Windows 7: Help with Boot data installation freezing

i have looked all over this forum. maybe im just blind. i recenty encountered an error saying "the windows boot configuration data file is missing required information". When i place my windows 7 installation disc in computer it loads the files and the windows splash screen pops up. At that point it freezes. i cant seem to do anything. any help would be appreciated. thanks

Hello bountyhunter90 Welcome to the Seven Forums!

When you mentioned placing the 7 dvd in the drive is that for booting directly from the disk itself or while booted in Windows?

To effectively repair the startup problems you will need to boot up from the dvd as if you were going to install 7 and select the repair tools option instead. Once the 7 installation is detected and listed you highlight it and click on the next button to arrive at the repair tools screen.

The first option at the top is the automatic Startup repair tool. On some occasions if you should reach the F8 options menu after a bad shutdown that may appear there also.

Okay just to clarify. I placed the disc in and it didn't automatically load. It took me tothe error message saying that "the windows boot configuration data file is missing required information". I then proceeded to hit continue and while it said INSPIRON i pressed F12 and picked CD/DVD. It then told me to press any key. Upon pressing that, it said loading files and just before the page pops up it doesn't load. It just freezes. I can't even get into safe mode.

you need to boot from the dvd (just like if you are doing a new install). then click on the repair this computer.

scrooge

Since you pressed F12 and were booting from the 7 dvd you may have to repeat the process a few times and wait a little longer for the next screen past the loading files and Windows 7 logo screens to appear. The screen may go black for a few minutes while the 7 installer is in the process of detecting all hardwares before the language selection screen(first seen after logo) appears.

With multiple hard drives here I see that lag at times. If nothing loads after so many minutes you might have to retry a few times before it finally will load however.

Since you are not able to boot in safe mode the other option is the safe mode with command prompt option. Command Prompt at Startup

The live boot off of the 7 dvd however provides the startup repair and command prompt options there making things a bit easier before the final resolve of electing to perform either a repair install or full recovery which you should still be able to avoid. MBR - Restore Windows 7 Master Boot Record