I deleted those files and got a blank screen. However, I did a fresh install, deleted those files from Windows, then continued the installation. ReactOS has now finally finished installing!
My problem now is this: every time I boot into ReactOS, Freeloader sets itself as the default bootloader, even though when I installed ReactOS, I choose the option to install Freeloader on VBR only.
I have successfully added my Windows 7 entry to Freeloader, and I can go back and forth between the bootloaders as many times as I want. However, is there a way to prevent ReactOS "taking over" the BCD?
I haven't found anyone else having mentioned this before. Should be looking into opening a bug in JIRA?