He downloaded the ISO using a download manager (to avoid corruption). It took 45 minutes. Then, he used (a trusted, open-source tool) to write the ISO to a blank 8GB USB drive.

He opened a new tab and typed carefully: microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows7 .

By 3:30 AM, his desktop was back. No viruses. No bloatware. Just the crisp, glass-like Aero interface. He installed his CAD software, restored his backup, and met his deadline.

Instead of the upgrade notice, a real form appeared: