Blank screen flashing question mark/finder, weird sounds

I read some other discussions about the flashing question mark, and restarting the system with the restore disc, which intend to try when I get home, but it is also making clicking sounds. When the power is turned on, it sounds like the disk starts up, but then clicks about 4 times at a slow even meter, then turns off.Then the screen goes black, it swipes blue top to bottom, then the flashing ?/finder over a file folder appears. Is this indicative of anything worse? Also, I tried holding down the option key during start-up, but all I got was an icon with a circle arrow and another with an arrow pointing right. All I got when I clicked on these was an hour glass for a minute then nothing.
Thanks!

Update on the problem: Took the computer to the Apple store and the Mac Genius was very helpful. I got mad for a second when he told me that it is policy for warranty items to be UPS delivered for service, all expenses paid by Apple, if you are 50 miles outside the radius of an Apple store. I specifically asked the Apple care customer service person about this before going to the store, and I was told that they only allowed laptops to be shipped in. They probably prefer to sell me something else to allow that. Back to mac genius: luckily, I brought my external hardrive, something I probably would have been told to do if I had paid for Apple care and was able to talk to someone, which the tech people will install Tiger on, run a disk repair program to try to salvage the data on the harddrive, and then drop to the external. If not, data is lost. Either way the harddrive is indeed kaput and will be replaced under warranty.
I called Apple care again and walked through the whole scenario with a rep (not disclosing the info from the mac genius) and she agreed that if I had bought Apple Care, I would have had to go through the exact same excercise. So, phone support is a rip off - the forum is way better. I will be buying the extended warranty, though, due to obvious fears for future problems. Dollars to donuts the red carpet will get rolled out for the next problem considering I paid up.

Similar Messages

White screen flashing question mark

My internet froze for a long time so i turned my mac pro off but when i turned the laptop back on i got a white screen with a flashing box with a question mark on it. computer won't start up, how do i fix this?

Restart with the Option key held down, tab to the recovery drive, and either use the Disk Utility to repair the hard disk or the Installer to install a new OS. If the Option-key method doesn't show the recovery partition, the drive needs to be plugged in or replaced.
(68210)

Grey screen/ flashing question mark folder help!

my macbook starts up into the grey screen (no logo or indicator) and will eventually go into the flashing folder with the question mark. After hours of scouring forums I have tried the following things:
restart holding c with install disc in -> macbook spins disk, thinks, ejects disk
restart holding option -> grey screen, this time with movable cursor, does not advance from there. i left it for about ten minutes- should i leave it longer?
reset PMU as per Apple article -> no effect
reset PRAM as per Apple article -> no effect
i'm beginning to become resigned to the fact that it might be an HDD issue. i feel as though i should still be able to boot from disc. i could be wrong. just wondering if anyone has ANY other suggestions before going to Apple for repairs.

If the computer is under warranty the cost is carried by Apple. If it isn't, here's what I'd do...then again, I'm a tech and have access to lots of equipment. First I'd remove the drive (easy to do. turn off the computer, remove the battery, remove the little gate, remove the drive. The instructions are in the little booklet that came with the computer) and put it into an enclosure, connect to another computer and run drive diagnostics. If the drive can be repaired I'd format it, clone from my backup, and return to the computer. If the drive is dead I'd buy a new drive, clone from my backup, and be back up and running. There's a third, remote possibility - that the problem is the logic board and not the drive. But it is remote.
What I'm getting at here is that yes, you can do it yourself but...you probably don't have an enclosure for a 2.5" drive so you'll probably just have to assume the drive is toast and buy a new one - check out NewEgg or Macsales.com. Without the external drive enclosure you give up the chance of restoring the drive and recovering data. Then again, if you can't anyway you'll have wasted $$$ on an enclosure you didn't need.
Instead of worrying about what you've heard, call the local store and get a quote on replacing the drive and installing a drive that you bring yourself. That'll give you a ballpark figure to work with and you can move forward from there.

