I need to create an ISO from the Win 7 DVD

So, I just finished building my PC and I boot it up. I get to the BIOS fine and pick my DVD drive with the 64-bit Win 7 disk inside. I hit next and I basically get an error (I can go into more depth but I have basically given up on using the optic drive as my means of installing Win 7).

So, I would like to install Win 7 on my PC by picking my external HDD as the primary install device, but I do not have Win 7 as an ISO and do not wish to re-purchase Win 7 off of Microsoft's site as I just bought it retail and that crap aint cheap.

I have been looking around for a good program to use to make the Win 7 install into an ISO from a DVD and I found Alcohol 120%, LINK:

http://download.cnet.com/Alcohol-120/3000-2646_4-10158124.html

So, am I on the right track? I have the Windows 7 USB/DVD Downlaod Tool to put the ISO onto the external HDD once I get the ISO. As you can probably tell, this is my first time installing Windows without the use of an optical drive, so any and all help is very much appreciated.

I prefer PowerISO, but that program is fine.

why not just put windows7 in a USB flash drive and boot from thatmike4realz

That is exactly what I am doing, but I am using an external HDD rather than a flash drive. For the new PC to use the install data on the external HDD, it must be in ISO file format.

I prefer PowerISO, but that program is fine.

GTR12

The trial version of PowerISO limits to files no larger than 300mb and I will need much more than that for Win 7.

Use IMGBURN.. 100% free and should have everything you need. enjoy

Just posted this to mediafire for you but its online on cnet as well

http://www.mediafire.com/?wo84kkzok8v0sk0

Download one, you own the license so it's perfectly fine.JohnF111