Windows 7 Randomly Restarting

[Digerati]

Just one final question, is there any reason I should not be able to put the hard drive into another computer as the OS and it work straight off?

Yes, a couple.

1. Unless the two computers have EXACTLY the same hardware components, that is, the exact same brand, model and version numbers for the motherboard and graphics and other connected devices, the hardware drivers configured on the hard drive will be for the original computer and installing that drive as the boot drive in the second computer may not work (if lucky) or totally corrupt the OS (if not so lucky).

But typically, you can install this drive in the computer as a "secondary" drive - NOT boot drive and then access your data files from there. Your programs on that drive will not likely work because they have not been "installed" to that OS and their file locations and settings are not in that OS's Registry. But data files will be accessible.

Alternatively, you can install this drive into an external drive enclosure, then access your data files from there.

2. It is most likely the OS installed on this drive is an OEM license and can only legally be used with the "O"riginal "E"quipment it was purchased for/with and is not legally transferable to a second computer. So it would be illegal for you to use the OS on this drive with another computer.

[Ritzy]

 :shock: Well that explains that then  :D

I will try to install as a secondary drive. Thank you so much for all your help, it is much appreciated.

[Digerati]

Any time, and good luck.