Worked like a charm!

My Problem

I got a question mark inside a folder icon on start up. Hard drive wasn't recognized

My Fix

It went great. This is so easy! Got a new cable and followed instructions provided by ifixit and comments.

My Advice

Before assuming your old hard drive broke down, try removing the hard drive and connect it to your computer via USB (you will need an SerialATA to USB adaptor or whatever. Do some research). You will be able to boot the OS through the USB port. If you can boot your old system then you know something must be wrong with the cable that connects the HD to the mother board.