Disk error - press any key to restart (no system partition?)

I don't think there is a subforum suited for this thread but this subforum comes close.

My computer was starting up as usual and after loading the desktop, I clicked my Firefox shortcut. The cursor stayed as a swishing blue circle for an extended period of time while my system HD made constant clicking noises. After a few minutes, the computer restarted and I got the error message:

However, pressing any key does not actually restart the computer but prints the error messaging again, following a short delay (although Ctrl Alt Delete does).

I ran a Ubuntu live DVD and it sees the harddisk (both partitions; data and Windows partition) and the files are accessible.

When I attempt to repair the Windows installation via the Windows 7 DVD disc, no operating system is detected, even after loading the necessary drivers for my motherboard's RAID controller (the installation is not on a RAID-configured disk but I think the drivers may be necessary nonetheless).

When I select "Use recovery tools that can help fix problems starting Windows..." and click "Next" and then select "Startup Repair", a repair is attempted and I am told to restart the computer to complete the repairs. According to the diagnosis and repair details:


Then, when I restart and remove the Windows disc, I get the same


as before.

How might I go about resolving this issue?

As your Ubuntu live DVD can access your HD backup all your data.

Check your HD.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/433-disk-check.html

Check with a hard drive diagnostic tools.
Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp.

You may need to replace your HD.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1649-clean-install-windows-7-a.html?ltr=C

Well there are two ways to go on this.

1) Try to figure out what's wrong and fix it.
2) Assume the drive is on it's last legs and do all you can to get off it ASAP.

I'd go for #2.

Get a new drive, reinstall windows, then install the second drive and try to save your data off of it. (Or put the drive into a second machine and try to get the data off asap that way)

The repeated clicking is one of those major warning signs that the drive maybe dying or has died. It may work intermittantly. Or it may work as long as you aren't trying to boot off it (Boot sector trashed). Try to get data off while you can.

After you have gotten everything important off it, you can they go to step 1 above if you want (Some of which you've already started), but a flakey HD is nothing to keep around or in service for long

Thanks - Indeed, the drive was dying. I managed to backup the vast majority with no significant losses and sent the drive back to the manufacturer (only two years old).