All i get is a white screen and a file icon with a ? in it

I turn on my computer and my screen turns white and then a folder icon with a ? just starts blinking .... how do i fix it ...what happend?

I had that the other day. There's a kb article here: http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1440
In my case, I used the OS X install disc, loaded up Disc Utility to verify the disc and then went to Startup disc to make sure that the HD was selected. Rebooted and all was well.
Still don't know what caused it but those steps seemed to fix it. Hopefully it will fix yours too!

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When i active my mac pro all i get is a white screen and it loading .. and when it fully loaded it turns off and the same thing keep on happening again

when i active my mac pro all i get is a white screen and it loading and when it fully load its turn off , and it keep on doing the same thing for hours

Hi Shahenaz,
It's a little difficult to understand exactly what's going on with your mac based on the description you gave. Is there anything else you could add? Is it stuck in a reboot loop? Or is it just showing a white screen forever?
I had pretty much the same problem a few days ago, and was worried my mac was screwed permanently, but I got it fixed up no problem!
Follow these steps to try and troubleshoot/fix the problem.
1. Boot into OSX Recovery Mode
First, turn off your Mac. If it isn't responding, or is stuck in a reboot loop, just hold down the power button until it turns off, and you hear the fans stop. Then boot it while holding the Command and R keys. If it successfully boots into OSX Recovery Mode, continue with this step. If not, skip to step two. (My Mac couldn't successfully boot into the recovery mode, so I had to go to step 2)
Select "Disk Utility" from the list of options, and find your built in hard drive from the list on the left. Usually there are two listings/names for your drive. The first should be something like "500GB longchainoflettersnumbers Media". Then the one below will be a little easier on the eyes, named Macintosh HD, if you haven't changed its name. That's the one you want, click it.
Now go to the "First Aid" tab. Click on the "Verify Disk" button in the bottom right corner, and let it do its thing. Once that's done, hit repair disk, also in the bottom right corner. If your disk is corrupted, you may need to run the repair process several times, before it comes up completely clean.
Once this is done, select Shut Down from the Apple menu and, once your Mac is completely off, turn it back on like normal. If it works, great. If not, proceed to step two.
2. SafeBoot
Sometimes, when a mac is acting up and doesn't want to start, all it takes is a safe boot, followed by a regular restart. Or maybe you recently installed a program that either has malicious or errored coding that's causing your troubles. This is where Safe Boot comes in.
Turn off your mac, and reboot it while holding Shift. (If you want to see the process that's going on in the background, boot while holding Shift, Command, and V. This will enter something called Verbose Mode).
If it boots successfully into Safe Mode, great. If you believe that there's a particular program that you recently downloaded that might be causing your trouble, now's the time to delete it. If not, just reboot normally and see if it works! If it doesn't, or if your Mac didn't even Safe Boot like mine, proceed to step 3.
3. Fsck!
For this step, you're going to be booting your mac into Single User Mode. I'm not going to go into details as to what this step does, but it works for some people. Here are the steps.
Turn off your mac, and reboot it while holding Command and S. The screen should go black, and you'll see some white text run across the screen, wait a few seconds, until you see the command prompt. Now type
fsck -fy
and hit the Enter key. This will run a series of system checks, which could take a few minutes. Be patient on this part. Once it's done, it will show one of two messages:
1. "The volume (your Mac) appears to be OK
or
2. "File System Was Modified"
If you got message 1, type reboot and press Return. Hopefully your computer works after this - if not, proceed to step 4.
If you got message 2, run the same command again until you get message 1. If it doesn't seem to be working, turn off your system and proceed to step 4.
If you couldn't even boot into Single User Mode in the first place (like me), go to step 4 anyways.
Step 4: Reset the NVRAM
The NVRAM is another kind of RAM that stores data like the computer volume you had set before you turned it off, or the screen brightness, resolution etc. This memory is saved, unlike with regular RAM. Resetting it isn't harmful to your system, it will just put your screen brightness, volume, etc. to defaults.
Turn off your Mac, and reboot while holding Command, Option, P, and R, and continue holding them down until you hear the computer restart again.
I can't really explain why to do this step, I just know it works for some people, and seems to be what unbricked my MacBook Pro. If none of these steps, fixed your Mac, well the situation is looking pretty grim. Try setting up a meeting with a Mac Genius at your local Apple store. However, I know that many other people with these symptoms ended up having a logic board failure. Apple can swap out your logic board for a new one, but the price is pretty hefty, somewhere around $300 I believe.
Well I wish you luck, I hope this helped you!

My new mac mini (3 month) didn't start up,all that appeared was a white screen and a flashing folder with a question mark inside it.

My new Mac mini (3 month) didn't start up, all that appeared was a white screen and a flashing folder with a question mark inside it.
I followed by recommendations from 'Everything Mac': "shut it down by pressing and holding the power button for about 5 seconds.
Then hold down the Option key and press the power button again to start up the Mac mini. Keep holding down the Option key until
the Mac mini starts up."
But I got a Wi-Fi button only to chose and connect the local network. I connected to my network and I can't use this connection
becouse no icons.
Could you please help me?

Your Mini (running 10.6.4) should have come with grey-colored install disks. Now is the time to put them into service. Turn on your computer so that there is power to accept disk #1 into the optical drive. Once the disk is in the drive, shut off the computer by holding the start button down until it powers off. Then turn it on this time holding down the "C" key to make the computer boot from the disk. The question mark that you saw indicates that the computer cannot find a bootable volume. This can happen due to corrupted system files or an improper shutdown etc. Once you are in the "Installer" you can choose Disk Utility from the Utilities Menu in the menu bar. Use it to repair the disk and to see if that can solve your trouble.

Hi I was wondering if anyone has experienced ios 7 problems on the iphone 4s as mine often blanks out and wont start up all I get is a white screen and when (if) it comes on the backgroung is not normal?

Hi I was wondering if anyone has experienced probs with the ios7 on iphone 4s, as mine keeps going white screen and wont turn on reboot unless im lucky. When, if it comes on it blurrs and fades out after a couple of minutes the screen also jitters and dies often. I dont know if this is due to the software update or a faulty screen etc... any thoughts?

Sno problems here at all.

Cannot get into mac. I get a white screen and flashing file folder with question mark inside. What can I do?

2012/13 MacBook Pro froze up, so I did a hard shut down. Now, when I try to start up, it makes 3 unusual beeps, then I get a white screen. After a couple minutes, a flashing file folder with a question mark appears and remains. What is wrong and what can I do to fix it.

Three beeps usually means a RAM or RAM slots problem. The Question Mark means there is no bootable system found.
A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac
Question (?) Mark, Blinking Folder, or Gray Screen at Startup
These are related but not identical issues. Their causes are outlined in Intel-based Mac- Startup sequence and error codes, symbols. Solutions may be found in:
A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac
Mac OS X- Gray screen appears during startup
In most cases the problems may be caused by one or more of these:
a. Problem with the computer's PRAM - See Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM.
b. Boot drive's directory has been corrupted - Repair with Disk Utility.
c. Critical system files are damaged or deleted - Reinstall OS X.
d. The disk drive is physically non-functional - Replace the hard drive.
Note that the information I have provided is what Apple recommends, If other users suggest different solutions than found here, then be sure what they recommend does not impact on your warranty, if any, or ability to get continuing Apple service.
Please don't start removing drives or changing cables unless you know what you are doing and have exhausted other non-invasive alternatives outlined here. If you perform any work yourself that is unapproved by Apple, then you will void any warranty you may have and lose all further Apple Support.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
The main difference if you are using Lion or Mountain Lion is that you must first boot from the Recovery HD. Simply boot from the Recovery HD to perform the above.
Reinstall Snow Leopard Without Erasing The drive
1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your Snow Leopard Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Reinstall Snow Leopard
If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer. Proceed with reinstalling OS X. Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files. After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.
Reinstalling Lion/Mountain Lion Without Erasing The Drive
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the COMMAND and R keys until the menu screen appears. Alternatively, restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the OPTION key until the boot manager screen appears. Select the Recovery HD and click on the downward pointing arrow button.
Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the main menu. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions as follows.
When the recovery menu appears select Disk Utility. After DU loads select your hard drive entry (mfgr.'s ID and drive size) from the the left side list. In the DU status area you will see an entry for the S.M.A.R.T. status of the hard drive. If it does not say "Verified" then the hard drive is failing or failed. (SMART status is not reported on external Firewire or USB drives.) If the drive is "Verified" then select your OS X volume from the list on the left (sub-entry below the drive entry,) click on the First Aid tab, then click on the Repair Disk button. If DU reports any errors that have been fixed, then re-run Repair Disk until no errors are reported. If no errors are reported click on the Repair Permissions button. Wait until the operation completes, then quit DU and return to the main menu.
Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion: Select Reinstall Lion/Mountain Lion and click on the Continue button.
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible because it is three times faster than wireless.

When i press sleep wake button to turn on my iphone 3gs all i get is a white screen

trying to open the phone to make a call or answer the phone when i press the sleep wake button all i get is a white screen and cant do anything with the phone constantly turning phone on/off eventually my home page does return anyone know why and what to do.. thanks to all

MacBook Air Mid 2012?
"Apple has determined that certain 64GB and 128GB flash storage drives used in the previous generation of MacBook Air systems may fail. These systems were sold between June 2012 through June 2013."
http://www.apple.com/support/macbookair-flashdrive/

HT5055 Just updated to lion and my cctv access has stopped functioning all I get is a white screen in the middle of the control panel where the camera shots should be. I think it is caused by JAVA but am confused as when i view on snow leopard it works

Just updated to lion and my cctv access has stopped functioning all I get is a white screen in the middle of the control panel where the camera shots should be. I think it is caused by JAVA but am confused as when i view on snow leopard it works can you help

Open "Java Preferences" either from spotlight or your utilities folder...it's probably going to say you need to install a java runtime. Then just click install!

