One problem that users faced was the inability to do a clean install or upgrade from Windows XP due to the fact that the files provided by Digital River made it hard to do. Yes, you could turn your Digital River Windows 7 download into a bootable DVD, but it was an involved process.

Another issue that users had was the inability to extract the Windows 7 64 bit upgrade files on a Windows Vista 32 bit computer. Attempting to do so resulted in a, Unpacking the Box” error that prevented many users from enjoying the new features of Windows 7. While we showed you how to fix the, Unpacking the Box” error; it was still hit or miss and users needed a better way.

Finally, Digital River and Microsoft have released a new download that will work with the Windows 7 Product Key sent to you by Digital River. All you need to do is download one of the following files helpfully found by Lifehacker.

Upgrade Instructions [Microsoft/Digital River]

ISO file [Direct ISO link]

Bootable DVD/USB creator [Direct .exe link]

Digital River Provides Students With a ISO File to Fix Windows & Upgrade Problems is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

The biggest issue is affecting users who want to upgrade from a 32-bit version of Windows Vista to a 64-bit version of Windows 7. In many cases these users can’t even unpack the setup files to make a bootable disc.

The Problems:

While Microsoft is working on a solution to the following error messages;

“We are unable to create or save new files in the folder in which this application was downloaded”

“The version of this file is not compatible with the version of Windows you’re running. Check your computer’s system information to see whether you need an x86 (32-bit) or x64 (64-bit) version of the program, and then contact the software publisher”

The Solutions:

There are few quick solutions that you can try to fix the error that shows up after the “Unpacking the Box” message.

The first solution would be to use a different computer, preferably one running Vista 64-bit, to do the unpacking and then follow the steps to make your installation bootable.

If you don’t have access to anther computer though, you may still be able to unpack your Windows 7 setup files pretty easily thanks to Sir Vikin in the Microsoft Answers Forums.

Pre Step-  Create a folder in the following directory-  C:usersyourname - example for me is “C:UsersSir_Vikinwin 7″

now follow the rest-

STEP 1-  Download the DLMWin7.exe  application but do NOT run it yet.
Step 2- Right click the DLMWin7.exe – select Unblock
Step 3- Under the compatibility tab select the bottom box-”Run this program as an administrator” Click “Ok” to close
Step 4- Right click the DLMWin7.exe file and select run as administrator
Step 5 – Download the files to the folder you created  example- “C:UsersSir_Vikinwin 7″
Step 6- Run it, it should unbox completely!

In the above example, “DLMWin7.exe” refers to the file you downloaded from Digital River, If you purchased Windows 7 Professional 64 bit, for example, your file would be named, “DLMWin7Pro64US.exe”.

We will continue to monitor the situation and if more solutions are found update you accordingly. If you still have problems using the Digital River upgrade files after trying these steps leave a note in the comments and we’ll try to help you out.

How To Fix the Can’t Unpack Windows 7 Student Upgrade Error is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.

To do a clean install you need to boot from a disc or flashdrive instead of starting the install process from inside your current version of Windows. Another reason you may need a bootable version is if you had the Windows 7 release candidate installed on your computer beforehand.

Thankfully there are 2 simple solutions to making your Digital River Windows 7 upgrade bootable.

1. You can create a bootable DVD
2. You can make a 4 GB or larger USB drive Bootable.

How to turn your Windows 7 EXE file into a bootable disc or drive:

The first step is to click on setup and let it extract the files to the expanded setup” folder. Even though this folder has a boot and autorun file simply putting it on a flash drive or burning it to a CD won’t work so you’ll need to do the following.

Turn your Digital River Windows 7 upgrade into a bootable DVD:

1. Download oscdimg from SevenForums and extract it to C:WindowsSystem32
2. Open an elevated command prompt by typing cmd.exe in your Vista Search box. When it shows up right click and select run as administrator.
3. Paste the following into the command prompt, be sure to put your username in:
   Oscdimg.exe u2 bC:Usersyour_usernameDesktopexpandedSetupbootetfsboot.com h C:Usersyour_usernameDesktopexpandedSetup C:7.iso
4. Press enter and wait for your ISO to be made.
5. Burn to a DVD with a burning program and you are ready to go.

These directions are expanded upon the original guide posted on SevenForums.com to be friendlier to novice users.

Turn your Digital River Windows 7 Upgrade into a bootable Flash Drive:

1. Get anything important off of your 4 GB or larger flashdrive
2. Download WintoFlash from Softpedia and unzip it.
3. Run WintoFlash
4. Click on Task
5. Choose, Transfer Windows Vista/2008/7 setup to Flash” and click Create
6. Select your expandedSetup” folder for the Vista setup files path
7. Choose your Thumbdrive location.
8. Click Create and wait for it to create your bootable Windows 7 upgrade USB drive.

From there you just need to Install Windows 7 like normal.

How to Make the Student Discounted Windows 7 Upgrade Bootable is a post by Josh Smith from Notebooks.com.