Students find problems with Windows 7 upgrade

Microsoft's discount Windows 7 upgrade for students has proven to be a tough assignment for some of those who signed up for the offer.

The software maker is offering students the option of buying a downloadable upgrade version of Windows 7 for $29--a significant savings off the full boxed copy of the new operating system. However, a number of students have reported problems when trying to download and install the new version of Windows.

In a blog posting, Microsoft says it is aware of several issues that folks have encountered. Most common is the fact that folks can't easily go from the 32-bit version of Vista to the 64-bit version of Windows 7. That requires a clean installation.

Those in that camp can either get a refund or contact Digital River, the company managing the digital downloads, to try to get a disc with the operating system.

In addition to that issue, Microsoft notes that it is investigating two other errors that folks have been encountering. For some folks, the download hangs at a certain percentage and won't continue or resume.

"This appears to be a series of isolated issues that are often related to the user's Internet provider or installed third-party software," Microsoft said.

In other cases, users get a generic unspecified error message. "While not widespread, this issue appears to be caused when one of the downloaded files is incomplete or has become corrupted on the user's computer."

Students in that camp should try re-downloading the operating system, Microsoft said.

[Mr. Dee]

I am not gonna lie, Digital River did a real klutz on this one. Microsoft, don't ever use them again and never use that process again. Simply provide an ISO for the edition, tell user: download, burn, install. Simple.

Ina, there no refunds either, here is an email response as proof:
Refund:
Dear Quincy XXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting the Windows 7 Offer online store.

We understand that you want to refund your purchased order.

Please note that all products that are ordered through the Windows 7
Offer online store are ineligible for a refund. This is outlined in our
refund policy, located at:

http://windows7.digitalriver.com/store/mswpus/en_US/DisplayReturnAndCancellationsPage


Sincerely,
Manual R.
Windows 7 Offer online store
Customer Service
[e-mail]
Email ID: XXXXXXXX

[ballmerisanape]

"download, burn, install. Simple."

Exactly. Why do it any other way?

[a3th3r]

Perhaps you have a netbook and no optical drive? I would then say download to a flashdrive is your best bet

[stickfu]

Sucks for students

On another note good job posting this info

[whatsat]

I actually bought and downloaded Win 7 Pro 64 from Digital River. The fact that they do not offer an ISO for the downloaded was disappointing. I was able to find several sites that showed how to make the downloaded files into an ISO which allowed me to do the clean install that I wanted with no problems. I think Digital River could have avoided a lot of problems simply by allowing a .ISO download option like Mr. Dee said.

[BtmnHatesRbn]

Windows 7 RC had a freaking ISO for me to burn! What's the deal?

[Random_Walk]

Damn... world+dog uses ISO. Even if you have just a netbook, it's not that hard to make a bootable USB stick out of an ISO file.

[sdf0013]

Digital River has been a known problem for digital delivery. Their name certainly not the best in the biz.

Speaking of which. I would if Steam could have done a better job. At least we know their servers can handle sending a file.

[Hokulea]

I had no problems downloading or installing the Win 7 Pro Upgrade from Digital River. I just downloaded the files from Digital River to an external USB drive, burned em to DVD, then ran the installer. Less than half an hour later I was logged in on 7.

When I placed my order through Win741 it was very clear that the download version was either 32 or 64 bit, not both.

Give your credit card company a call and let them know you are not happy with the promised serviced from Digital River, and you would like the charge reversed.
9 times out of 10 this is going to work for you, it has worked for me in the past.

[Davros45]

"Please note that all products that are ordered through the Windows 7 Offer online store are ineligible for a refund." That's why God invented chargeback.

[cnation]

people are dum ass buy a Mac please

[celticbrewer]

yes "dum ass" people, please buy a mac. That OS was invented for people of your intelligence level. You'll feel right at home!

[UberDjinn]

I am not dumb thank you...Windows Vista stunk I will admit but Windows 7 just needs time. When was the last time anything worked (game-wise) on a MAC? I had better luck with Ubuntu!

[Unimatrix42]

Oh good lord... "game-wise" ?? If you want to play games buy an XBox!

