That's why it was a big deal that Microsoft allowed us to download Windows 7 as an ISO through Digital River. We could download Windows 7 and be sure that the ISO was clean and untampered. And then, in early February 2015, Microsoft decided to take down the Digital River ISOs, for good. Windows 7 64-Bit (x64) Direct Download Links. 64-bit Windows 7 Professional x64 English.Note: The below links are from Digital River, who is the official e-Commerce partner of Microsoft. Windows 7 64-Bit (x64) Direct Download Links. Posted: October 25. Customers who buy Windows 7 via online stores such as Digital River may receive the delivery of Windows 7 installation files by way of electronic software distribution (ESD). Windows 7 Direct Download Links. 64-bit Windows 7 Professional x64 English.
Many computers ship without Windows 7 installation discs. Instead they come with 'recovery' discs and/or partitions that claim to restore your PC to its 'factory fresh' state, but include a ton of bloatware (free trials, media players, useless utilities, and the like) along with Windows. Removing each piece of bloat is time-consuming, and just not the same as truly starting fresh.
Related: Install any version of Windows using any Windows disc you can find
In this article, you'll learn how to make your own Windows 7 installation disc (or USB flash drive) and use the valid product key you already have to perform a fresh reinstallation. The following method is effective and legal, and doesn’t require a lot of technical expertise. (If you do need help with bloatware, however, read 'What to Do With a New PC.')
However, we don't recommend that you delete your recovery partition or throw away your existing recovery discs. Although many people have had success with the following procedure, others have not. Some users have not been able to activate their copy of Windows even after entering a valid product key, while others own PCs that require software not included in a Windows 7 ISO. You have no way to know whether this procedure will work for you until you try, and you need a backup plan in case it doesn’t.
Also, save your files and drivers to external media before you start. Reinstalling Windows wipes out all personal data and causes a loss of functionality in devices for which Windows lacks an adequate built-in driver. Plan on loading the latest device drivers from media you create before reinstalling Windows.
Reinstalling Windows 7, Step by Step
1. Find your Windows 7 product key: Typically this 25-character alphanumeric string is printed on a sticker affixed to your PC or on documentation included with your PC. Alternatively, you can use a keyfinder program such as Magical Jelly Bean Keyfinder to pull your product key from the Registry. You need your product key to reinstall Windows.
2. Download the ISO file for the version of Windows 7 you own:
The above links point to Digital River, a licensed distributor of Microsoft software. These downloads are each over 3GB, and your product key will work only with your edition of Windows, so make sure to select the right one. UPDATE 2/25/15 Digital River no longer works; you can now download Windows 7 ISOs from Microsoft's Software Recovery website.
3. Download the Windows 7 USB/DVD download tool. This utility lets you copy your Windows 7 ISO file to a DVD or USB flash drive. Whether you choose DVD or USB makes no difference; just confirm that your PC can boot to the media type you select.
4. Boot your computer using the Windows 7 DVD or USB flash drive. Follow the prompts to prepare the destination hard drive and install Windows.
Or read our guide to installing Windows 8.
It will work with it, just as long as you have the same edition. If Windows 7 Ultimate is listed on the COA sticker attached to your Dell, then yes, it will work with the copy of Windows 7 Ultimate from Digital River.
Download the corresponding edition of Windows 7 you have a license for from the following link. You can identify the edition on COA sticker attached to your machine, with at bottom or battery compartment (laptop) or top/side if its a desktop computer.
COA Certificate of Authenticity:
What is the Windows Certificate of Authenticity?
•Windows 7 Ultimate (x86)* - 32 bit
86 Bit
•Windows 7 Ultimate (x64)* - 64 bit
32 vs 64 bit
Is my PC running the 32-bit or 64-bit version of Windows?
ImgBurn - In addtion to supporting the creation of CD's from .ISO files,
it supports a wide range of other image file formats, and it's free.
(BIN, CUE, DI, DVD, GI, IMG, MDS, NRG, PDI and ISO)
http://www.imgburn.com/
Note: Always use the slowest burn speed (4x or 2x) if offered a choice.
RTM - Release To Manufacturer represents a phase where the software is production ready and represents its stability.
Retail - represents the channel the software belongs to, you have different channels, this is not related to RTM or the stability of the software. Other channels include OEM, Volume License, Academic.
Winrar 64-bit Download
More info: