While some people might find it easier to deal with a shiny Microsoft-delivered install media, the ISOs from Digital River should be fine for the slightly more adventurous type. Or indeed the type that has better internet.
Oh, wait -- MS pulled those down recently.
Still, if they can find a reliable mirror -- or do what I did and download random suggested sources then compare sha1sums posted on TechNet -- then you should get valid official Win7 install media. Gone are the WinXP days, supposedly, when retail media wouldn't use OEM keys.
I certainly don't have the money to waste -- especially when I am doing this as a favor to a friend (has no money either
) who just nuked his laptop trying a Reset To Factory Defaults. After I installed a dual-boot Linux Mint (his request). Somehow it trampled all over the HDD.
