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.

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.