I use WIN 7 Ultimate , 64 bits. I install a fresh copy of ET and patched with 2.60b ,and work like a charm, no problems of anykind .
If dont work in WIN 7 (any type of win 7) , use VIRTUAL MACHINE , is free and is the best , use Virtual Machine to make a new Virtual PC inside Win 7 , and install in Virtual machine any WIN XP , and install there ET , will work perfect. 2 Operating Systems in one Window .

, I have install in WIN 7 Ultimate 64 bits , Virtual Machine , but for other programs that dont work in WIN 7.
Here is where you can find Virtual Machine for download here
VMware Workstation 7.0 .
If you still unable to do it , let me know and i will help you.