Windows 7 for students

[Fen]

It's not inaccurate. If you downloaded the BOX files from digitalriver you can never upgrade from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Win7. It's a bug that the assholes somehow overlooked, since they don't give you the ISO to make an image from.

The only option he has is to order the backup DVD and boot from it.

There's a fairly simple workaround to this. To create the ISO you download a program that you access from dos and create the ISO through it. I did it and it took maybe 5 minutes. The hardest part is typing out the command correctly.

The file is called oscdimg.zip - extract it into the windows/system32 folder (only file in the zip is oscdimg.exe). After you extract the box and get the error message, go to the command prompt. Type in the following:

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

Naturally, make sure it actually points to where you have expandedSetup saved. This will pop out the ISO into C:\ and name it 7.iso

I gave out a link on page three about this, but here it is again:
Make bootable iso from student d/l - Windows 7 Forums
A quick google search will give you more versions of the same tutorial.

[Greatguardian]

The above is correct. I tried burning an ISO of the files directly using PowerISO and UltraISO, but both are simply unable to burn a boot disk (or were when I attempted it). In using that Microsoft tool to create the ISO, you also specify a boot path in the command line (you'll see it). The ISO that oscdimg creates will be a bootable disk regardless of unpacking errors.

Boot from that disk on startup, and you're golden. Be prepared to open up your machine and take out some hardware, and disable others from BIOS. My expansion slot graphics card caused me a lot of hangs on Win7 installation. Once it's installed, you can re-enable all of your devices and install drivers on your own.

[Yugl]

No one has contacted them about getting the back-up disk for free? It's ridiculous for the customer to put forth more money because of the dealer's incompetence.

[kuronosan]

Dealer says no refunds or exchanges and that liability is on the part of the customer.

[Brien]

There's a fairly simple workaround to this. To create the ISO you download a program that you access from dos and create the ISO through it. I did it and it took maybe 5 minutes. The hardest part is typing out the command correctly.

The file is called oscdimg.zip - extract it into the windows/system32 folder (only file in the zip is oscdimg.exe). After you extract the box and get the error message, go to the command prompt. Type in the following:

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

Naturally, make sure it actually points to where you have expandedSetup saved. This will pop out the ISO into C:\ and name it 7.iso

I gave out a link on page three about this, but here it is again:
Make bootable iso from student d/l - Windows 7 Forums
A quick google search will give you more versions of the same tutorial.

this worked tyvm!

[Yugl]

You may not be able to exchange it if you want the 64-bit, but if you're fine with the 32-bit, you can get that instead. Check one of the emails you received after purchasing the 64-bit and there is some information about exchanging 64-bits for 32-bits. Since I couldn't utilize the excess features of a 64-bit, it was a better option for me anyways.

[Gredival]

Microsoft offered those who got Win7 from them directly (you could obtain the student price if you asked) an ISO of the disc and a tool to run the ISO.

Apparently DigitalRiver tried to be cute and distribute the file as a regular installer instead of an ISO. This caused all sorts of issues for people trying to unpack the download (it won't unpack on a 32-bit system)

DigitalRiver are now offering the pre-packed ISO that Microsoft distributed to those who purchased directly though them... but instead of just emailing all of us who ordered the 64-bit version with a new download link you have to contact customer service to obtain the link from them.

TL;DR: DigitalRiver assumes you have the tech competence of a retard that needs the tines on his fork dulled so you don't stab yourself and won't provide you the tools to properly move from 32 to 64 without going through customer service.


Windows 7 US Online Store

[antihero]

Rad, two copies of Win7 Pro for less than $100 (used my email and my gf's email [desktop/laptop]), used the keys they sent and build 7600 ultimate iso from usenet to install. thanks bros

[Neb]

Has anyone tried forwarding the email to another PC and installing there I forwarded this from school to my home PC and just noticed the big disclaimer:

"PLEASE NOTE: Forwarding this email to others will make you ineligible for the program."

Has anyone forwarded this and Installed I'm scared to screw myself if I try to install until I find out if anyone else has been sucessfull after forwarding?

[Vuitton]

It's not inaccurate. If you downloaded the BOX files from digitalriver you can never upgrade from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Win7. It's a bug that the assholes somehow overlooked, since they don't give you the ISO to make an image from.

The only option he has is to order the backup DVD and boot from it.

I got around this problem as a 32bit XP user. Its not something just anyone can do though.

I loaded an ISO for Vista Enterprise 64 bit onto a USB and installed it over XP 32bit. Then, from Vista 64bit I accessed my external hard drive that had the Win7 64 bit installation program and installed it.

A little convoluted for sure. If it wasn't for MSDN AA giving me a free Vista 64bit I'd be screwed. I had ordered the DVD as a safety precaution as well as I foresaw this problem.

[antihero]

Has anyone tried forwarding the email to another PC and installing there I forwarded this from school to my home PC and just noticed the big disclaimer:

"PLEASE NOTE: Forwarding this email to others will make you ineligible for the program."

Has anyone forwarded this and Installed I'm scared to screw myself if I try to install until I find out if anyone else has been sucessfull after forwarding?

Girlfriend forwarded me her email with the link to the store and it worked no problem

[Khamsin]

If I buy a netbook or something with XP already installed on it, and use my .edu email to get an upgrade to Win7, will I be able to do it? Or would I need the disc/key/etc. from however the manufacturer got XP on there?

And if I did upgrade it, and sometime in the future needed to wipe and reinstall the OS, would I have any difficulties?

[kuronosan]

1) Yes

2) Yes - you would need some copy of windows to install it, I believe. Best thing to do is to download a copy of WinXP performance edition so that you have something to install in case there's a problem.

[Kenshiin]

My wife just informed me that she can get Professional and Ultimate versions for $10 through her High School.

[Khamsin]

1) Yes

2) Yes - you would need some copy of windows to install it, I believe. Best thing to do is to download a copy of WinXP performance edition so that you have something to install in case there's a problem.

Well, I do have an old, legit copy of XP floating around somewhere. Original disc and key and all that. Would that solve my problem?

Also, do I need anything more than an .edu email? Because I'm not exactly a student anymore, but I still have my .edu address.

EDIT: One last question, can I use one student upgrade to Win7 on more than one computer?

[Pun]

Well, I do have an old, legit copy of XP floating around somewhere. Original disc and key and all that. Would that solve my problem?

Also, do I need anything more than an .edu email? Because I'm not exactly a student anymore, but I still have my .edu address.

EDIT: One last question, can I use one student upgrade to Win7 on more than one computer?

I finished off my degree about 6 months ago, so I'm not exactly a student either, but I still put in my .edu address, and 10 minutes later I had purchased it. Got my key in my email day of the release.

[Valkrish]

I apologize friends, is this offer still valid to students?

My vista 64 is shitting up and refuses to update to SP2

[Rockstaru]

Valid up until new years, I believe.

[ClassicRed]

I finally just got my acceptance email so I'm fairly certain it's still good (I didnt have an .edu address so they had to verify my school)

[Valkrish]

So far so good, downloading the .exe

and have a disc on the way.