You cannot select an upgrade option for Windows Vista, and you may receive an error message: "You cannot upgrade Windows in Safe mode"

When you try to install Windows Vista, you cannot select an upgrade option that is located in the Install Windows dialog box. Additionally, you may receive the following error message:

These symptoms can occur if the following conditions are true:

• You start the currently installed operating system in safe mode.
• You start Windows Vista Setup, and you try to upgrade the currently installed operating system.

To resolve this issue, use one of the following methods, as appropriate for your situation.

Method 1

If the system is currently performing correctly, and you only want to upgrade the current operating system to Windows Vista, follow these steps:

1. Exit Windows Vista Setup.
2. Restart the system in normal mode.
3. Start Windows Vista Setup, and try again to upgrade the current operating system to Windows Vista.

Method 2

If you started the operating system in safe mode because of issues with the currently installed operating system, follow these steps:

1. Resolve the issues.
2. Restart the system in normal mode.
3. Start Windows Vista Setup, and try again to upgrade the current operating system to Windows Vista.

Method 3

If you started the operating system in safe mode because of issues with the currently installed operating system, and you cannot resolve the issues, follow these steps:

1. Exit Windows Vista Setup.
2. Back up your personal files and settings.
3. Perform a clean installation of Windows Vista.
   
   Note If you do not have to back up your personal files and settings or if you have already done this, you can select the Custom (Advanced) upgrade option and perform a clean installation of Windows Vista.

For more information about how to install Windows Vista, click the following article numbers to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: