Digital Download Install question

J

Jacen

New member
Local time
8:34 PM
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I purchased a copy of W7 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 W7 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.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inc
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600 Build 7600
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz, 2400 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
256MB ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1680 x 1050 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
WDC WD5000AAKS-75A7B0 ATA Device 500GB
WD 2500JB External USB Device 250GB
Keyboard
Dell Bluetooth Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Bluetooth Mouse
Internet Speed
RoadRunner Turbo 20.64Mb Download/ .50Mb Upload
Jacen said:
I purchased a copy of W7 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 W7 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.
Click to expand...

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?
 

My Computer

OS
Win7 Build 7600 x86
CPU
Pentium II 300MHz
Motherboard
Asus
Memory
32mb EDO RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Diamond Viper
Sound Card
Soundblaster 16
Monitor(s) Displays
14" AOC CRT 16K color
Screen Resolution
800x600
Hard Drives
300mb Quantum fireball
PSU
110 Watts
Cooling
Passive
Keyboard
Trust Ergonomic
Mouse
Generic
Internet Speed
256K u 128K d
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.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inc
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600 Build 7600
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz, 2400 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
256MB ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1680 x 1050 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
WDC WD5000AAKS-75A7B0 ATA Device 500GB
WD 2500JB External USB Device 250GB
Keyboard
Dell Bluetooth Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Bluetooth Mouse
Internet Speed
RoadRunner Turbo 20.64Mb Download/ .50Mb Upload
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.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    OS
    7 X64
    CPU
    i5 8400
    Motherboard
    gigabyte b365m ds3h
    Memory
    2x8gb 3200mhz
    Hard Drives
    various
    PSU
    pure power 11 400w cm
    Case
    Coolermaster
    Cooling
    cryorig m9i
  • Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    OS
    7x64
    CPU
    g5400
    Motherboard
    ga b365m ds3h
    Memory
    8gb ddr4 2400
    PSU
    xfx pro 450w
Jacen said:
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.
Click to expand...

Can you give me the link to the website?
 

My Computer

OS
Win7 Build 7600 x86
CPU
Pentium II 300MHz
Motherboard
Asus
Memory
32mb EDO RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Diamond Viper
Sound Card
Soundblaster 16
Monitor(s) Displays
14" AOC CRT 16K color
Screen Resolution
800x600
Hard Drives
300mb Quantum fireball
PSU
110 Watts
Cooling
Passive
Keyboard
Trust Ergonomic
Mouse
Generic
Internet Speed
256K u 128K d
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.
 

My Computer

OS
Win7 Build 7600 x86
CPU
Pentium II 300MHz
Motherboard
Asus
Memory
32mb EDO RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Diamond Viper
Sound Card
Soundblaster 16
Monitor(s) Displays
14" AOC CRT 16K color
Screen Resolution
800x600
Hard Drives
300mb Quantum fireball
PSU
110 Watts
Cooling
Passive
Keyboard
Trust Ergonomic
Mouse
Generic
Internet Speed
256K u 128K d
The squonk is an extremely shy and very tired creature