[viper396]

@cnation, you're only embarrassing other Mac users. Obviously a Mac doesn't help your grammar or spelling.

[ballmerisanape]

Viper,

Macs have a built-in system-wide spell check and dictionary.... it does not check your grammar, however ;)

[cary1]

yeah. I put the Snow Leopard disc in my Dell Studio, but it refused to install. I guess Apple sent me a corrupt disc

[topgunb2]

@youareanape office and outlook does!

[rationalreview]

Is that dum or dumb, or dum as is dum does????? Which one are you cnation

[darkr]

@cary1
by cary1 October 26, 2009 12:27 PM PDT
yeah. I put the Snow Leopard disc in my Dell Studio, but it refused to install. I guess Apple sent me a corrupt disc


unless you want to hackintosh your computer snowleopard won't install on a dell only apple machines unless you hackintosh it which will require alot of work

[kool_skatkat]

Or maybe make the jump to a mac, will still get a new operating system for $29. :-)

[Renegade Knight]

Sorry to burst your bubble but the 29.00 OS upgrade is broken at this time. Google "Snow Leopard Dropping Connection" and you will find more people having problems staying connected to the net than who ever had the data problem. If you are a student try dropping your connectin in the middle of a quiz and see how you feel about that.

Apple and MS both have some legwork to get the nits out of their operating systems.

[Grifter02]

I think you mean "We still have to pay $29 for a service pack."

[viper396]

Yeah, that's the intelligent solution to give finacially strapped college students. Tell them to buy a $1000+ Mac so they can spend only $29 on the OS.

[cary1]

I did try, but Snow Leopard didn't install on my Dell Studio. I should return the disc and get Windows 7 instead. It will install without a hiccup

[ckurowic]

@viper: Apple has over 54% marketshare on college campuses......We like our Mac's just fine.

[jake3373]

@cary1 Mac OS is special that it can only install on Macs. Apparently, Apple wants you to spend $1000 on a Mac so you can install their OS.

[baconstang]

Spend a grand on a Mac and that'll get you through college.

[myles taylor]

So before all the flaming and debates about switching to a Mac explode........

I am anxious to see the comments of Applesuxleo and others. How will they spin this?

[Vegaman_Dan]

I'm not sure how anyone can spin this one. The problem is clearly one with Digital River. It looks like DR isn't trying to spin it at all- just telling people- tough, no refunds.

I do hope that Microsoft remembers this sort of customer service when they go looking for another host for this sort of download.

[ballmerisanape]

Not true. Sounds like there have been a lot of the typical "activation" issues as well. That falls on MS.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/174342/windows_7_upgrade_woes_mount_endless_reboots_and_product_key_problems.html

[Unimatrix42]

@Vegaman_Dan

"I do hope that Microsoft remembers this sort of customer service when they go looking for another host for this sort of download."

What makes you think Microsoft cares?

[tjmm1234]

What you will get is only an update that you have to pay for. Plus, you will have to pay a high price for the hardware. Apple = Crapple!!

[kaibelf]

I would hardly call a 90% code overhaul an "update." Also, if Apple's so bad, why are they constantly killing MS in satisfaction? Name ONE thing about Windows that wasn't done by a competitor first? Ever?

[UberDjinn]

Replying to Kaibelf, what hasn't apple stolen that wasn't from another competitor?

[YankeePoodle]

If 90% of re-coding with no new features is a "overhaul" for you, I call it bad refactoring... the initial code stunk in the first place.

[Gold_Storm_Mac]

too many angry ms trolls. why bother.

[ckh1272]

@ tjmm1234--Wow. "Crapple"? Never heard that one before. Oh wait....

[Xenu3000]

I had the same problem going from Win XP X86 -> Win 7 Pro x64, and found a good tutorial:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/30470-make-bootable-iso-student-d-l.html

So in the end its not that much worse but still annoying:
download
corvert to iso
burn
install

[mados123]

Nice link!

