So I copied the files I downloaded when I bought the

[madcat75]

$30 student version... could I reformat by using that on a blank DVD by rebooting, or do I gotta run the install setup through windows 7? Because I want to reformat.

 

[WalkerA WinTeam]

This is probably going to be the easiest way for you to install Windows 7 at this point: Microsoft Store: Download Manager Help

You'll have the option to format your desired boot drive during the install process.

Cheers,

Walker
Windows Outreach Team

EDIT: In fact, creating an install DVD (or flash drive containing the ISO you downloaded) is the *only* way to install Windows 7.

 

[madcat75]

gotcha, thanks... but here it says:

Before you run the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download Tool, make sure you have already purchased the Windows 7 ISO download from Microsoft Store and have downloaded the Windows 7 ISO file to your hard drive. If you have purchased Windows 7 but have not yet downloaded the ISO file, you can download the file from your Microsoft Store Account.

Well I have no download history... where am I supposed to get the ISO from?

 

[SIW2]

What files do you have?

If you have

* Windows 7-HP-Retail-en-us-x64.exe ( or the x86 version )
* setup1.box * setup2.box

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.

Don't worry 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.

D/L this zip file View attachment BootIsoMakerV2.zip, Rt click it, Properties > Unblock>Apply>OK.

Rt click and run as administrator on bootisomakerV2.cmd

 

[madcat75]

folders: boot, efi, sources, support, upgrade, bootmgr

files: autorun.inf, setup.exe... and when I put the CD in it asks me if I wanna run setup.exe or view disc in windows explorer.

 

[SIW2]

Did you just copy them onto the dvd?

If you still have the files on your HD then rt click and RUN AS ADMIN on bootisomaker.cmd.

If you don't still have them on the HD, then rt click the dvd drive select copy, rt click your HD select paste - that will take a couple of mins to copy.

Then rt click as RUN AS ADMIN on bootisomaker.cmd.

Follow instructions in my last post - that will make a bootable .iso for you.

Here it is again:

D/L this zip file BootIsoMakerV2.zip, Rt click it, Properties > Unblock>Apply>OK.

Rt click and run as administrator on bootisomakerV2.cmd

 

[madcat75]

Ugh it's been 6 months since I installed windows 7 so I can't remember if I just copied them or made a bootable DVD... but in any case I'll follow your advice and tell you how it goes...

 

[bobkn]

If you got the download from Digital River, you may have gotten an upgrade-only package. (Later, they offered an .iso to those who knew that it was much more desirable.) It was a particular problem for those with 32 bit OSes, but wanted to upgrade to a 64 bit. It was legal, but the .exe did not permit it.

I've never done it, but there were ways to build a bootable DVD (or USB flash drive) from the original download. Here's one link:

How to Make the Student Discounted Windows 7 Upgrade Bootable | Notebooks.com

 

[SIW2]

LOL , The original guide posted on SevenForums.com the author links to is my tutorial on this site.

Good of him to credit the source - plenty of people didn't.

I have now made a little app. that does it all for you.


Don't forget - you need to BOOT the dvd after you have made it - not "play" it from within windows.

 

[madcat75]

okay but like I said in post #5 I just have those files on my DVD that I found that has an option to "run setup.exe" when I insert the DVD into my computer....

I don't have the original downloaded thing anymore or the:

• Windows 7-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

stuff either as mentioned in post #9... so what do I do if I don't have that stuff... only the DVD I mentioned that will give "run setup.exe" as an option when I pop in the DVD? I just wanna turn it into a bootable USB thumb drive!

 

[SIW2]

From post 6

If you don't still have them on the HD, then rt click the dvd drive select copy, rt click your HD select paste - that will take a couple of mins to copy.

When that's done, use bootisomaker to create bootable .iso


Then use WinToFlash - Install Windows from usb - Download page

WinToFlash .com • View topic - My Video Tutorial on WinToFlash

 

[madcat75]

okay, thank you I'll try that

 

[madcat75]

ah crap I have build 7000... I guess I need to order the CD now