Hi Mr. Bongo.
Sorry for not getting back sooner. Since it didn't come off the Samsung (Win7), you may get Vista operating system working (with the proper Vista drivers from Samsung). There's a good chance that it will work. But I doubt that you will be able to use it to repair the problem Win7 drive (to function as a bootable harddrive). Win7 is the newer OS ...
A dead battery (unable to retain power) is not a problem as long as the computer is powered by a charger (the battery circuit will direct the current to the system). A shorted battery IS a PROBLEM, as it will not allow ANY current to flow through. For the time being, use the charger to power the computer.
Can you hookup the problem Win7 drive to another machine (by way of USB enclosure, for example?).
If so, once connected (to the other machine) repair the disk error(s) of the drive. Scan using the elevated DOS command 'chkdsk /r' and 'sfc /scannow' (don't type quotes). Once the disk error(s) are repaired, put the drive back in the Samsung and let Win7 repair the system files.
I will check back with you as soon as I have my morning coffee ... I'm on Eastern Std Time.
Regards,
Paul
P.S. Glad you have it back working. I didn't see it when I prepared my reply ...