Flashing Question Mark Folder after Clean Install in Target Disk Mode

I have an old iBook G4 with a failing optical drive and the need to reformat the hard drive and re-install OS 10.5.4. Since the optical drive is failing and unpredictable, I figured I'd do everything in target disk mode.
So I mounted the hard drive of the iBook to my Mac Pro via Firewire in target disk mode. I was able to successfully format the hard drive of the iBook, zeroing out all the data with 7 passes, and I was also able to successfully install OS 10.5.4 from my original Install DVD, again in target disk mode.
After the install was complete, I went through all the registration process and User Account setup and the iBook booted fine albeit still in target disk mode. So I shut down the Mac Pro, turned off the iBook and unplugged the Firewire cable. My Mac Pro booted up just fine afterward. But the iBook now gives me the flashing question mark/finder folder.
I know this means that the iBook is having trouble located a startup volume, or that the startup volume is corrupt or missing data. How can this be, though, after a reformat and clean install? Did I do something wrong in target disk mode? Or did I neglect to do something necessary?
Thanks for anyone's help on this.

Thanks, Niel.
I don't see APM as an option in Disk Utility when booting from my Mac Pro. I only have Mac OS Extended (Journaled), Mac OS Extended, Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled), Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive), MS-DOS (FAT) and ExFAT.
How do I get my Mac Pro to repartition the iBook properly in target disk mode?

Black Screen, Grey Screen, then flashing question mark, now frozen....

hi everyone,
i know i have probably the most common problem - and i've tried to read all about the logic board problems which i'm fairly certain i have.
I realize i will most likely have to buy a new macbook - but before i do - i need to retrieve files that are on my ibook g3 (bought in early 2003).
This is what has happened in the past 2 days:
1. I can hear the power start up (and chimes) but screen is completely black.
2. Tried resetting PRAM and PMU, now blank grey screen sometimes appears.
3. Now, grey screen with flashing question mark in the middle alternating with mac face. So i assumed this meant it couldn't locate my hard drive. So i found my ibook install disc and inserted it and restarted while holding down "C" key.
4. Grey screen - with Apple (thought this was success) - then it turned to a large grey circle with a line through it (a slash). And then suddenly frozen.
Since then it has just been a lot of lines through the screen alternating with completely grey screen, etc. along with any of the above-mentioned outcomes. I tried pushing on the lower-left-hand corner of the computer and yes, it affects the display - more or less lines, etc.
How can i get my old files off of it? Do i buy a new macbook and connect them via fire wire cable and try that way? or will that not work if the above is happening? Or is it possible for someone (myself or perhaps IT professionals) to remove the hard drive from my old ibook and place it somewhere where i can copy over the files?
Any help is appreciated - i know this is a popular topic - i've just had so many weird outcomes in the past 2 days i'm not exactly sure which solution (if any) would work for me right now.
Thanks so much!

Hi Ronda -
I do have access to another mac (mini) with firewire at my work. Or I might go out and buy a new macbook this weekend as well (preferable since I don't really want my personal files on my work computer, etc.) But yes, i need to get my old files off of this one.
I have never added additional memory or anything to it really since I got it. So it should be the original specs:
iBook (14.1 LCD 900 MHz 32 VRAM)
256MB memory
Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW)
Hard drive: 40GB
Not a lot of space was remaining if i recall. I did get the 'disk full' notice a few weeks ago, but i did end up deleting a lot of stuff. Needless to say, i'm sure it was quite full, but not at maximum when this happened.
Update: Last night i tried to start it up again, and it would ONLY go to a black screen this time (ie. no display at all). What do you think i should do?

