After movign the downloaded peices out of the windows.old folder and into the corresponding locations in windows 7, the instruction on the first page (using the syntax edits on the second page) allowed me to make a boot cd adn do a clean install, thanks for all the effort!
You're welcome Matt - glad it worked for you.
Have Fun.
You can still move the ei.cfg file out of the "sources" folder - it's in the expandedsetup - if you like - just move it somewher else for safekeeping ( tho . i can't imagine you would ever need it again)before making the .iso.
Then the installation is not locked to any particular Edition - whichever product key you put in will work fine.
I was going to put that in the tut - but some people are having trouble just downloading oscdimg and typing one command - so I didn't want to make it any longer.
I've joined this forum to pass on my experience of installing Windows 7 which might help give some answers to some people having difficulties. First though - thanks to all who have posted - it's been really useful. I had Vista x32 and bought 7 Pro x32 from Digital River and I was worried about the posts re. invalid key when doing a format during the installation. I was determined to do a 'real' clean install.
I made an ISO disk using the instructions from the first post, just changed the code as per a subsequent comment. All worked fine - no errors. Burned image to DVD with Nero (not my favourite but it usually does the trick for ISOs). First installed W7 in virtual machine to test. Formatted during installation and got the invalid key message. Left blank and went into Windows. Didn't try to activate as I'm unsure how many attempts you can make.
On main PC today, tried to boot with DVD but got BIOS error 'insert bootable media'. Changed the priority of boot of my optical drives and made sure the DVD drive was before CD drive (a bit nineties I know but I'm attached to it) - sorted. Booted into setup, advanced disk options and bit the bullet and formatted. When prompted for key, I left it blank and continued into windows.
Went to control panel>system and activated. No problem. I was fully expecting to have to start from scratch and install vista and then 7 on top but not for me. Had no problems with software or hardware except missing sound card driver which I will find when I can be bothered. Using onboard sound at the moment.
Thanks again guys for the help with the ISO - spot on.
Thanks Pip,
Which command syntax did you end up and using - and why?
Anybody else finding they get invalid key if they insert it during installation an a blank drive ?
I used:
oscdimg -bC:\Users\Pip\Desktop\expandedSetup\boot\etfsboot.com -h -u2 -m -lWIN_EN_DVD C:\Users\Pip\Desktop\expandedSetup\ C:\7.iso
It used it because (with my relatively limited knowledge) it looked right and it worked first time.
I have ordered the Windows 7 disk which was an option with Digital River. I haven't received it yet but I would be interested if anyone has and if it's bootable.
Last edited by Pip; 24 Oct 2009 at 12:32. Reason: Adding to reply
Hey all
I haven't tried to install yet as my intention was to burn the bootable disc immediately.
Consequently i don't have the expandedsetup folder.
Is there any way to burn without this? Or to activate the expandedsetup folder without installing 7?
I don't want to install yet as I'm waiting a few days so I can move my files and programmes and perform a format.
Thanks Pip
You wanted to add a label?
You can use the other optional switches - I used the minimum required in the tut to make it easier.
BTW: no need for -m in your command.
Sorry - this had me up all night and I'm a bit hazy.
I've downloaded the files from Digitalriver
What I have now are the two 'setup' files and an exe file.
From what I've read, the expandedsetup folder only appears once customers have tried to install (by activating the exe file)- it isn't sent by DR.
I don't want to install just yet - is there a way of activating the expandedsetup without doing so?
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