Well the IBM has no floppy drive or cd drive so im wondering can I put the harddrive in a different computer, install the OS and get the harddrive to work in the IBM? Also, If i do that will it over write anything on the Motherboard or w/e of the computer I put the harddrive in? In my mind I dont think it is going to wipe everything, and it will work but I thought id better check with the pros first.Floppy drive...about 12 bucks...

CDROM drive ....about 20 bucks...

I'd install both.

Well I might be getting both for free, or I might BUY them like you said but I was wondering If I can actually get the computer running with an OS before i bought them or got them for free.What OS are you throwing on that machine ? ? ?

After which how do you plan to install programs without a flopp or CD drive ? ?Windows 2000, and im getting the cd drive later and most programs I use are freeware.Well just to put CLOSURE to the IBM I had, im not going to keep it due to lack of parts, random mother BOARD, random graphicds card; basically stuff i'am not willing to fool around or buy yet.Sometimes there is no substitute for a closet full of parts. This could be one of those rare instances where we can say i'm glad you didn't get it fixed up.