[resistthebeasts]

Some practical advice if you're in that position like me: trying to upgrade from Ultimate to Professional, and didn't realize you could not do it with the program until after you finished downloading it. You can create a bootable DVD or flash stick from the files the setup program includes. All you have to do is start the installation and copy the files from the expandedSetup folder that's created in the folder with the setup program to the flash drive or DVD. However, the media must be bootable. I'm not sure how to do it on DVDs, since I prefer installing from the flash drive (there was an issue with my motherboard's SATA controller that made Windows Setup in Vista unable to work with the DVD drive and I'm not sure 7 has fixed it). Follow these steps (only works on a Vista or 7 machine):

1. Start --> Type in cmd, right click the cmd.exe icon that appears and click Run as Administrator.
2. In the command prompt, type diskpart [Enter]
3. list disk (USB flash drive will show in the list - Disk 1 for this example)
4. select disk 1
5. clean
6. create partition primary
7. select partition 1
8. active
9. format fs=ntfs quick label="WIN"
10. exit
11. bootsect /nt60 h: (where H is the drive letter of the flash drive)

You can then use Windows Explorer to copy everything in the expandedSetup into the flash drive and it'll work as long as your BIOS supports booting from USB flash-hdd.

I expect you can also torrent an ISO image for a DVD from somewhere since you get a valid product key anyway, but I didn't want to redownload the 3 GB image.

[Jcurtis01]

I understand that there is work around to get an ISO file and etc...But isnt the idea of purchasing a product is that it should work as stated. If i wanted to do work arounds i would not have paid money for the software.

This is definitely a reason why piracy is so prevalent.

[Unimatrix42]

All that work from a so called "modern" OS? You Windows people sure love to waste your own time.

[baconstang]

Macs if you've got the $$$, MS if you've got the time.

[ballmerisanape]

"Macs if you've got the $$$, MS if you've got the time"

Very true, lol

[erifkind]

PowerISO. Mounts ISO files as virtual drives. Permits you to install software as if it were from a physical drive. Much easier (and greener) than wasting writable discs. I'm sure there are comparable programs, but I've had very good luck using PowerISO.

[Hokulea]

I was able to install Win 7 Pro by burning the downloaded files onto a DVD just as they were, no ISO needed.

Ran setup executable and it unpacked the BOX files then installed without any problems.

[Geoff338]

i have a feeling the problems are a lot more prevalent that Microsoft is claiming. I experienced the unpacking error, and as a tech savoy person, searched online and found how to make the ISO. I have a feeling many of the early adopters are people who know a lot about computers and would do the same and not waste time complaining to Microsoft when the solution is out there.

[viper396]

Your "feelings" don't translate to fact.. You're just guessing and making up your own explanation.

[ballmerisanape]

viper,

take a trip over to the MS help forums... There are plenty of documented problems that point back toward MS. It's not surprising though, MS has to do a lot to avoid piracy.. and you can't really blame them for trying to protect their product. I do wish, however, that MS would have learned from past mistakes and made the activation key process more robust. Getting Vista to activate on a test computer at work was a nightmare.... and, from what is sounds like so far.. enough people are experiencing the same with 7.

MS really has to be careful with this launch.. even the littlest of problems is going to get a lot of "viral" media coverage. People don't need any more fuel for the MS hate that has become so popular.

7 could be a gift from God.. but if MS screws up it's launch... it will take another year for it to take hold (because people will not have a choice in a year).

[lakerfan023]

I am a student who is also having a problem with upgrading from 32-bit XP to 64-bit Windows 7. Microsoft should have at least looked over what Digital River was distributing, this is ridiculous I am a college student who does not have the time, or the patience probably, to do this. But what would I know I'm only a computer science major so it must be my fault right... at least that's what Microsoft reps say.

[JabberWockey]

Then you would know that a fresh boot for an OS is the best, especially when switching from 32-bit to 64-bit. It shouldn't be too hard for you, as a comp-sci major, to back up your files and do a fresh boot, right?

[EdCenter]

"this is ridiculous I am a college student who does not have the time, or the patience probably, to do this."

You have time. If you think you don't have time to do anything, try real life after college. You'll be reminiscing about all the free time you had in college.

Oh, and I don't believe Microsoft allows you to upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit Windows (and if you want 64-bit Windows 7, why do you have 32-bit Windows XP/Vista in the first place?)

[Hokulea]

The Win741 site was very clear regarding 32 bit and 64 bit versions. When I placed an order through Digital River for the Win 7 Pro upgrade, it stated that the download was available in either 32 bit or 64 bit versions, not both.

I ordered the x64 version and that's what I downloaded a month afterward. It's only the 64 bit version. Same thing is true if you order the 32 bit version, then you only get the 32 bit version. Like I said, it was well explained at the time of order.

[lakerfan023]

@ JabberWockey, Trust me I know, I even asked to confirm that Windows 32 bit would be able to upgrade to 64-bit Win 7. They told me I would need to do a clean install and I had no problem losing my data, I have a backup. I had no problem with this so I placed the order, and like I said, I couldn't even open or run the download that they said would work. Luckily I placed an order for the disk that students were able to purchase for an extra fee, and when/if I receive it, I will be able to upgrade from 32-bit XP to 64-bit Win7.

@EdCenter, love how you know my schedule and how much time I have. I think I know what real life is because I do happen to work two jobs, but you would not know that as you make false assumptions.

@Hokulea, I don't recall saying that the order included both 32-bit and 64-bit versions, maybe you misunderstood or I didn't clarify enough.

[Jcurtis01]

I am also having problems with Microsoft regarding this problem. The ad for the product clearly states that you CAN do clean installs when going from XP to 7. I have a netbook and the FIRST problem is the file they send you is NOT an ISO, but the little program they ask you to download to make your flash drive boot-able REQUIRES, an ISO. Here is an email regarding this problem..

Dear Jon Curtis,


Thank you for contacting the Windows 7 Offer online store.

We understand that you are having difficulties with the downloaded file.
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this issue might have
caused you.

As of now, we are still upgrading the .ISO file generator. That is why,
we are suggesting you to add a backup media for your order.

We will contact you immediately regarding the update for the .ISO
generator as soon as we have it fix.

We apologize for the inconvenience that you encountered. Please follow
the instructions below to purchase the Backup DVD service for an
existing order:

In order to purchase the Backup DVD service, you will first need to be
logged into the Windows 7 Offer online store with your registered email
address and the system generated password. Please use the following
instructions to access the store........

Sincerely,
Joanna A.
Windows 7 Offer online store
Customer Service
[e-mail]


They want THE STUDENTS TO PURCHASE more product. They are trying to increase their sales rather than help. If i wanted to wait 2 weeks to install windows i would have purchased a dvd and not bothered with the download. It doesn't end here I got another email...

Dear Jon Curtis,

Thank you for contacting the Windows 7 Offer online store.

We apologize for the inconvenience that you encountered. We understand
that you require the ISO file of Windows 7.

The ISO profile can only be obtained by purchasing the backup dvd of
your program.

In order to purchase the Backup DVD service, you will first need to be
logged into the Windows 7 Offer online store with your registered email
address and the system generated password. Please use the following
instructions to access the store..........
If you have placed an order for the Backup DVD, the order will arrive
within two weeks via Postal Service. If you do not receive the Backup
DVD within that time, please contact us.

Sincerely,
John Patrick S.
Windows 7 Offer online store
Customer Service
[e-mail]

I then recieved another email this morning stating that they are still working on the situation. I wish they would get their crap together and stop trying to up-sell all of the students who are having to deal with their errors.

Oh yea...if you do "find" an iso file "somewhere", good luck activating your copy of windows 7, cause the student versions keys will give you an error stating your key "is for upgrades only" , and not for CLEAN installs. Again not as advertised.

[h_abgottspon]

use MSDNA
windows 7 prof for free...

[UberDjinn]

I had no problems from the download except the first time it made my Vista crash (but what doesn't, right?). Anyway it downloaded fine, I extracted it fine, and it even installed fine on my ACER laptop the second time I tried. I have been enjoying Windows 7 Home Prenium ever since...Also, do a CUSTOM installation (not an UPGRADE because it tries to install your applications too, better with a clean install with your programs in the Windows.old folder). I don't know, seems strange...but the format was dumb I will admit that...I wanted to run it off the disc anyway which probably would of worked the FIRST time, but no, in a download format instead. DUMB.

