How to reinstall a Mac Pro 2010 with disk erased

I finally got this resolved.

It was not the keyboard. The USB installer I bought from eBay does not work. I tried to remake the installer and it keeps failing. I think the USB disk has problem.

Also, since my Mac pro is a bit old, the UI is confusing. When there is no boot drive found, it shows nothing but white background with the mouse cursor. With a newer MBP the background is black and it shows WIFI. But if the USB installer is good, it shows. I just used option/alt key to get into Startup Manager.

Anyway, I did sneak back into my office to get my MBP out. I used my own USB drive, and made another installer disk with the MBP. Guys please do not tell cops I went back to office... I did wear mask and have my hands washed.

BTW, I feel convenient with my USB disk because it has both type-a and type-c on its two sides.

Guys thanks for your help!!!

That sounds nice. I found this https://support.apple.com/en-au/HT202796 which mentioned Startup Manager. I tried option/alt on my USB windows keyboard and BT mac keyboard, and still just get the flashing question mark folder icon... Probably I need to wait for a genuine wired keyboard.

Hi thanks for replying.

Yeah I tried both ctrl and win key, and them plus shift... just did not get any luck.

I wonder if my keyboard signal is sent on time. Since the keyboard got light after the boot sound, I guess it does not work before it..

Nah I lost my old keyboard in my office long ago since I got the bluetooth keyboard and trackpad. I cannot even go back to office to look for it or a replacement since the building is locked down for the bloody COVID. If sacrificing my old MAC can solve the virus I will feel better.

But I got a bit progress. When I swap back to the stock graphic card, it can light on the monitor. I can see a flashing folder icon with question mark, which could mean it failed finding the OS drive, I guess. So probably that machine just does not work well with a newer graphic card without OS.

I think you are right. Factory keyboard may be the key now.... I am still trying.

Will do mate. Thanks a lot for your help!

Surprisingly I can now use the mac bluetooth keyboard. It can open the cdrom now. But it just can not bring me to either recovery or internet recovery.

I will be looking for either a cd installer if it exists, or a genuine MAC usb keyboard. I guess there will be no more progress today.

E... that was tried actually. I do not have another mac at home but I actually bought one installer USB from eBay, and I never removed it from the machine. However I do not have Startup Manager or Startup Disk preferences to let the machine boot from it...