These .ISO files include Service Pack 1, which is the latest available but old in the fact that you will still be installing more than a 100 Windows Updates released after Service Pack 1.
1) Download the appropriate Windows 7 .ISO file which includes Service Pack 1
(Note: must match what your product key version is for)
How to find out if I have a 32 or 64Bit version of Windows installed on my computer:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/find-out-32-or-64-bit
Windows 7 Home Premium 32Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58996.iso
SHA1 Hash value: 6071b4553fcf0ea53d589a846b5ae76743dd68fc
Windows 7 Home Premium 64Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-58997.iso
SHA1 Hash value: 6c9058389c1e2e5122b7c933275f963edf1c07b9
Windows 7 Professional 32Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59183.iso
SHA1 Hash value: d89937df3a9bc2ec1a1486195fd308cd3dade928
Windows 7 Professional 64Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59186.iso
SHA1 Hash value: 0bcfc54019ea175b1ee51f6d2b207a3d14dd2b58
Windows 7 Ultimate 32Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59463.iso
SHA1 Hash value: 65fce0f445d9bf7e78e43f17e441e08c63722657
Windows 7 Ultimate 64Bit: http://msft.digitalrivercontent.net/win/X17-59465.iso
SHA1 Hash value: 36ae90defbad9d9539e649b193ae573b77a71c83
2) After downloading the correct .iso file install HashCalc and validate the SHA1 hash value
is correct.
HashCalc: http://www.slavasoft.com/hashcalc/index.htm
(Note: If the download is not corrupt, the value HashCalc returns will match the SHA1 value I posted)
a) Launch HashCalc and navigate to the location of the .iso file you downloaded.
(The default download location is: C:\Users\User account name\Downloads)
b) Remove all check marks from the list of HashCalc options except for SHA1.
c) Click the ‘Calculate’ button and wait for the SHA1 string of letters and number to be displayed.
3) Next use ImgBurn (or Gear ISO) to create a bootable DVD.
ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/
Choose the "Custom Installation (advanced)" option and remove the check mark(s)
to eliminate unwanted options.
Note: Skip to step #4 to create a bootable Flash / Thumb drive.
ImgBurn screen shots to help you use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=screenshots
Burning ISO Images with ImgBurn article: http://neosmart.net/wiki/display/G/Burning+ISO+Images+with+ImgBurn
(The steps are the same for Windows 7 or Windows 8), except you are not creating a Repair disc but a full installation DVD)
Note: Always use high quality DVD+R media and the slowest burn speed (4x or 6x) if offered a choice.
- For instructions on creating a bootable USB Flash drive to install Windows 7:
Read: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2432-usb-windows-7-installation-key-drive-create.html
Or: http://arstechnica.com/business/2009/12/the-usb-flash-drive/
Optional software to create a Bootable Windows 7 DVD
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/977640
J W Stuart: http://www.pagestart.com