Windows 7 - operating system not found in system recovery

Hello everyone,

I am trying to do a system restore from the install disc because I can't boot. I followed this tutorial: System Recovery Options using method two. At step 5, the only operating system listed is Vista (which I don't have and never have had). If I select it and try to continue, it tells me that that version of windows is not compatible with the install dvd I am using. If I try to continue without selecting Vista, it tells me I have to select an OS. I have also tried startup repair to no avail.

Background information: This is on my early '08 Macbook Pro. I was using windows 7 professional x64 through boot camp. A few weeks ago after updating virus definitions for AVG, windows would no longer boot. I found that it was an issue with the update and that a system restore would solve the problem. Unfortunately, I can't get system restore to work properly.

I would appreciate any help. Happy Holidays!

Are you using a genuine Windows 7 install disc? Have you tried booting into safe mode? Are you running RAID?

Yes. I also just tried to boot from a system repair disc but it won't even boot. It just goes to a black screen with a cursor blinking at the top left. Safe mode doesn't work. I am not running RAID.

Oh, and when I just try to boot windows normally, it also thinks it is Vista...

edit again: when I boot a different computer from the repair disc (running windows 7 installed from the same disc) and go through the system restore process, it sees windows 7.

again: when I boot aforementioned computer from install disc, it also doesn't work. I have tried two different system repair discs. One created from a working windows 7 and one from the image listed in one of the tutorials. Neither will even boot. Unless somebody knows why I can't use the system repair disk, I will probably reinstall windows or, more likely, just delete the partition and use mac os x exclusively

You must have had Vista on that rig at one time, and remnants still exist. It could be the cause of corruption as old or bad code can when it isn't wiped.

Either way, I would wipe the HD and clean reinstall. You can copy out your files at the Load Drivers link on the same page where it looks for an installation to repair. Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

re-install windows 7