[Rob9099]

I ordered from the 741 student promotion through Digital River, but I paid for the optional installation media for (I think it was) $12. I figured if I was already getting it for a fraction of the normal cost, why not get an authentic disc? I haven't gotten it or installed it yet, but I'm now very glad I ordered the disc because they're saying that a lot of the issues might be due to a corrupt image or a corrupted burn.

[gertruded]

You won't have any of the problems you had with Vista---- trust me.

[Super2online]

That's what Crapple is saying, not Microsoft. This is an option for students only. Microsoft has outlined and acknowledged the upgrade process for XP users would not be a simple upgrade. XP users with older hardware should purchase a new system with 7 preloaded. Newer hardware users should be fine with a clean install. Vista users can upgrade, but a clean install is recommended.

[Unimatrix42]

@Super2online -- You actually make the Mac argument.

You say that XP users with older hardware should just go out and buy a new computer with Windows 7 preloaded. If my heart was set on running a Microsoft OS, I might agree with you. But let's take a step back for a moment and consider that if you need to buy a new computer just to run the latest OS from Microsoft, which is years behind OS X to begin with, why wouldn't you consider buying a Mac?

If you seriously compare hardware, software, and what your time is worth, and what your computer will be worth in say three years, then buying a Mac makes all the sense in the world. You may spend a little more initially, but not really if you compare what you're getting for your dollar. So, sure, you can buy a $500 dell or some other cheapo computer from WalMart with Windows 7 preloaded and deal with the inevitable issues you know you're going to have down the road, or you switch. From your lowest cost Mac Mini to the most expensive tricked out Mac Pro, they ALL run Snow Leopard. A true 64 bit OS which does everything you could want it to do.

With Microsoft's track record, and by what users are already saying about the upgrade process, it seems like a no-brainer to me. But that's just me... I use a Mac.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@Unimatrix42:

The same argument can be made to switch from a Mac to Windows since if you have a PPC system, you will need to purchase a new machine anyways as Snow Leopard cannot be installed on the PPC.

In the end, it doesn't make a bit of difference. People who love the Mac will use it regardless of what happens. Same goes for PC users.

[Unimatrix42]

@Vegaman_Dan

Not really. PowerPC Machines ran Leopard without issue. Snow Leopard was Apple's final migration to the 64 bit Intel ecosystem. So you're really not comparing Apples to Apples :D

Plus, it's unlikely that someone using a G4 or G5 machine who really wanted to upgrade to Snow Leopard would abandon Mac as a platform. Migrating to another Mac is terrificly simple to do.

But you could run your PowerPC machine with Leopard for many more years and still enjoy fabulous performance and software accessibility. But you're quite right... Mac users are happy and hopefully, PC will now be happy too.

@Unimatrix42
"why wouldn't you consider buying a Mac?"

Because I'm also a gamer, which means I'd probably be dual-booting with Windows 7 anyway. And before anyone asks why i didn't just get a console, it's because I was already spending a good chunck of money on a computer anyway, why get two devices to do what one can easily do? Also, I've never had a problem with Windows (even with Vista I came late enough to miss the worst and actually had hardware that could run it without issues) so there was no reason to pay so much for something new when I never had a problem with the old. The biggest thing for me though was price, it wasn't logical to get a Mac at all, and my PC isn't exactly cheap, cheap when you compare what I got to how much I spent, but still not cheap. And I actually did look at Macs, at the time (that being early spring 2009) a Macbook Pro that couldn't quite match my computer for specs was a little more than $2800 a.k.a. more than I wanted to spend. Granted if I were a graphic design student or something similar, than yeah, I would have gotten a Mac, but for what I wanted/needed in a computer, the Mac wasn't a good option for me. Mac and PC both have their strengths, but my interests and a Mac's strengths just don't match up enough.

