Windows 7: Cannot boot Windows installation disk

My friend's Gateway laptop has problems and I want to install Windows again. But when I try to boot to the installation disk, after I select the DVD in the boot selection menu, I just get a blank screen with a flashing cursor. After a few minutes, one time I saw a message that said something like "bootmgr cannot be found" or is missing or something like that.

But the computer can successfully boot to a Puppy Linux boot disk.

Any ideas?

Thanks

Tell us about the installation disc.

Borrowed? Burned? Retail? OEM? Or ???

It is burned from the downloaded iso from digital river. I have used it several times before. I tried both my 32 bit and 64 bit disk, both did the same.

I've also successfully booted to a Norton Ghost disk

Re-burn the ISO to Disc or use one the ISO to USB programs to load the Win 7 install on a USB thumb drive.

Work through these steps to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 starting with the suggested new installer for your licensed version.

If it fails again wipe the HD before trying again using Diskpart Clean Command accessed by pressing Shift + F10 at first screen after booting installer.

If that fails

I think the DVD drive is intermittant. I noticed it was noisy and a bit loose. Tried it a few more times and it worked. Windows finally installed. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Try reinstalling it reseating or replacing all of the cables and cleaning the reader lens. If it persists replace or unplug it or it may interfere further.

OK I'll do that. Thanks