Windows 7: Major problem win 7 installation

Hi guys i've scanned through some of the posts and noticed this is an error quite popular but i didnt think it pertained to mine so i started a new thread hope thats ok.

im trying to fix an old compaq pressario have a windows 7 disc.
when im trying to install i've got the bootmgr is missing error. i've tried running the repair section and scanning the memory but its no good. although it does tell me there is a hardware fault just does not list it and will not let me get any further into the os to list the log.

any tips i could gather would be great. im thinking of doing a startup disc but so far cant find out how to do that.

thanks

Are you getting the bootmgr is missing error from the HD or DVD?

For better help,Can you post your specs.
Filling out System Specs
Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums

from DVD

It gets to expanding files from disc. then reboot and keeps in a reboot cycle. i've no idea

What OS was on the HD before trying to install Windows 7?

For better help,Can you post your specs.
Filling out System Specs
Dont Know What Hardware You Have..??
VistaForums SysInfo Tool - Vista Forums

i believe it was windows vista but had been toyed between Windows 7 and back to vista. this is now a new HDD as he purchased another thinking the old was faulty but the same error is occuring on the new HDD

Where do he get the DVD from?

Where did you get Windows 7? If you burned it yourself, confirm ISO integrity and burn another to DVD using ImgBurn at 4x speed. Or write ISO to flash stick using Universal USB Installer with Windows 7 in dropdown menu, then boot stick under USB or HD's.

Try setting HD first to boot in BIOS setup, then start DVD using HP's ESC one-time BIOS Boot Menu key.

If this fails, trying removing all but 2gb RAM to try install, unplug all peripherals.

Next check for newer BIOS update, install from old OS. If no newer BIOS then reset the CMOS: Clear CMOS - 3 Ways to Clear the CMOS - Reset BIOS

While in BIOS setup set SATA controller to AHCI if available.

You can also move HD to another machine, install Windows 7, then SysPrep the HD to remove all drivers to move it back to problem machine: SysPrep to move HD to another computer

thx for the advice guys. think i'll move the HDD over to my machine and try it. but i own an alienware and its pretty much dell OEM everything. it wont mess anything up with my own confirguation will it?

thanks

It is best to save that option to last so that you can troubleshoot why install won't complete correctly since working through the steps helps to assure your rig's hardware and BIOS are config'd correctly.

When you've exhausted all other troubleshooting steps, move the HD you're trying to install upon to another machine, install Windows 7 normally with all other HD's and peripherals unplugged, then immediately after install run SysPrep to remove all drivers, SID and Hardware ID's so that when moved back to the problem machine it will start up just like a new install, requesting several mandatory restarts to complete install of all drivers.