when settings.php is not set up correctly...

users are stuck on the database page without any information to help them out.

Here's how to replicate.
- get a new copy of d7
- start the installer
- Drupal will tell you you need to copy default.settings.php
- copy it, but dont change its name.
- go back to drupal, enter in your database name and creds.
- On submit, drupal will refresh the database page, empty your fields, and tell you nothing.

If these steps don't work, try changing your settings.php file to settings.txt