That being said I upgraded from 64-bit Vista to 64-bit 7, both home premium, no problem using the student deal for $30. My girlfriend did the same, and my brother went 32-bit Vista to 32-bit 7, again both home premium, and again no problems. And for anyone who hasn't upgraded and wants to, run the upgrade advisor first and do what it says (especially with uninstalling iTunes because that did give me a few issues until I just uninstalled and then reinstalled it) because straightening out software/driver compatibility was what took the longest. As for time, I spent maybe an hour actually doing something with the install, otherwise it just downloaded and ran while I was at class or doing homework.

[iceman721]

I have been a loyal Microsoft user since around the 3.0 days. I have an above average technical base but I am DONE running Windows only. I'm typing this now on a Dell desktop that I installed the Windows 7 RC on. My screen on my Asus laptop went out (not MS's fault) but it was still usable while connected to an external monitor so I continued to use it until I was ready to send it off for the warranty fix. Now I install this week's version of MS patches (came out on Tuesday I didn't install them until this weekend) as I have done every week for years now. About an hour into using my computer (32 bit Vista w/ Eset Security Suite 4.0) surfing on Google Chrome my system locks up. This was the first lockup I had in over a year. I tried to get out and couldn't get anything to work. I shut the system down waited 5 minutes and then received a message that the system can not load my OS. I can't even get it to start in safe mode.

I will like troubleshoot it and/or take it over to an even more experienced buddy of mine who works in IT so we can put our heads together and try and fix it (the machine ran me about a 1k dollars almost 2yrs ago). This is my LAST windows only machine. My wife has spilled water on her Macbook and abused it like I would never consider doing to my system. I was burned with Windows ME and spent countless hours fixing it to get it to run correctly. Vista finally got me (even though I had no problems with it for almost 2 years). I have had the problems with varying degrees of quality (or lack of it) from different PC manufacturers (premature HD failure 2x's desktop & laptop (Dell), premature screen failure (Asus laptop), etc. Do I think transitioning to a Macbook Pro in a dual boot environment is going to solve everything? Nope I don't but there has to be a better way than this. My daughter tried to use a Sprint wireless USB adaptor on her Acer laptop and it froze out her whole system (Vista 32bit) and took me about 6 hours to troubleshoot & fix.

I will run Windows 7 but it will be on a Macbook Pro (my 1st). I'm done working in a PC only environment and getting screwed over & over again. 2k if it includes some peace of mind will be money well spent.

[adaml223]

This would be why I always pay that little bit extra for a backup DVD copy. No relying on downloads and burning copies. With one student copy plus DVD and one earlybird special plus DVD, it's still less than one retail copy.

[cloudmatt]

for the percentage hang they mentioned it sounds like what I ran into going from vista to 7. I bet if the people reporting hangs just waited a little longer it would have continued just fine. win7 can take up to 2 hours to upgrade don't be put out if it seems to hang it is still working in the background.

I agree big flub on the installer from river. probably didn't help the cause.

at least 7 isn't deleting personal data like SL(you apple heads asked for that)

[stickfu]

"at least 7 isn't deleting personal data like SL(you apple heads asked for that)"

No, it does much worse than that...

http://news.idg.no/cw/art.cfm?id=908BA2B9-1A64-6A71-CE8756D4495E651D

(BTW, YOU asked for that)

[cloudmatt]

yes with such riveting investigation from "Chimaera717" and "Keith". endless boot cycle sounds like a raid driver issue to me. I'm not saying a bad install can't suck your will to live. I'm saying you mac kiddies best not be throwing stones seeing as this story is just as laughable as the SL upgrade issues.

I've upgraded xp 32 xp 64 vista 64 and even 7 rc all to 7 Ultimate. the only issues I've come across is it taking a long time to index my file structure and in expanding the install files. It's probably bad downloads bad installer package or the pink squidgy thing attached to the keyboard.

You mac kiddies promptly start jumping around spouting truly insightful and fact based things such as "people are dum ass buy a Mac please" from your good friend Cnation.

[stickfu]

And you showcase your maturity level so well!
Enjoy waisting your time with Vis7a....

you obviously have a lot if it.

