Problem installing a new HDD

[Nicolaiw]

Hi.

I just bought a used MBP 17" Early 2011 without HDD.
I then bought a new HDD and wanted to install on it, but then I got my first problem. When I try to boot from CD the machine beeps three times, like a RAM error. If I eject the CD it boots up to a point where I see a folder with a question mark.
I get the same beeping error when I tried an external dvd-drive.
I'm not able to make a NVRAM/PRAM reset, and I can't boot into the apple hardware test.

Any suggestions to what might be wrong?

The install CD is from my MBP 13" mid 2010 with snow leopard, will that work with this model?

Thanks.

 

[Bruno09]

The install CD is from my MBP 13" mid 2010 with snow leopard, will that work with this model?

No.

You need the grey DVD that originally came with the 17", or you can buy a Snow Leopard retail (white) DVD from the Apple Store (SL 10.6.3).

You won't be able to install SL with the DVD that came with the 13".

If you would like to install Mavericks, you can buy it and download it from another Mac, then create a bootable installer and use it to install Mav. on the 17".

Don't forget that you need to format/partition the new HDD (Mac OS extended (journaled), GUID partition table).