Windows 7 boot problem

I have a refurbished Gateway computer that I have had for 3 days. It has never been used before, but now Windows has stopped booting. When I turn it on it goes up til the screen when it says what operating system you have and then it just stops the booting process. I have installed Camtasia Studio, Fraps, Safari, Firefox, iTunes, Medialink ( a wifi card), Winrar, Norton Security 2009, Nero, and Quicktime player. The computer has no viruses. It did not come with the Windows 7 disc (at far as I know of). Is there a way to fix this without sending it back, buying a new Windows 7 disc, or wiping the hard drive and reinstalling windows. Also when the screen comes up, it has some weird symbols and then it flashes every couple of seconds. Please help.

Not clear to me what you are describing.

If there a problem with the startup process, boot the win7 recovery cd.

D/l from here - get the same bit version you have installed.

Download Windows 7 System Recovery Discs — The NeoSmart Files

It goes to the screen past the starting windows and then it just stops. It doesn't go to my desktop it just stops. I don't know if I should do a restore it to the factory default or what. If I do restore it does it delete all the files because I would like to keep them all.