Computer stuck on start up screen with apple symbol and progress bar

I have a mid 2009 macbook pro 17” that is stuck on start up screen with apple symbol and progress bar at 50%. Have tried all the alternate restart methods, “command+r or command+s” and the best i can get is the dos screen. A little research shows its the hard drive is shot. I bought a new one from ifixit and symptoms have changed to a folder symbol with a question mark. I understand this means the machine cannot find its software since it is a new blank hard drive. Hardware replacememt is easy but software issue are still an emerging skill for me. What steps do i need take to revive this computer?