However that isn't the big issue with the Digital River upgrade files. The problem is that when you download the upgrade, it comes as an executable, which then you simply double click, it unpacks and the install starts. From there you can upgrade or do advanced install (IE format and clean install). All well and good and dandy - you don't even need a disk. BUT - there is a major caveat here and it is thus: the executable you download will only work on a 64 bit OS. In other words, if you are running Vista 32bit, you can't actually extract the installtion files and thus can never upgrade.
Now, there are workarounds for this that will convert the downloaded executable to an ISO, which can then be of course burned and used. But this is not mentioned anywhere by Digital River and users pretty much have to google it on their own to find the solution - not very user friendly, even if the solution IS very easy. This is definitely a problem with Digital River - I have NO idea why they wouldn't at least let you choose what format you are downloading. Some of the blame can go to MS as well, as they should have checked on their distribution partner to make sure they didn't do something like this.
Anyway, if you are reading this and are in the 32-64 bit hole, here is a link for the workaround. Actually there are two links in that article, one for the work-around, the other for a MS released tool that will allow you to make a bootable USB drive with the installtion files - in case you don't own a DVD drive. You are welcome
- ZDnet, once again I've done your work for you. Care to start paying me?http://www.techspot.com/news/36698-microsoft-acknowledges-problem-with-windows-7-student-upgrades.html
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