A little help with Windows 7

[darthzew]

I'm not the guy who usually does this, but I'm struggling here...

I have the student discount version of Windows 7 and all of the files are sitting pretty on my hard drive. Now, my plan is to do a clean install from a bootable flash drive but I'm hesitant because I have one concern.

Every single guide I find online is to copy the DISK onto the flash drive and boot that, so my question is whether or not I can do this with the downloaded copy and if there are any additional steps.

(Please don't give me any smart-ass "google it" comments... I've been doing that for hours now)

 

[MMMowman]

Get a MAC

 

[darthzew]

Get a MAC

You're at a gaming website, dude. Macs =/= games... except Command and Conquer and the Sims.

Your comment is helpful, original, and insightful!

 

[Ignignokt]

Maybe you can make an image of a disk with the files?

 

[Gardenia]

I'd help you, but I forgot how I did it. I think I just copied everything over on the flash drive. If you get the install menu, you're good to go, if not, try again.

 

[Ignignokt]

Maybe you can make an image of a disk with the files?

You wouldn't be able to run a virtual drive from the boot menu though.

What if he writes the image to a disk?
Or why not just try booting off the flash drive and see if it works? I'm a little unsure what he's concerned about.

 

[Slysliver]

I don't 100% recall if the student version is an ISO or some other file format, but if it is an ISO, using a program like Magic ISO will allow you to at least play around with the files and be able to extract them on to a flash drive.

Other wise, if it is some weird auto burn to DVD format, which I think it is, then you will have to burn everything to a disk then copy from there.

Edit: Just found this link, might come in handy as well. Has a link near the bottom on how to get the files on to a bootable usb stick as well.
http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/10/22/how-to-make-a-dvd-of-that-student-only-windows-7/

 

[siffty]

Get a MAC

You're at a gaming website, dude. Macs =/= games... except Command and Conquer and the Sims.

Your comment is helpful, original, and insightful!

also PHOTOSHOP IS NOT A GAME

O.T. you could do what i do and get a dummy HD and try it out on that 1st

 

[Sevre]

Get a MAC

*Points to the door*

Leave.Now.

 

[GloatingSwine]

Get a MAC

I agree with him. OSX 10.6 full retail: £20. Windows 7 upgrade only with partner discount: £30.

 

[darthzew]

Maybe you can make an image of a disk with the files?

You wouldn't be able to run a virtual drive from the boot menu though.

What if he writes the image to a disk?
Or why not just try booting off the flash drive and see if it works? I'm a little unsure what he's concerned about.

Yeah, I'm thinking the same thing. I think his concern is that the dl'd installation files and the dvd installation files may not be interchangeable, if that makes sense.

OP, how did you install it originally?

It isn't installed. I just have the files sitting in My Documents. I'm attempting to make an ISO, but the fates seem determined to make sure that doesn't happen.

 

[darthzew]

It isn't installed. I just have the files sitting in My Documents. I'm attempting to make an ISO, but the fates seem determined to make sure that doesn't happen.

I'm guessing they should be fine to copy to the flash drive and run. Make sure anything important is backed up and give it a shot. Maybe want to make sure the flash drive is clear of anything else too. Don't want to accidentally corrupt anything.

I tried that... luckily I found an ISO from Microsoft that I download and use. Turns out I'm not the only one totally screwed over by this student discount.

 

[MMMowman]

I don't like Macs (I think they're crap *for gaming)... I had XP then I got a new computer with Win 7 and had heaps of problems with...

 

[e2density]

Use a program like ImgBurn or any free iso burning software, then burn it to a DVD. Insert it into the PC, install like you normally would.

Or you can install it directly from a USB:
http://www.intowindows.com/how-to-install-windows-7vista-from-usb-drive-detailed-100-working-guide/