I would suggest that you either take it to a shop to find out if anything can be saved or turn it in for recycling. If is old, not worth saving and possibly losing a friend. I would and I don't know much about computers either.

Here is a site that might help:

https://neosmart.net/wiki/disk-boot-failure/

" ... He removed and replaced the hard drive. The screen only shows Disk Boot Failure. ... "

Yeah, if he just pulled the old drive out and put a new drive in, he would get a boot failure. A new drive wouldn't contain an operating system (OS).

" ... He doesn't have system disk ... "Thoughts:

(1) Contact the manufacturer to buy an install disk?

(2) Maybe the old drive with the infection have a clean recovery partition?

(3) Download Linux and put that on it? (Assuming the recipient would be happy with it.) Very easy these days. I currently use Linux Mint.

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BTW, on my computers, F12 gives a a screen to select a device to boot on a one time basis.

If I wanted to change the default order, I'd change it in BIOS. The DEL key gets me there.

On his computer, I don't know, depends on the computer I think.

When I forget, I have to try to read the initial screens to figure it out again.

Howdy. Thanks to all for the advice. Richard, I called my neighbor who called the company where he got the hard drive. Yep. They advised the drives they sell do not include an OS. I guess he is now looking at OS prices. I was just curious for costs and looked too. If I understand well enough it looks like Win7 with a Product Code would be $75-$100. Anything out there cheaper? Thanks. Gene

How about the manufacturer of the computer? Is it an HP, Acer, something else? I believe I've read that they offer install disks at reasonable rates, I've never ordered one but would imagine you could initiate the process by calling one of the numbers below? Probably someone can better direct you.

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"Sometimes restoring your computer back to manufacturer specifications
is inevitable and we know sometimes these discs get lost or misplaced.
Luckily, the manufacturer can send you a copy.

Most manufacturers
will need your model and serial number to send you the correct discs.
Dell will need the Service Tag and Express Service Codes. Generally, you
can find the needed information on the bottom or back of your computer.
Check under the battery as well.

Choose your manufacturer from the list below and either visit their support site or call them for instructions on ordering.

Acer 1-866-539-3901

Apple 1-800-APL-CARE (275-2273)

Asus 1-888-678-3688 or 510-739-3777

Dell 1-800-624-9896

eMachines 1-866-539-3901

Gateway 1-866-539-3901

HP 1-800-474-6836

Lenovo/IBM 1-800-426-7378

Samsung 1-800-726-7864

Sony 1-800-488-7669

Toshiba 1-800-457-7777"

(The above quoted info comes from http://www.geeksquad.com/do-it-yourself/tools/computer-restore-disc.aspx)
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The Linux route, if acceptable, is of course even cheaper. (Free except for the price of a CD/DVDR to burn the ISO to)

I picked up a Flash Drive with my OS on it From Acer for $45-$50. This Was Windows 8 but I'm sure they offer OS's depending on your what your computer came with; Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 (mine had to be Flash drive, No DVD available)!

I had purchased a refurbished laptop that had a Clean Install of Windows 8 on it, but it didn't have any Acer Software on it. I didn't want all the Acer Software but there were a few things I did want from the software! I didn't mind it being Windows 8 because I had every intension of Upgrading to Windows 10 upon its release on July 29th.

If it were Windows 8, 8.1, or 10, it would probably be easier to get good clean install media.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/home

There's a link for Windows 7 on that page but I believe it requires a "retail" key. (I put my netbook OEM key in and it told me to contact the manufacturer)

There used to be links to Windows 7 ISOs hosted by msft.digitalrivercontent.net for Microsoft but Microsoft has taken them down. They were good clean ISOs. I used one to do a fresh clean install of Windows 7 Starter on my netbook before upgrading it to Windows 10 Home. Used the product key on the bottom and it activated without having to make a call. I had to grab a few drivers from acer.com but it wasn't too difficult.

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"It looks like Win7 with a Product Code would be $75-$100."

There's very possibly a valid Product Code on the back, or bottom, of the computer. If so, I wouldn't think he would need to buy another Product Code, just the installation media which should be much cheaper. At least I would expect it to be. Or maybe not?

If he has the Code he can always borrow a Windows 7 disk from a friend, neighbor or relative. It can't be a specific manufacturer disk but t Retail Copy would work as long as it's the same version. He'd need to put the Win7 disk in, reboot, then enter His 25 Digit Code from the Sticker on his computer when prompted!

Howdy, everyone. This morning I talked to my neighbor and relayed more information that you folks graciously offered. He had checked OS-key prices. In a "grin and bear it" tone of voice he said he has resolved the computer problem. It sounds like he and his lady friend will go together and get her a new one. I don't know if he will try to return the new hard drive. I sort of doubt if the company would take it back. Never can tell. I appreciate your help. Gene

I put a new HD in my DH's PC and bought W8.1 online from Walmart for $100.00 which I installed, but shortly after July 29th I installed W10. It was worth it to go this route as this laptop was still new enough and had plenty of RAM.