umm err I am unfamiliar with a startalk a or b, but if it is anything like a startalk 110,165,385 then you will require a flopy loader ( 5 1/4" disks ) and about 15 disks from nortel. the procedure takes about 2 1/2 hours.
1. connect laptop using hyperterm 300, e, 7, 1, x on x off, vt100, caps lock on
2. install flopy loader as per maint manual
3. insert disk utilities and boot startalk holding black button on side
4. format harddrive
5. load software and ALL voice prompts including alternate language.
I have reservations about your success using any old harddrive. I have tried without success just planting one in there and loading software. you have to be careful with the manufacture and size of harddrive. the smaller the better somewhere around the 270? range ( I will have to check ).