Make bootable iso from student d/l

How to Create a Bootable ISO from a Student Windows 7 Download​

If you get the student d/l and have 3 files :

• Win7-HP-Retail-en-us-x64.exe or Windows 7-HP-Retail-en-us-x86.exe file for the 32-bit (x86) or 64 (x64) bit Windows 7 that you purchased
• setup1.box
• setup2.box

Here's how:

1. Rt click each file, Properties > Unblock>Apply>OK.
NOTE: Make sure read only boxes are clear.

2. Rt click and run as admin on the .exe. You will get a folder called expandedsetup on your dektop with these inside:

   Note

If you receive this error:

We are unable to create or save new files in the folder in which this application was downloaded. Please check the folder properties to make sure that you have security permission on the folder to write files and that the folder is not read-only.

Continue.

3. D/L this zip, extract it and copy/move oscdimg.exe into C:\Windows\system32.
View attachment oscdimg.zip
4. Assuming expandedsetup is on your Desktop:

Vista/7 users open an elevated command prompt ( rt click cmd and run as admin) and type :

Oscdimg.exe –u2 –b"C:\Users\your_username\Desktop\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com" –h "C:\Users\your_username\Desktop\expandedSetup" C:\7.iso

XP users commands are:

cd /d C:\windows\system32

oscdimg -u2 -b"C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Desktop\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com" -h "C:\Documents and Settings\USER\Desktop\expandedSetup" C:\7.iso

5. You can copy and paste the above into elevated cmd.

Vista/7 users- replace your_username with your actual username.

XP users - replace USER with your actual username

6. Then press enter. Xp users press enter after each of their two commands.

7. If the expandedsetup folder is not on your desktop, replace with appropriate paths.

   Tip

You may wish to copy the expandedsetup folder directly onto the root of C:

The paths will be shorter and the command will be:

Oscdimg.exe –u2 –bC:\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com –h C:\expandedSetup C:\7.iso

If your folder is elsewhere, to get the paths easily, press shift and rt click on etfsboot.com - select copy as path ( paste into notepad )

Shift and rt click on expanded setup - select copy as path - paste into notepad ) Use those instead of the above.

The spacing needs to be exact.

   Warning

When the .iso is created you will get this message:

WARNING: This image contains UDF file system structures.

That is normal as you are creating the udf filesystem.

8. A) You can burn the .iso to dvd as an image with an isoburner.
View attachment isoburner.zip
OR

B) You can use the Microsoft DVD/USB tool to burn the .iso to dvd or to use the .iso to make a bootable flash drive. Download the tool:
View attachment Windows7-USB-DVD-tool.exe

   Tip

To make a copy of your Windows 7 ISO file:

1. Click the Start button, and click Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool in the All Programs list to open the USB/DVD Download tool.
2. Click Browse and select the file in the Open dialog box.
3. Select USB to create a copy on a USB flash drive or DVD to create a copy on a DVD disk, then click Next.
4. If you are copying the file to a USB flash drive, select your USB device in the dropdown list and click Begin copying. If you are copying the file up to a DVD, click Begin burning.

Microsoft Store: Download Manager Help

   Note

Microsoft’s ISO Image for Windows 7 Now Available

There is additional information regarding the Windows 7 64-bit download process. For those customers of the Student Offer, who wish to install the 64-bit version of Windows 7, but are currently running a 32-bit Operating System, there is now an optional downloadable ISO file of Windows 7 64-bit to allow for install.

- If you have already purchased the 64-bit version of Windows 7 from the Windows 7 Student Offer Online Store, please contact Digital River at the following link: http://windows7.digitalriver.com/servlet/PromoServlet/promoID.46354000
· In the Web form select the Download Option in the drop down menu and include "64-bit Windows 7 Solution" in the first line of your problem description.

Have fun.

Related Tutorials

---

• Bootable ISO - Create from Installation Files
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/31402-clean-install-upgrade-windows-7-version.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/16917-bootable-iso-create-older-iso.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1818-upgrade-install-windows-7-a.html
• http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/20146-custom-install-windows-7-a.html
• How to Extract an ISO File to the Desktop

 

[spiffman]

I believe that technically Windows doesn't do anything with read only attributes for folders so it doesn't allow you to change them.

I doubt it's your problem but if you really want to clear it use the attrib command from the command prompt.

you can type attrib /? for instructions but I believe it should be:

attrib -r c:\ /s /d

 

[dmak02]

Isn't it possible to achieve a clean install without booting from the DVD? i.e., just running the setup.exe from within Vista after the files are expanded?

Yes, but you can't do that if you're bits don't much.

 

[ChadClancy]

Isn't it possible to achieve a clean install without booting from the DVD? i.e., just running the setup.exe from within Vista after the files are expanded?

Yes, but you can't do that if you're bits don't much.

"...you're bits don't much." - I'm confused, what does that mean??

Are you saying that it's not possible if you are going from say 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Win7??

 

[SIW2]

Vista is refusing to let me remove Read-only properties. Any suggestions?

D/L This - install - rt click the folder - on your context menu - select Change Attributes

Petges.lu - News

 

[ghettobanjo]

ok so has anyone been successful burning the ISO, formatting and then installing?? From what I have read, if you format first, then the product key will not work. Seems like you should be able to just put in a Vista disc to prove you have a legal copy of that and then install this "upgrade". I'm at work just getting more and more worried about what will happen to me tonight when I take the plunge. I really want a clean install....

 

[spiffman]

I'm confused, what does that mean??

Are you saying that it's not possible if you are going from say 32 bit Vista to 64 bit Win7??

Pretty sure that's what he intended to say (think he meant if your bits don't match). In any event, what you're saying is correct - you cannot upgrade from a 32 bit version of vista/xp to a 64 bit version of windows 7 w/o using a bootable dvd.

ok so has anyone been successful burning the ISO, formatting and then installing?? From what I have read, if you format first, then the product key will not work. Seems like you should be able to just put in a Vista disc to prove you have a legal copy of that and then install this "upgrade". I'm at work just getting more and more worried about what will happen to me tonight when I take the plunge. I really want a clean install....

Once you boot into the iso you can choose to format the drive during the windows 7 installation and it won't mess you up even if you're upgrading (note that the option to do this is available when the installer asks you which drive you want to install on - I believe you may have to click on a little button at that time that says show advanced options for it to appear). I did this upgrading from windows xp 32 -> windows 7 64.

Note that even if you don't format I think it's a "clean" install in the sense that windows 7 isn't relying on any of your old os files but you will have some remnants of your files stored in a windows.old folder that the install creates.

FINAL NOTE OF INTEREST: I have used the upgrade key to successfully activate two different machines (I've been messing around with different installation options). Not sure what the activation limit is for the upgrade code but it's definitely > 1.

 

[JCP21]

Its pretty easy to install there are many guide on how to do it. google is your friend

 

[jnetty99]

Wait, Wait, Wait! No .iso download for the student version?
I have a friend who bought the student version. He is not technically savvy to do this whole burning a bootable image from the files downloaded.

Can he just do a clean install from a Windows 7 RTM .iso and put the activation key given to him on the email?

 

[ghettobanjo]

Thank you spiffman, that puts my fears to rest.

 

[SIW2]

Wait, Wait, Wait! No .iso download for the student version?
I have a friend who bought the student version. He is not technically savvy to do this whole burning a bootable image from the files downloaded.

Can he just do a clean install from a Windows 7 RTM .iso and put the activation key given to him on the email?

YES.

All the installtion media is the same. If you are on Vista/7,you can use Alex's isorecorder to make a copy of the dvd for him.

http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/W7.htm

 

[jnetty99]

Wait, Wait, Wait! No .iso download for the student version?
I have a friend who bought the student version. He is not technically savvy to do this whole burning a bootable image from the files downloaded.

Can he just do a clean install from a Windows 7 RTM .iso and put the activation key given to him on the email?

YES.

All the installtion media is the same. If you are on Vista/7,you can use Alex's isorecorder to make a copy of the dvd for him.

ISO Recorder v3

Okay good, obviously the copy just had to match the key purchase. i.e. Home Premium RTM to Home Premium Upgrade.

 

[SIW2]

Not sure what you mean. There is no Home Premium dvd - there is no Pro dvd - there is no Ultimate dvd. They are all identical in spite of what it says on the box, or label.

They all contain all the files to install all Editions.

Use any dvd - when it sees the key - it knows which Edition to install from the dvd to the Hard Drive.

 

[ChadClancy]

Once you boot into the iso you can choose to format the drive during the windows 7 installation and it won't mess you up even if you're upgrading (note that the option to do this is available when the installer asks you which drive you want to install on - I believe you may have to click on a little button at that time that says show advanced options for it to appear). I did this upgrading from windows xp 32 -> windows 7 64.

