Many users are reporting pesky issues with installing the downloadable $30 student upgrade copy of Windows 7. It would seem that instead of receiving a standard ISO image, they are handed an executable (Win7-P-Retail-en-us-x64.exe) and two other files (setup1.box and setup2.box). This is obviously not intended, and Microsoft is looking into the situation. Redmond is also offering a refund for those affected, according to Engadget.
In the meantime, it's easy enough to create an ISO image with the provided files. DownloadSquad offers a straightforward five-step process to making an ISO that will set you on your way to installing Windows 7. Also worth noting is that Microsoft has just released a tool that will make a bootable USB flash drive or DVD out of the Windows 7 ISO – a nice addition for less experienced users, especially owners of netbooks, which generally don't have an optical drive.