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    Bootcamp with "free" Windows 7?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Bill Nye, Aug 3, 2011.

  1. Bill Nye

    Bill Nye Know Nothing

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    So I'm eligible for MSDN AA program, which lets me get a free copy of Windows 7 Pro. However, it's not really a disk, it's a digital download. And it's not really an iso file that I can just burn, it's an exe.

    Any ideas how to proceed?
     
    Bill Nye, Aug 3, 2011
    #1
  2. redrazor11

    redrazor11 Formerly waterwizard11

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    Find the key that they assigned your copy of win7 (should be in the download receipt). Then use the "Legal windows 7 download" thread for more help.

    http://forum.notebookreview.com/win...-7-download-links-just-like-vista-before.html

    It gives instructions on how to turn the .exe into an ISO. Just make sure you keep track of the key that came with the download for when you install it later.
     
    redrazor11, Aug 3, 2011
    #2
  3. wave

    wave Notebook Virtuoso

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    You can also download the ISO file directly from the MSDNAA website. Make sure you get the right version. MSDNAA is Professional most of the time.

    You can burn the ISO to DVD or use a USB drive (minimum 4gb). For USB drives use this tool:
    Microsoft Store Online

    you can then boot from the USB drive and install from there.
     
    wave, Aug 3, 2011
    #3
  4. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    or you can go and load it in a USB drive and use rEFIt, its a efi hack that allows you to use usb drives for loading purposes, thus allowing to avoid the hassle of burning the disk
     
    Karamazovmm, Aug 3, 2011
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  5. preview

    preview Notebook Evangelist

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    If I remember correctly the .exe you get from MSDN AA is the downloader. Start it and let it do its thing and you should have an ISO.

    Which version of OS X are you running? The Bootcamp that ships with Lion will download the needed drivers and copy to a USB key for you automatically. No need for any 3rd party software.
     
    preview, Aug 3, 2011
    #5
  6. Karamazovmm

    Karamazovmm Overthinking? Always!

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    the exe is indeed the downloader, you have to contact the tech dept or the msdn AA representative for the user and password for your account (which I think you do have)

    you still need the rEFIt for all macs that arent the air models, since only those come with the efi that makes USB sticks bootables

    its stupid I know, it should be mainstream

    But yes you can put the drivers for windows on a USB stick, but you wont see it when you boot the thing. Not that they really are that useful mind you
     
    Karamazovmm, Aug 3, 2011
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  7. Bill Nye

    Bill Nye Know Nothing

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    Yeah should've waited for the download to actually finish.
     
    Bill Nye, Aug 3, 2011
    #7