I’ve been given a 13”, non-backlit 2008 MacBook with no HD. I’ve tried to get into the built-in recovery screen but only see a grey folder with a question mark. The cursor appears when starting up and pressing option-command-r, but the process goes no further.
Fitting a HD looks easy - the connector is still in place and I have the screws. I’ve seen people selling used HDs on eBay pre-loaded with El Capitan. Could this be a solution, or does the lack of recovery screen point to a deeper problem?
Alternatively, I have a Windows laptop not in use, and I could use the HD from there. If so, how would I format it for the Mac and install the OS? (I do not have access to any other Macs).
As you may have guessed, budget is an issue for me.
Any other ideas gratefully received, and all help much appreciated.
Fitting a HD looks easy - the connector is still in place and I have the screws. I’ve seen people selling used HDs on eBay pre-loaded with El Capitan. Could this be a solution, or does the lack of recovery screen point to a deeper problem?
Alternatively, I have a Windows laptop not in use, and I could use the HD from there. If so, how would I format it for the Mac and install the OS? (I do not have access to any other Macs).
As you may have guessed, budget is an issue for me.
Any other ideas gratefully received, and all help much appreciated.
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