Please help...my old COMPUTER died. I purchased another computer-used. The used computer had its hard drive wiped clean. All of my prior systems have been new and came with Windows (whatever version) already installed. I have all of the prior manufacturer's RESTORE disks from the older/dead computers. I also have all of my Windows documentation/certificates of authenticity from my previous computers.

I would like to install my COPY of Windows from my deceased computer (Compaq) onto this new computer with the wiped hard drive (Gateway). Everytime I try to load the disk onto the Gateway, I get an ERROR message stating that "this is not a compaq computer".

Is it possible to just pull the OS off the Compaq Quick Restore disk and install it onto the Gateway? I have formatted the hard drive and partitioned off new drive space. After that, I'm at a loss. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!!! AFAIK no. WITHOUT a restore partition on your hdd the restore disks you have are no good. Think you will have to procure a full OS cd.

But wait, others may be able to assist you.so,you want to have your stuff back again uh?try make the older hard drive as a slave?have you?The manafacturers disk you tried has been programmed to only work on the brand of computer that it came with. i agree with using the other hdd as a slave. It also adds extra storage to the computer you are currently using