Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

Question

Hi , I found new computer with hard drive missing .

Feb 12, 2015 1:24PM PST

I found almost brand new computer next to rubbish bin of a office building . it looks really in good condition but one problem , hard drive is missing now I'm trying to find out which hard drive would be compatible.
Please help.
Thank you in advance

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Answer
have an available flash drive 8GB or larger?
Feb 12, 2015 2:08PM PST
- Collapse -
Answer
Next to the bin rather than in the bin?
Feb 12, 2015 11:50PM PST

Could be hot but maybe not. I'd think it unusual for a business to drop an "almost brand new" PC by the dumpster. If any identifying markings are on it, you could call it in to the police first to see if it was stolen. If unreported, you check the MB to see if you can find the make and model and look up the specs on line. Any almost new PC will simply take hard drives of the SATA variety. You'll need to find and install your own OS. That will surely mean that knowing the MB model would be helpful in finding proper drivers.

- Collapse -
Answer
What...no details
Feb 14, 2015 1:13PM PST

Its either SATA or EIDE type HD drives. If its EIDE, then already consider too old or rather toss it back. Again, if its SATA type then what follows for what PC. The specs for that model# or class of PC should provide the specs from the maker's support website. If you're lucky, maybe the PC has a mtrbd. that provides either SATA or EIDE ports, but the specs offers what's best or supported as well.

FYI- Typical business mode to toss a PC or two out by the bin missing the HD, that's where the data is. If you find that having the PC is too much of a bother, then donate to the thrift shops as many dispose of them if not sold, provided its not that old.

tada -----Willy Happy

- Collapse -
willy
Feb 14, 2015 3:07PM PST

Hi , thank you I figured it was sata so I have ordered one online, let's see if it's working or not .
Thank you .

- Collapse -
try linux, harddrive not needed
Feb 22, 2015 8:10PM PST

you can boot to a linux live disk to see if you have a working computer. I would suggest linux mint or ubuntu.