MBP A1261 doesn't recognize Hard Drive

Sasch03 wrote:

I bought a MacBook Pro 17" (2008) A1261 and am trying to install MacOS.

I have put in the original Hitachi 250GB HDD (pre-formatted to GUID-Partition / MacOS Extended Journaled).

When booting the device via cmd+R or cmd+opt+R the flashing folder with a question mark appears.

Resetting PRAM does not change anything, as well as cleaning and reconnecting the hard drive cables.

When booting via opt-key the mouse appears but no hard drive to choose.

Therefore I cannot get into the Boot-Menu.

I also tried another original Apple/Seagate HDD with 320GB without success.

Please help.

A used MacBook Pro —MBP 17" 2008

an old used Mac, but you have the original HDD as well ...from where...

Was it bootable before you tried changing drives?

was this Mac properly prepared for resale—

What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your Mac

ref:

see vintage and obsolete:

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired warranty - Apple Support

Obtaining service for your Apple product after an expired ...

Sasch03 wrote:

I bought this MBP from 2008 used over eBay.

It came with the hard drive - not prepared for resale.

Sounds like you bought a 14 year old brick.

I would return it and get your money back if possible.