can't start Vista x64 after a failed linux install - can't find OSpartition in recovery mode

On startup I get the "missing bootmgr" error.
When I get into recovery mode from the install DVD, it doesn't find
the Vista install in the System Recovery dialog that pops up.
But if I just click Next anyway and then click on the Command Prompt
option I can see the disk as C: and the files look intact. If it did
need any disk drivers, why can I stil see things under the command
prompt?
Running the StartUp Repair option doesn't seem to affect this
behavior, though it does say it fixes something on its last test
(sorry, forgot what it said at the moment). But nothing seems to have
been changed upon reboot.

Any ideas about what I can try next?

What caused the problem: Had a Vista Ultimate 64x installation running
on an Intel Core 2 Quad with 8GB of memory running just fine. I had 2
partions, one for Vista, and second that was created during the Vista
install that it also set up as NTFS.
Started a Debian install. I deleted the second partition and created
two more (/ and swap) for Debian.
When it got around to setting up the boot, it said it didn't see any
other operating system there and did I still want to go ahead? Well, I
said no and after trying to get out of an install script UI loop that
kept asking the same questions, I just rebooted the machine.
I've tried to spelunk with GParted, etc., but no obvious solution
comes to mind.

Thanks,
Radio