Windows 7 - New HDD in laptop, won't boot from burned installation DVD

I'm just about at my wit's end with this issue

The original HDD on my laptop died on me, forcing me to purchase a new one (Western Digital 320gb). My step-dad was kind enough to get me a copy of the windows 7 installation disc (read: burned on DVD+R). After installing the new HDD, I entered the BIOS and changed the boot order to CD/DVD >> HDD.

Upon booting, the laptop seems to bypass the DVD and attempts to boot from the HDD, giving me the error of "Missing Operating System". The installation disc does work on other laptops (insert disc into already turned on computer and run program), but they won't boot from it.

My disk drive has been tested and does work. I'm thinking this is an issue with the DVD itself. Is there something I'm missing, or doing incorrectly?

I've re-burned the DVD in order to see if the originally burned DVD had a corrupt file.


ALSO: I should note that the first DVD did work at one point, with my original HDD. The laptop booted from the disc and began doing a factory restore. It wiped the HDD and began new install. It got to about 13% and popped an error. (I can't remember what it said, something about a copying error). After that, my original HDD quit responding to anything and I was told my a Geek Squad technician that it was dead.

I hope I covered everything. This has been a very stressful ordeal.

How are you burning the DVD? I would recommend using ImgBurn at 4X as that always seems to yield a good disc.

I was told a drag and drop of all the required files would work. I worked one the first one, that first time. I'm pretty green on all of this, but It's fun and irritating at the same time. As soon as my boyfriend gets home with his laptop, I'll try this. I'm also going to try installing from a thumb drive.

Thanks for the tip.

Are you trying to reinstall Windows 7 on the Gateway in your specs?

What is the source of the ISO file being burned to DVD?

Try using this official download: Win7 Home Premium x64 SP1 English Official ISO download

Burn to DVD or write to flash stick using Windows 7 USB-DVD Download Tool

Then follow these steps to get a perfect clean reinstall of factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

Trying now, thanks.

1st- You must have a program on your PC to read the downloaded iso file.
Such as Power Iso, ImgBurn or Nero.

2nd- You must use that program to burn the iso file to a dvd.

3rd- You must boot from the dvd to install windows, not from within windows.

4th- Backup all your data, it will be wiped out with new install.

5th- You can not drag and drop the files.

Ok, I downloaded the ISO, and rand the USB/DVD download tool to set up the flash drive. It still wouldn't boot from the flash drive on my laptop, but it did boot from the flash drive on my boyfriend's (Vista) laptop.

I'll have to go get another DVD from my step dad tomorrow and I'll try again with that.

(╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Did you try the Gateway one-time BIOS Boot Menu key F10 for triggering the flash stick to boot? It may be listed under USB, Removable or even HD's.

After following gregrocker's instructions and downloading the ISO myself, it appears to have worked. I'm in the process of completing the installation, now. Only for the DVD, mind you. I have no idea why it wouldn't boot from the flash drive.

Thanks a million for all the help, guys.