Windows 7 Installation Issues

[iGeek X]

I am attempting to install Windows 7 on a 2009 Mac Mini. I am using an external hard drive to install it using a disc. The installation went fine until Boot Camp rebooted my computer to Windows 7 (the disc). My screen transferred to a blinking underscore (or line, whatever). It remained like that for at least twenty minutes so I force-shut down my Mac Mini and held option to make sure that my computer booted onto the disc, but it the underscore still appeared.

Am I not waiting long enough? Did I do something wrong during the installation? Do external hard drives not work for this type of installation?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

[LiesForTheLiars]

You'll need to install it from a DVD. I've had issues trying to install it with various other media options. I've also had issues installing 64-bit Win7 with older versions of Boot Camp.

 

[iGeek X]

Would the disc that I bought from Best Buy count as a DVD? Or would I have to copy the .iso file from the disc and then burn that file onto a DVD and have it read that?