How to do an in-place upgrade on Windows

After you've done the emergency repair process, the computer still doesn't operate normally. In this situation, you may want to do a repair in-place upgrade or an in-place upgrade to a newer operating system version. A repair in-place upgrade means performing an in-place upgrade to the same OS version as the existing one.

Applies to:   All Windows versions
Original KB number:   2255099

More information

An in-place upgrade is the final alternative before you have to reinstall the operating system.

Note

It takes the same amount of time to do the upgrade as to reinstall the operating system. Also, some of your customized Windows settings may be lost through this process.

How to do a repair installation of Windows

A repair installation will restore the current Windows installation to the version of the installation DVD. It also requires the installation of all updates that aren't included on the installation DVD.

Note

A repair installation won't damage files and applications that are currently installed on your computer.

To do a repair installation of Windows, follow these steps:

  1. Close all the running applications.

  2. Insert the Windows DVD in the computer's DVD drive.

  3. In the Setup window, select Install Now.

    Note

    If Windows does not automatically detect the DVD, follow these steps:

    1. Select Start, and then type Drive:\setup.exe in the Start Search box.

      Note

      The Drive placeholder is the drive letter of the computer's DVD drive.

    2. In the Programs list, select Setup.exe.

    3. In the Setup window, select Install Now.

  4. Select Go online to obtain the latest updates for installation (recommended).

  5. Type the CD key if you're prompted.

  6. Select the operating system in Install Windows page you want to Upgrade or Inplace.

  7. select Yes to accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.

  8. On the Which type of installation do you want? screen, select Upgrade.

  9. When the installation is complete, restart your computer.

Data collection

If you need assistance from Microsoft support, we recommend you collect the information by following the steps mentioned in Gather information by using TSS for deployment-related issues.