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How to make a Windows 7 bootable disk?

I'm upgrading Vista Ultimate 32-bit to Windows 7 Pro. I purchased the download-only option from the Microsoft website. (Should have gone to Staples.) I thought I would have the opportunity during the initial setup to select a 64-bit installation. But no. Instead, I have to boot from the Windows 7 disk - WHICH I DON'T HAVE, just the setup files themselves. I can't install anything else until I resolve this.

How do I make a bootable disk? (I have no floppy drive, btw.)

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Answer

TrekDozer

Create Install DVD or USB Flash Drive from Windows 7 Download

Depending on what you downloaded (ISO or .box) and what you have available you can use one of the links below to create boot media. To use the USB flash drive methods your flash drive must be 4GB or larger and the computer must be able to boot from USB. You could also buy the install DVD if you want.

DVD from ISO - If you downloaded the ISO file use a burning program to make a DVD. You can also use the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool allows you to create a copy of your Windows 7 ISO file on a DVD or USB flash drive.
http://store.microsoft.com/Help/ISO-Tool
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/toolsofthetrade/ht/burnisofile.htm

DVD from .box files - If you downloaded the .EXE & .BOX files follow these instructions to make a bootable DVD from the Windows 7 download:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/1392-63-windows-upgrade-bootable-guide-having-issues

USB Flash from ISO - If you downloaded the ISO file and want to install Windows 7 using a flash drive:
The Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool allows you to create a copy of your Windows 7 ISO file on a USB flash drive or a DVD. To create a bootable DVD or USB flash drive, download the ISO file and then run the Windows 7 USB/DVD Download tool. Once this is done, you can install Windows 7 directly from the USB flash drive or DVD.
http://store.microsoft.com/Help/ISO-Tool

USB Flash from Setup Files - WinToFlash is a handy application that will help you transfer your Windows 7 setup from a hard drive or DVD to USB flash in a few steps. With this you can install your Windows 7 from a flash card, USB stick, HDD, etc to your computer or netbook. If you downloaded the .box files extract them first. If you have a 4GB or larger USB flash drive (or external hard drive) and the computer can boot from USB:
http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/System-Miscellaneous/WinToFlash.shtml

Have Questions About Installing Windows 7?
FAQ - Common Windows 7 Installation Questions & Answers

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TrekDozer

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