Windows 7: Missing operating system message, cannot re-install windows 7

Indeed, I missed that bit. Doing this now. Will report back.

Thanks for the reminder!

Ok another problem:-( Downloaded the WD diag file and burned ISO to CD. But when it finally boots it says something about a missing licence agreement file and just gives me an A: prompt.

DLGlice.txt is missing???

The version of DLDIAG on the ultimate boot disk I burned does work. WD's own ISO problem is known apparently.

Quick test came back with no errors, am running extended test now.

Thanks.

Choose the Windows 7 disk and partition number from the lists you call up, judging by position and size.

I would mark Windows 7 partition Active to make sure it is being repaired correctly with Startup Repair. If Diskpart won't work for you, use free Partition Wizard bootable CD. Partition Wizard : Use the Bootable CD

But first I would test the HD using WD Lifeguard. The version I use which works very well with all models is GWSCAN. Download it, run .exe it will unzip to C:cabs where you can browse from ImgBurn to pick up the ISO to burn the CD at 4x speed.
http://www.imgburn.com/index.php?act=download
http://support.gateway.com/support/d...p?param=gwscan

I would also run chkdsk /r from the Windows 7 DVD/CD Command Line to complete the full testing of your HD. Either/both tests may repair errors that can return your HD to full life of service, or give you enough warning of imminent failure to copy out your files and replace it: Copy & Paste - in Windows Recovery Console

But it seems I have no partition. Diskpart cannot select one, Testdisk cannot find one either. It seems any partition has been deleted/corrupted.

Do both HD's register in BIOS setup? Enter BIOS setup by tapping the key given for it on first boot screen as computer boots. What is the SATA controller setting?

Were your two HD's configured in a RAID array? Look at your setup literature or read your Manual to know for sure. Your Manual is on the Support Downloads webpage for your computer model.

Test your HD's one at a time with each plugged in individually, using GWScan full test and chkdsk /r from Windows 7 DVD/Repair CD Command Line.

Then wipe one HD to try install with it plugged in alone: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation

Greg,

Yes both HDs are shown in the BIOS, and no, no RAID array. It seems the Win 7 partition has been corrupted - Startup repair said the table was corrupted, but Testdisk could not find any partition to fix....

You need to run the full HD scan and then chkdsk on the HD to clear it for use.

Then wipe it of all code using tutorial linked to overcome partition table problems.

Then try clean reinstall from booted DVD.

The extended test using WD diagnostics (took 2 hours) came back with no errors. Will try chkdsk again - did not work yesterday though - something about RAW volumes?

EDIT - trying chkdsk /r from command prompt gave me this message:

The type of the file system is NTFS. Cannot lock current drive. Windows cannot run disk checking on this volume because it is write protected.

What now Greg?
Thanks!!

You have two hard drives.

Disconnect the one that is NOT your Win 7 disk.

Now use the procedure given in this tutorial so that you can make a successful install of WiN 7. Please follow the procedure to the letter with no deviations.

SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation