please follow the instruction below.

1. Go to Khmer-Theme-for-WinXP (in CD) and Double click on Royal1.5.sp.all.exe. after that Click button Next>Yes>Finish.
2. Restart computer
3. Please follow the instruction on Desktop.

Right click on desktop> Click Properties
Click Apearance
Choose Media Center Style on menu Windows and Button
Click OK

You can try to re-name my compter on desktop in khmer.

Testing your configuration

In order to make sure, that your installation was done successfully, please open the Khmer Unicode watcher, which should be in your startup menu under Khmer Unicode (version x.x). Only when all checkboxes are ticked, your installation was done successfully. Use the buttons to install the required DLL all over your system for typing unicode, and to enable the complex scripting.

Please make sure you have at least Office 2003, and an english version of MS Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 installed.

Contact and Support:

If you still have questions, how to get the unicode installed on your PC, please contact Mr. Huy Sovannara (012-632796), Mr. He Sophannara (016-857979).

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