Different video card and hard drive

[Ross28546]

I got a desktop computer from my sister. It's got some age to it but still a great computer. Recently the hard drive crashed on me. I bought a new hard drive however when I installed it to the computer and tried to turn it on I get no video at all. Now the video card is like a plug in one, not built into the motherboard. Their is no video card built in. If I have a new hard drive will that stop the computer from recognizing the video card? If so, how can I install Windows into the hard drive and make it so I can see what I'm doing? I would just take it to a computer shop but I'm kind of on the lower end of the money pool. I'm pretty good with computers but this one is stumping me. Also, I have checked this hard drive with an external plug and play and it works great. And I feel that the video card should be working fine since it did before the hard drive crashed
Thank you in advance for the help.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Remove and reconnect all power connectors and the video card itself. Make sure all cable connections are snug.

When you start system, does it POST? (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000607.htm)

If it posts, can you reach BIOS?

If you can reach BIOS, is the new HDD properly recognized and setup?
If you can reach BIOS, is the correct slot identified for the video adapter?

If things are still 'dead', consider doing a CMOS reset. (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000976.htm)

If still no display, remove 'new' HDD and see if you can get BIOS on screen.

Let us know how it goes.