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- Can a desktop power on without a hard drive installed?

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09-18-2021 12:16 PM - edited 09-18-2021 01:00 PM
HP COMPAQ SR5233 Desktop, Win. 7 32bit
Hello,
I need to use an old desktop to access old files in hard drive (if it's there).
I attached the power cord and necessary external accessories.
The power-on button doesn't light up, and the desktop doesn't start up. Nothing.
I'm wondering that the hard drive may not be installed. (I had this computer's data transferred to a new HP desktop early 2021 by a local PC shop. Then put the SR5233 away - never used or touched it at all.)
I have tried two other power cords (one from my new HP desktop-EliteDesk, one from an old Gateway PC). They don't work either. And, I have triple or more checked the connections on either end of cord. And the PC worked fine before moving on to the new PC (which I purchased to obtain Win. 10).
Or do you know of another possible reason why power isn't on?
Can a desktop button show power without a hard drive installed?
It has Windows 7 32bit.
I imagine a HD is what makes computer boot up. But is the HD necessary to allow power to the PC?
(If HD missing, I have considered that I didn't receive it when the transfer of data was made and I took home the two PC's.)
I need the data.
Thank you in advance.
Massachusetts
Solved! Go to Solution.
Accepted Solutions
09-18-2021 07:06 PM
Without HDD, machine may turn ON and give a message saying you need to install HDD or something for machine to boot.
Regards.
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09-18-2021 07:06 PM
Without HDD, machine may turn ON and give a message saying you need to install HDD or something for machine to boot.
Regards.
***
**Click the KUDOS thumb up on the left to say 'Thanks'**
Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.