How can I download Windows 7 DVD installers from Ubuntu?

I have rights for a free license of Windows 7, given by my University, and I need it now. According to Microsoft's instructions, to download the Windows DVD image I must:

• download a Secure Download Manager (SDM) installer (its a .pkg file)
• run the .pkg file, which should install the SDM
• download another file (.sdx),
• run the .sdx file, which should start the download of the Windows DVD image.

However, the SDM installer (.pkg) does not run.

The .sdx file, when opened in the text editor, is simply an internet address. When I paste the address in the browser, it goes to the download page, but the download bar remains in 0%. So, I believe I really must install this SDM first.

Any help on this problem? Does someone know how to run this .pkg file?

Solution 1:

Download the official ISOs to get an easily burnable DVD image

• You can officially download Windows 7 ISOs over HTTP for the common versions/languages from one of their resellers, DigitalRiver. Digital River sells Windows 7 licenses and makes the ISOs available for public download.

• While all x86/x64 versions of Windows 7 are available, your license will only work for the appropriate version, so please choose the ISO carefully. The installation must be activated within 30 days as usual or it will expire.

  Please see this post for the official links to the Windows 7 SP1 ISOs

Solution 2:

Using wine ( wine-1.4.1_1,1 ):

/* you may want to use a new wine prefix */

1. winetricks ie6

2. overwrite $WINEPREFIX/drive_c/windows/system32/iexplore.exe with the new installed IEXPLORE.EXE in Programs\ Files /Internet\ Explore/ /* this is a work around to change the default ie, I'm sure there is cleaner way but I put no more than 2 seconds of thought */

3. get the .msi, not .pkg!! ( under wine the smart link will forward you the .msi )

4. install the msi via msiexec

5. run the sdm binary ( which will use the new ie6 /* default ie */ ) with the *.sdx as a command line argument