Good Night :D
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
    ChillBlast - Custom to my design
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 [Latest Release and Release Preview]
    CPU
    Ryzen 9 5950X, 3.8 - 5.2 MHz
    Motherboard
    Asus Prime X570-Pro
    Memory
    64GB [2 x 32GB] DDR4 3200MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    4GB NVIDIA GEFORCE GTX 1650 Ti
    Sound Card
    On-board SPDIF to 5.1 System + HDMI [5.1 system]
    Monitor(s) Displays
    32" UHD 32 Bit HDR Monitor + 43" UHD 4K 32Bit HDR TV
    Screen Resolution
    2 x 3840 x 2160 @60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1TB M2 SSD OS, 500GB Fast Access SSD, 2 x 8TB Data + Various Externals from 1TB to 4TB, 10TB NAS
    PSU
    NZXT C750 80 PLUS Gold 750W Modular PSU
    Case
    Workstation Case [Matt Black]
    Cooling
    NZXT Kraken X63 280mm CPU Cooler +2x Quiet Case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless MX Keys & K400 + others
    Mouse
    Logitech Wireless MX Master 3S
    Internet Speed
    920 MB Down 50 MB Up
    Antivirus
    BitDefender Total Security Pro
    Browser
    Chrome (always run latest Non-Beta)
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    Samsung 10.2" tablet
    Blackview TAB 8 4G Android Tablet c/w Keyboard
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control
  • Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model Number
    Dell XPS 17 10750H
    OS
    Windows 11 Pro x64 Latest RP
    CPU
    Intel I7 10750H 5.0GHz
    Motherboard
    Dell XPS
    Memory
    32GB [2x16GB] DDR4 2933 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    nVidia GTX1650Ti 4 GB GDDR6
    Sound Card
    Stock [Realtek] 4 Speaker
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17" IPS UHD+ Infinity Edge Touchscreen
    Screen Resolution
    3840 x 2400
    Hard Drives
    2TB M2 NVMe, 4TB External + various 500GB & 1TB External NVMe (also have access to spinner HDD from
    PSU
    Stock
    Case
    Stock XPS Aluminium & Carbon Fibre
    Cooling
    Stock - Active Fan Control
    Keyboard
    Backlit + Various Logitech
    Mouse
    Stock Track Pad + Logitech MX Trackball
    Internet Speed
    72 MB Down 18MB Up
    Browser
    Chrome
    Other Info
    Also run ...
    Laptop - Quad 8GB - Windows 10 Pro x64
    Nexus 7 Android tablet x2
    10.2" tablet
    Sony Z3 Android Smartphone
    Wacom Intuos Pro Medium Pen Pad
    Wacom Intuos Pro Small Pen Pad
    Wacom Expresskeys Remote
    Loopdeck+ Graphics Controller
    Shuttle Pro v2 Control Pad
    10TB NAS

My Computer

OS
XP
pixelhandler said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
 

My Computer

OS
Win7 Build 7600 x86
CPU
Pentium II 300MHz
Motherboard
Asus
Memory
32mb EDO RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Diamond Viper
Sound Card
Soundblaster 16
Monitor(s) Displays
14" AOC CRT 16K color
Screen Resolution
800x600
Hard Drives
300mb Quantum fireball
PSU
110 Watts
Cooling
Passive
Keyboard
Trust Ergonomic
Mouse
Generic
Internet Speed
256K u 128K d
squonksc said:
pixelhandler said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
Click to expand...

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:

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...retail-version-pro-students-only-29-99-a.html

thanks for the help
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Dell Inc
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate 6.1.7600 Build 7600
CPU
Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q6600 @ 2.40GHz, 2400 Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
256MB ATI Radeon HD 2600 XT
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Screen Resolution
1680 x 1050 x 59 hertz
Hard Drives
WDC WD5000AAKS-75A7B0 ATA Device 500GB
WD 2500JB External USB Device 250GB
Keyboard
Dell Bluetooth Keyboard
Mouse
Dell Bluetooth Mouse
Internet Speed
RoadRunner Turbo 20.64Mb Download/ .50Mb Upload
Jacen said:
squonksc said:
pixelhandler said:
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.
Click to expand...

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
Click to expand...

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:

http://www.sevenforums.com/general-...retail-version-pro-students-only-29-99-a.html

thanks for the help
Click to expand...

Glad you got a better way.

Next time please don't abandon your own thread.
People are spending their time to help you.

Greetz
 

My Computer

OS
Win7 Build 7600 x86
CPU
Pentium II 300MHz
Motherboard
Asus
Memory
32mb EDO RAM
Graphics Card(s)
Diamond Viper
Sound Card
Soundblaster 16
Monitor(s) Displays
14" AOC CRT 16K color
Screen Resolution
800x600
Hard Drives
300mb Quantum fireball
PSU
110 Watts
Cooling
Passive
Keyboard
Trust Ergonomic
Mouse
Generic
Internet Speed
256K u 128K d
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