macbook pro 2010 boots to flashing folder

hudsen80 wrote:

I bought a MacBook pro a couple of days ago with no hdd. I installed a 256 gb SSD and turned it on. there was no boot chime, but I held down the command and r keys to bring up internet support. this did not work and booted straight to the flashing folder and question mark. I decided to reset the pram. this also did not work and booted straight into the flashing folder. I then downloaded mac OS lion onto a usb stick and inserted it into the MacBook and heled the option key while booting. this also did not work. does anybody know what is wrong with my MacBook? I know that the keyboard works because whenever i press the all caps button the light glows.

If your Mac starts up to a question mark

If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support

All new drives need to be formatted...(?) and you make no mention....

Only after formatting the new blank drive: GUID/apfs can you install a macOS

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

Recovery>Disk Utility> Command R or Option Command R

How to reinstall macOS - Apple Support

hudsen80 wrote:

yes the drive is formatted. and even if it wasn't shouldn't I still be able to boot into recovery mode?

Mac’s before June of 2013 do not support Internet Recovery