[Trotter]

I booted Win7 from a USB drive for the RC because my optical drive was on RMA at the time. Considering my mobo is several years old (AMD s939) and has the option, I know his will, too.

Here's the process.
Install Windows Vista from Bootable USB Flash Memory Drive

[braz]

ok Abooth, this is what I get when I type in the first line in the command prompt. Problem is I don't have the disc to copy the files like it says in the tutorial trotter.

Spoiler for click for image:

ok, so I have the file win7 now on my C drive after following what you said Abooth, I open it with winzip and there are a TON of files. Do I wipe out my usb again and extract them there? Also, does my flash drive have to be FAT32?
*UPDATE* made it fat 32, extracted the win7 file and everything inside to my fat32 usb drive, still wont boot from it.

[office politics]

Originally Posted by synergy

How to create a Windows Vista / 7 installation disc - ImgBurn Support Forum

I used this method and it worked flawlessly. If you are having problems extracting the .box files, try WinRar or 7zip.

I used this method to create a bootable disc and was able to start a custom install.

I try to enter my product key and tells me invalid key. Argh!! I tried many times. Double checked and rechecked with the email they sent.

The recovery discs for the laptop produce a bad install everytime.

I'm going to try installing a copy of vista ultimate i have laying around and upgrading.

[office politics]

Originally Posted by office politics

I'm going to try installing a copy of vista ultimate i have laying around and upgrading.

after doing this, the process completed. this leads me to believe that i need a previous version of windows installed to install win 7 with the student upgrade discs.

funny that I still had to pick custom install because it said vista ultimate could not be upgraded.

[Mak213]

Yes you need a qualifying version of Windows previously installed in order to use the upgrade. This method to do a clean install with nothing on your hard drive is a myth and has been proven wrong.

Answer on how to install an Upgrade if your License Key is not accepted!!!
Microsoft counters Windows 7 upgrade hack advice ? The Register
Microsoft SMB Community Blog : No, OEM Microsoft Windows licenses cannot be transferred to another PC
Microsoft SMB Community Blog : Regardless of what any hack says, a Windows 7 Upgrade is an Upgrade. What you need to know.
Microsoft SMB Community Blog : Identity of the Windows 7 Upgrade ?Hack? Revealed and more!
Upgrading from Windows Vista to Windows 7 (custom installation) - Help & How-to - Microsoft Windows

I think that is enough sources to back up that statement...