Windows 7: Digital Download Install question

I purchased a copy of Windows 7 through digital river so I could get the student discount. They offer a digital download than consists of a zipped file that I must unpack or run to install. I have never done an install like this before. For $13 I can purchase a back-up media disk which I did but would still like to know how this process works.

I want to do a clean install of Windows 7 Professional but can't seem to wrap my head around how that is accomplished through using this method. I always delete my partitions then install to get the cleanest possible result. If I wipe the harddrive then essentially I am deleting the files that are doing the installation.

The website suggest purchasing a backup disk but I would love to perform a clean install the day I download the software. I guess worst case scenario I can do a clean install of vista and then upgrade before I put anything else on the computer.

What format is the file? Zip? ISO? other?

How big is it?

When you unzip it, do you get folders and files or one ISO file?

I dont know how it is formatted. Here is what is listed on the website:

Download Information

When will I be able to download my pre-ordered product?Click here for information regarding pre-orders. Still more questions? Back to Main Help Page

How do I download?

1. Click the “Download” button.
2. Save the file to your “Desktop”. Do not change the file name.
3. After the download has completed, double-click on the file icon to start the installation.
4. When prompted, use the product key listed on your confirmation page and email to activate your software.

Sounds like a zip file. If it was an ISO I dont think you can run from windows.

Sounds like it is the windows installation files.

If it was an .iso you would d/l that directly.

Easy to make a bootable .iso from the windows installation files, if you like.

Can you give me the link to the website?

Well, I guess someone else will have to jump in and help you.

I have only 5 hrs left to sleep.

Good night and good luck.

The squonk is an extremely shy and very tired creature

Good Night

I believe the downloads begin on the same day as the release of Windows 7. I found a few links to the Windows 7 installation help pages here :

Installing Windows: recommended links

Installing and reinstalling Windows

Windows 7 Solution Center

I plan to do a clean install as well. My guess is that the download may be a .iso file. The help page says that the download is between 2 - 3 GB so the backup dvd is a good idea.

Hi pixelhandler and welcome.

Thank you for providing this information.

The OP hasn't shown him self for two days, and never answered my question regarding this download link, so I guess he won't be back to read this.

But nice you jumped in to provide it.

Greetz

The download link isn't available yet and will not be available until oct 22nd.

I should have updated this post as I have found a better method for students anyways. You can purchase the full retail version from Microsoft store directly for the same price.

Here is the other thread I started:

Full Retail Version of Pro For Students only 29.99

thanks for the help