After "restoring" my MacBook Pro via time capsule, all I get is a white screen with the apple in the middle and the little spin wheel spinning and spinning and spinning for 24 hrs now...

After "restoring" my MacBook Pro via time capsule, all I get is a white screen with the apple in the middle and the little spin wheel spinning and spinning and spinning for 24 hrs now...

Hello kdcha55,
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
To troubleshoot this issue where your Mac is stuck on the gray screen with a spinning gear, please follow the steps in the support article linked to below.
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS2570
Take care,
Alex H.

I messed up badly by trying to restore my brand new macbook pro by doing restart then command R and choose disc utility repair now when I start ,all I get is the white screen with a folder and a question mark,What can I do???help please

I messed up badly by trying to restore my brand new macbook pro by doing restart then command R and choose disc utility repair now when I start ,all I get is the white screen with a folder and a question mark,What can I do???help please

Can you still boot to the Recovery partition using Command and R whilst booting? Or did you wipe the Recovery partition as well?
If your Recovery partition is still intact, you can simply boot to it and reinstall the OS via the Internet. If you wiped the Recovery partition, you can hold down Command, option and R keys whilst booting and boot into true Internet Recovery mode. You'll be able to reformat the hard drive, erasing all partitions (format it as "Mac OS Extended (Journaled)" with a dingle GUID partition) and then reinstall the OS that shipped with your machine.
Note that you should use a physical Ethernet connection when restoring over the Internet - it's three times slower if you use wifi.
Try your Recovery partition first and if that doesn't work, use Internet Recovery.
Clinton

My 1st generation Ipod touch won't turn on at all and whenever I press the buttons to reset it all I get is a white screen, or a white screen with black lines across.

My 1st generation Ipod touch won't turn on at all and whenever I press the buttons to reset it all I get is a white screen, or a white screen with black lines across.Help pleaseeeeee!

You can work through the five 5 R's of troubleshooting to rule out the possibility of corrupted software.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
It might also be a good idea to let the iPod's battery fully drain. Then charge it back up and restore it once more in iTunes.
Otherwise, it's likely a hardware issue with the iPod's LCD display, meaning you'll need to take or send your iPod in for service either via Apple or a third party repair service. Here is Apple's repair pricing.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/service/prices/
Note that they don't actually repair the device, but exchange it for one of the same generation, model, and capacity. A third party service will actually replace the damaged part for a little less. Google "iPod screen repair" and you should get a number of results to work with.
B-rock

When i turn my touch all i get is a white screen help

when i turn on my touch all i get is a white screen help

Try a system reset. It cures many ills and it's quick, easy and harmless...
Hold down the on/off switch and the Home button simultaneously until the screen blacks out or you see the Apple logo. Ignore the "Slide to power off" text if it appears. You will not lose any apps, data, music, movies, settings, etc.
If the Reset doesn't work, try a Restore. Note that it's nowhere near as quick as a Reset. From iTunes, select the iPad and then select the Summary tab. Follow directions for Restore and be sure to say "yes" to the backup. You will be warned that all data (apps, music, movies, etc.) will be erased but, as the Restore finishes, you will be asked if you wish the contents of the backup to be copied to the iPad.
There's more to try but let's go a bit at a time.

HT201412 when turned on all I get is a white screen

My Ipod when turned on all I get is a white screen. I tryed to do a reboot w/power and home button and nothing

Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- Try on another computer
- If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

All i get is a white screen. no more firefox

all i get is a white screen no firefox

A possible cause is security software (firewall) that blocks or restricts Firefox or the plugin-container process without informing you, possibly after detecting changes (update) to the Firefox program.
Remove all rules for Firefox from the permissions list in the firewall and let your firewall ask again for permission to get full unrestricted access to internet for Firefox and the plugin-container process and the updater process.
See:
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Server+not+found
*https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Firewalls

All i get is a white screen

all i get is a white screen then goes black

Try #2 and 3 in link below.
Basic troubleshooting steps.
17" 2.2GHz i7 Quad-Core MacBook Pro  8G RAM  750G HD + OCZ Vertex 3 SSD Boot HD 

I can't log on to my I mac Desk top, every time I switch it on all I get is a white screen with the apple log , can anyone help pls?

I can't log on to my I mac Desk top, every time I switch it on all I get is a white screen with the apple log , can anyone help pls?

Hello,
Could be many things, we should start with this...
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu at top of the screen. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
*Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.*
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair Disk, (not Repair Permissions). Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.
(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.)
If perchance you can't find your install Disc, at least try it from the Safe Boot part onward.
If 10.7.0 or later...
Bootup holding CMD+r, or the Option/alt key to boot from the Restore partitirion & use Disk Utility from there.

All i get is a white screen and a file icon with a ? in it

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