Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Is this a windows 7 installation?

Sep 23, 2015 6:27PM PDT

I'm getting ready to do a clean install. I looked up these instructions:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-7

And it said to save the installation files to a disc or usb drive.

Well, I just downloaded a 3.1GB file off of softonic that claimed to be Windows 7. After extracting it with 7zip, this is what the folder looks like.

http://s22.postimg.org/d0hfbrz2p/OS_Folder.jpg

Is this what they were talking about? Is this what I'm supposed to save to a USB drive?

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Clarification Request
Let's backtrack a bit. Is that Softonic an .ISO file?
Sep 23, 2015 7:45PM PDT

Then one does not simply unzip it. One creates a bootable DVD with it just like we do with all Windows ISO files.

If you unzip it, then it's very un-useful.

Also, what is this about the USB stick? That's not supported, not supportable and I fear no one will tell you it will work.

-> Get back to me what this download was.

- Collapse -
Yes, it was an ISO file.
Sep 23, 2015 9:08PM PDT

So, do I just burnt he unzipped ISO file to a disk or USB drive?

Also, I read from MICROSOFT THEMSELVES that a thumb drive will work just fine:

windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-7

" To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive."

- Collapse -
It's very very precise.
Sep 24, 2015 8:46AM PDT
- Collapse -
You mention Ninite
Sep 24, 2015 11:41AM PDT

Shouldn't I wait until AFTER I've done the clean install before I download that?

- Collapse -
Since you can't install the OS without a good DVD
Sep 24, 2015 12:03PM PDT

You've walked straight into the chicken and egg or maybe a Möbius endless loop.

That is, to create the DVD from the ISO I need to use ImgBurn. So how to do that without downloading?

- Collapse -
I've downloaded IMG.
Sep 24, 2015 4:33PM PDT

I've got IMG. I plan on using it to burn the ISO to a disc once I finish with my current, upcoming work project.

I have to type a 50+ page MS Word document, and it's due on October 5. I'm already way behind because of all this BS, so I just decided "screw it; I'll finish the project while in safe mode and fix my computer later."

I'll let you guys know when I'm ready to resume repairs.

- Collapse -
Answer
Looks like a bum one.
Sep 23, 2015 6:36PM PDT

Why bother with Softonic? http://www.cnet.com/forums/post/33abbc28-bd26-4a51-987d-36cb2a771126/ leads us to the .ISO right from Microsoft along with how to make the DVD.

Saving those files will result in a non-bootable install key. Seems like a wasted effort.

---> Say, I see I gave you this link. Why didn't you follow some advice from members here?

- Collapse -
Re: Looks like a bum one
Sep 23, 2015 7:12PM PDT

There are fifty links on that webpage you're giving me!

What? Can't you just ... give me a direct download link?

- Collapse -
I only gave you one link to the CNET forum.
Sep 23, 2015 7:32PM PDT
- Collapse -
The link you gave me
Sep 23, 2015 8:30PM PDT

I'm looking in the "Windows 7" section. It's inviting me to download Windows 7 using Microsoft Product Recovery. The only problem is ... that service only works for retail versions of windows, and I have a pre-installed OS.

So that doesn't cut the mustard for me. I need a download like - not an article that gives me 20 download links to choose from, but just a direct download link - that gives me a Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit ISO.

Is that so hard?

- Collapse -
Yes, it was an ISO file.
Sep 23, 2015 9:09PM PDT

So, do I just burnt he unzipped ISO file to a disk or USB drive?

Also, I read from MICROSOFT THEMSELVES that a thumb drive will work just fine:

windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/installing-reinstalling-windows#1TC=windows-7

"To install Windows 7 using the Custom option and formatting the hard disk

To format your hard disk during Windows 7 installation, you'll need to start, or boot, your computer using the Windows 7 installation disc or USB flash drive."

- Collapse -
Re: burn
Sep 23, 2015 9:53PM PDT

You don't "just" burn the file to a disk or copy it to a USB-stick. It isn't bootable then.
Your burn it "as an image" using your favorite burning program or - if you don't have one - you donwload imgburn from http://www.imgburn.com/.

I can't tell about making a bootable USB yourself.

Kees