How to use a laptop without its hard drive?

Yes, it is compatible... But installing Windows 7 will be a bit tight later on with applications.

Well, it's certainly doable... but you will need to be aware of capacity limits and monitor it.

I cannot recommend enough to make backups of the disk image on another medium.

Good evening,

I don't think it will work with an external hard drive... But with an internal one, yes... and it will be cheaper

Here’s an example for €37 that should fit in your PC... https://www.cdiscount.com/informatique/disques-durs-internes/25-sata/l-1076803.html Then, normally, you should be able to install Windows XP, Vista, or Seven depending on what model it was... and also what was originally installed... According to the key written underneath.

Otherwise, you can also run it under Linux (free), it also depends on what purpose it is intended for.

You could also get it to work without a hard drive by booting from a live CD like "Toutou Linux," "Puppy," or "Ubuntu"

You need to download the ISO file, burn it to a CD, put it in the drive, and start the PC, it’s slower, it works, you won't worry about viruses and it allows you to get some practice and training without the risk of breaking anything...

To be considered depending on..

Hello Jeannet,
Thank you very much for your response,
I must admit that when it comes to computer components, I'm not the most skilled...
I was wondering how to know which type of hard drive is compatible with which type of PC, I'm afraid to mess up and break everything... ;-)
As for the dimensions, they match perfectly with mine, but I suppose that’s not the most important factor; there’s also the connection, right...?
The exact model of my PC is a Packard Bell EasyNote LJ 71, do you think the model you suggested will be compatible?

Thanks again for your help,
Adriwespin.

Hello,

The original drive of this PC is a 500GB ---5400RPM---SATA Interface

I advised you exactly the same in specifications. Its reference at Samsung is: Spinpoint M8 - Ref. ST500LM012

I couldn't find it cheaper online.

It's very easy to change with a small screwdriver. Check out this video which is a general guide https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNsnrA6koj4

As in this video, (it's not shown) the drive can very well be mounted in a small intermediate chassis or rails. You need to detach it from the old drive to reinstall it on the new one before putting it back in the PC

But it's very simple... then you'll need to install Windows on the PC because this drive is blank, like all drives available for sale.

Normally, this PC was equipped with

Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

originally... So you should have the license number (the key) written underneath the PC that you need to retrieve to enter it and activate the version you're reinstalling. After that, it should work again.

Sure, I remembered in the meantime that I had an old PC from the brand Medion MD 90200 with an internal WD Scorpio 120 GB hard drive. I saw that it runs at the same speed, but I didn't see its interface. Could you tell me, if you don't mind, if it could be compatible?
Thank you in advance :-)
Adriwespin

My mistake, it's an MD 98200, a laptop from 2007. It indeed has a serial ATA, it has the same RPM (5400) and I see online that it has a SATA interface.
Should I then assume that it's compatible with the PC?
The complete number is WD1200BEVS-07LATO.
Thank you very much :-)

Okay, I've installed it on the PC but I have a bug, in fact the disk is spinning all the time on an update that was in progress when the PC crashed. The hard drive is installed with Win Vista. I assume that to get it back in service, I need to install Win7 on it. To do that, I need to find the driver on the internet, put it on a CD, and reinstall it on the PC?

OK,

You can't run a PC with Windows ...... using the Windows from a hard drive from another PC; each Windows is tailored to its machine and cannot be copied or moved.

- Therefore, you need to format this disk and install a new Windows on it... But this formatting is offered during installation, so it's all in one... You need to agree to the formatting.

Normally, Windows 7 has the advantage of having all the drivers included... Otherwise, with Vista, once installed, you'll need to install the drivers for your PC... Either you have the manufacturer's CD; or you go looking for them on their website.

Hello Jeannets,
I went to get the Windows 7 driver from this site: https://forums.commentcamarche.net/forum/affich-37636472-telecharger-windows-7-windows-7-sp1-iso#windows-7-edition-professionnelle-sp1-u-64-bits and I am currently burning it to a CD that I suppose I will need to insert into the PC using the security key located under the PC?

Yes, the theory is good... Your number below will work if it corresponds to a

Windows 7 ---64bits, professional edition

that was previously installed.

Unfortunately, I believe this PC was equipped with

the home edition

... and the key will not work because it is not the same version.

That would be too easy,

Alright, so I'll take the family version then.

Yes, there's a better chance that it will work..

Thank you Jeannets for all the advice you gave me, I will continue the installation this weekend. Best wishes to you.
Thank you,
Adriwespin.