[Thor92519]

I have a PC with a release candidate of Windows 7 and a Mac that is now running Snow Leopard. When I did the upgrade to Snow Leopard it was very easy. Put in the disk, run the program and wait. About an hour later it was done. By the way it is a lot more than a service pack for those people that keep saying that. Most of what it does is not visible to the regular user so it is like a service pack but installs many very advanced new programs that work in the background.

When I purchase the full version of windows 7 I am not looking forward to having to completely wipe my current installation and reinstall the entire system from scratch. I do see one as easier than the other. A downloadable upgrade should work just like the mac upgrade, download, run the program, wait, and your done. If I could run some of my favorite games on Mac OS I would not keep going back to windows at all because of all the problems that i have had with it (and other people as well) and just run Mac OS. I am not calling Mac OS perfect but it does tend to work better with fewer problems.

I am sure that i will now be called an Apple Fanboy and if so I wear the badge gladly.

[Vegaman_Dan]

Apple also recommends a clean install on Snow Leopard for the best results. In general, this is good advice for doing any major update in OS versions regardless what OS you prefer.

Doing a clean install is no big deal these days.

[bdaughtry]

Wrong! Try doing a clean install (as recommended) from the Family Pack Upgrade. Windows 7 installs fine and then gives an "Invalid Product ID" error. Microsoft will never learn. I decided that my new dual-core 3 Ghz Windows XP Pro system was running just fine. I don't need the headache. Returned the Family Pack. Had to get a little pushy to get my money back. but I'm tired of the BS. I understand protecting your software from piracy.....so long as you do not inconvenience legitimate users....which MS still has not learned. So, they didn't get my upgrade money. ;-)

[KurdistaniSteve]

This is very wide spread. I spent Sat. & Sun. on the phone with Microsoft as they tried to help me with this issue. I like many are getting the "We are unable to create or save new files in the folder in which this application was downloaded" error. Digital River told me that they had supplied me with the product, i.e. the .exe file and the setup1.box & setup2.box. and passed the buck to Microsoft. Microsoft passed it back to Digital River telling me they are not responsible for any errors in the download of those files. Alas, Microsoft (to their credit) did not pass it back. They escalated my case and spent this past frustrating Sat. & Sun. on the phone with me. Their solution at the end (we still didn't get it working), e-Mail Digital River. Still, Microsoft was going to call again today to walk me through a 2 hour process to get a working version. This $30 version has cost me much more in time and frustration and still no satisfactory solution in site. BTW Microsoft and Digital River have refused to send me a disk to resolve this error.

[Snozzwanger]

You're buying Microsoft's new software (which is pretty spiffy), but as ever, NOTHING is Microsoft's fault:

(1) A third-party is responsible, so "try" to get an installation disc from them (and yes, we could have told you beforehand this d/l-u/g path wouldn't work for 32- to 64-bit installs, but, well, we didn't). Or ask us for a refund. Which you can't have, but hey- you can ask!
(2) *Your* ISP is screwing up our download, or some software that *You* installed on your computer is screwing up our download. We don't know which or what, but, you know, good luck, and all.
(3) "users get a generic unspecified error message." *Your* computer corrupted our install; please try again, again. (And yes, a specific error message identifying the fault would have been helpful. Next question?)
Vista was... what can you say? But XP was decent, and everything I've seen of 7 more or less rocks. It's Microsoft's assumption that they and their products are perfect, and any issues are end-user related, "and nothing is our fault"... It's Microsoft's unbelievable and unwarranted corporate arrogance that keeps me owning and pushing my clients to purchase or upgrade Apple computers.

[upuaut]

I cannot fathom why this $29 is only an upgrade. Why not make it a full install for students?
I have an XP box that I'd like to install 7 on. I definitely would not upgrade from the state the system is in right now. I'd format, install XP, then upgrade. But this is too much hassle.

[viper396]

If you are going from XP to Win7 you are in fact doing a full install of the OS. All the upgrade does is check to see that you have a prior OS installed, the prior OS doesn't even have to be in a stable state.

[cary1]

If you call Microsoft directly, you can get a complete install not just an upgrade. Also, you will get it on a DVD which is better than downloading and burning. But they charge $5 shipping on it.