Windows Boot Manager got corrupted and since I couldn't easily repair it, I installed Linux and wiped the whole drive thinking that the Win 7 CD couldn't require anything to work. The CD is in the mail and so I tried Win Vista, but couldn't install for that reason.
If this is the Gateway then follow Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which includes everything needed including the latest official installer for your licensed version. You'll get and keep a perfect install to the exact extent you stick with those steps, tools and methods.
You must of course boot the disk and delete all partitions during the booted install using drive options shown in Steps 7/8 of Clean Install Windows 7. This doesn't involve the boot manager on the drive at all but replaces it in the process.
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