Note that even if you don't format I think it's a "clean" install in the sense that windows 7 isn't relying on any of your old os files but you will have some remnants of your files stored in a windows.old folder that the install creates.

This is good to know because i did want to do a 'custom install' and let Win7 reformat the target drive before installing such that I get a true clean install. Some of the posts that said NOT to format the drive were not clear as to whether letting Win7 reformat as part of its clean install process would also cause problems.

One question, however. If you went from 32-Bit XP or 32-bit Vista and chose the upgrade option after booting from the install DVD, would it still do some form of clean installation or would it attemp to leave your installed programs and settings intact?

 

[LAM445Z]

Had a 32bit Vista Hom Premium system.
Downloaded Student 64bit Pro. Expanded/burned ISO boot disk per instructions.
Did "custom install" & formatted c:\ drive OS partition

Win 7 Pro 64 bit works as advertised.

Many thanks.

 

[spiffman]

One question, however. If you went from 32-Bit XP or 32-bit Vista and chose the upgrade option after booting from the install DVD, would it still do some form of clean installation or would it attemp to leave your installed programs and settings intact?

Can't speak to going from Vista 32 -> Windows 7 64 but the upgrade option is not available going from xp 32 -> windows 7 64 (you're forced to do a custom install).

 

[donnyb313]

You cannot format the partition that vista(or xp) is on while installing. If you format your key will not work as it does not see it as an upgrade if there is no OS on the hard disk.

So now I have to reinstall vista then try again. Problem is I cannot get my vista OS disc to boot (its a gateway OEM OS disc) Every time it boots it just brings me to the serial key screen for windows 7 and my key does not work so I'm stuck.

Okay, I'm upgrading from Vista Home Premium 32bit to Windows 7 Professional 64bit and I've managed to make the .ISO file using this command:

oscdimg -n -m -b"C:\Users\USERNAME\Desktop\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com" C:\Users\USERNAME\Desktop\expandedSetup C:\7.iso

Change directories accordingly! It works for me and I hope it works for you !


Sources:
How to create a Bootable DVD (Windows 7 or Windows Vista) - Cesar da la Torre Blog
HotUKDeals Forum - View Single Post - Windows 7 Home Premium or Professional - £30 for UK Students

According to the second link you must NOT format C: but to install Windows 7 Upgrade straight into the drive where Vista is found which commence an auto clean install format I THINK

 

[Hollow Man]

First. I've been lurking for a couple of weeks, and want to thank everyone for all the info. I've gotten over this time.

I bought the Digital River Upgrade for 7 Pro 64-bit. I currently run XP Pro-32 bit. Had the same problem as many with the extraction failing at the end, but I've used the instructions to make an iso, which burned fine (and boots fine). Since folks here have had no problems registering the Digital River upgrade key after doing a custom install to repartition and wipe the drives (which is what I plan to do), that's all good.

My question is this: I also plan to buy a 32-bit 7 upgrade license for a second PC (running XP). Will I be able to boot from an image I make from that DVD and repartition the drive? Or, because I'm going from XP 32-bit to 7 32-bit, do I have to run that setup from within XP?

A better question may be, has anyone figured out yet exactly how Microsoft is checking to be sure the user has a previous version of Windows? Or does 7 not really check at all, and anyone having issues with their license keys are simply entering it wrong?

Much thanks!

 

[MikeMacie]

Im upgrading from XP pro 32 bit to 7 64bit. I burned the ISO and booted off the disc. My problem is that it just goes to a screen with just the window 7 background and cursor. That's it. What am i doing wrong?

 

[Skylinefranc]

ok, i must be stupid, I used

oscdimg -bC:\Users\USERNAME\Desktop\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com -h -u2 -m -lWIN_EN_DVD C:\Users\USERNAME\Desktop\expandedSetup\ C:\7.iso

and it wrote it 100% but I cant find the ISO isnt it supposed to be in C:\ named 7.iso?

Edit: Nvm, i ran it again and it seemed to work

 

[kjarosz]

Followed the first instructions but

Ok I followed the first post, I got the unpacking error due to having xp 32 bit, but I continued, I was able to burn an iso dvd, it booted from the dvd loaded setup files, had the little windows logo pop up and then changed to a blue screen with the cursor on it but thats as far as it goes, I can move the mouse around and thats it. Anyone else having this issue? I have burned the iso on 3 dvd to see if that was the problem but its the same thing. Any one?