Mac Mini doesn't work:appair only a flashing question mark on the screen

I try to startup the Mac Mini but the only think that appair on the screen is a white page with in the middle a folder with a flashing question mark.
The Operative Sistem doesn't work:i wanted to try to inser into the CD of OS X and reinstall all but there is just a CD into the Mac but again with botton or with muose clicked ,the CD doens't go out.
Please Mac's users help me.
Bye. Alskarez
Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4)

The flashing question mark means that the mini is not able to find a copy of MacOS to boot from, which is likely why you inserted the OS X disc.
If the disc that is stuck in the system is the original MacOS install disc that came with the mini, you should be able to boot to it by holding the C key down as the system is starting up. Some non-Apple or wireless keyboards don't allow starttup modifier keys to be used, but if yours is an Apple keyboard it certainly should. If it IS the original install disc in the system and the C key doesn't work, and you're left with the flashing question mark, it sounds like you may have a significant hardware fault which may have caused the mini to fail to see either optical or hard drives.
It may be that in that situation a PMU reset (for PPC minis) or an SMC reset (for Intel models) might restore operability, but if not, then you'll likely need the assistance of an Apple approved service provider.
To reset the PMU in a G4 mini:
- Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord.
- Wait 10 seconds.
- Plug in the power cord while simultaneously pressing and holding the power button on the back of the computer.
- Let go of the power button.
- Press the power button once more to start up your Mac mini.
To reset the SMC on an Intel mini:
-From the Apple menu, choose Shut Down (or if the computer is not responding, hold the power button until it turns off).
-Unplug all cables from the computer, including the power cord and any display cables.
-Wait at least 15 seconds.
-Plug the power cord back in, making sure the power button is not being pressed at the time.
-Then reconnect your keyboard and mouse to the computer.
-Press the power button on the back to start up your computer.

Flashing question mark or nothing on screen at startup

I have the iMac with the iSight built in. I can't tell ya what version I'm working with but if I remember correctly its Leopard..maybe v 4+. When I turn on my computer i hear the start up chime but either just a blank blue/grayish screen comes up and does nothing more than that...or a flashing question mark comes up. I did purchase the Care Plan when I bought it in December of 2007. Any suggestions as how to get to my desktop so I can try to run Disk Utility? Please help! I have never had any issues with any of my macs

I did purchase the Care Plan
Did you call Apple Care?
Leopard starts at 10.5 and ends at 10.5.8 After you get your computer repaired, go to About This Mac to find out which version of Leopard you have.
Mac OS X 10.5: Troubleshooting installation, startup, and login issues

Why won't my MacBook Pro start up? White screen and flashing question mark.

Hi,
I've had my MacBook Pro for almost 2 years now and I installed OS X 10.8 about 4 months ago.
Today I turned the MacBook Pro on and a white screen with a flashing question mark appeared. I tried then getting the startup manager up: turning on the laptop and immediately holding in alt (option). But nothing appeared for about 25 seconds until a rotating Earth labelled 'Internet recovery' appeared that gave me options to join wireless connections. However, my internet wasn't in the options and when I tried typing in the information required to join my internet the laptop would just load and never find it.
I then tried putting in my Mac OS X install DVD (10.6.7) and help in C until the apple logo appeared on the screen and the little rotating loading circle appeared. That then disappeared and a cicle with a cross through it appeared (similar to a no entry sign). Then after about 30 seconds a blue screen followed by a grey screen appeared until eventually the disc ran properly. I then went into Disk Utility but there was no option called Macintosh HD, only the discs content. It wouldn't let me first aid, erase or repair anything.
I'm totally stumped and have 4 exams at university within the next 2 weeks. I'd really appreciate it if anyone could help me out here?
Thanks,
Best wishes,
Connor

The support article linked below is somewhat outdated. Where it refers to starting up from an installation disc, you should instead start up in Recovery by holding down the key combination command-R at the chime. Release the keys when you see a gray screen with a spinning dial.
If you don't have a current backup of all the data on the startup volume, and you want to preserve that data, then you must try to back up before you do anything else. Ask for instructions if you need them.
Note: You need an always-on Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection to the Internet to reinstall OS X from Recovery, if necessary. It won’t work with USB or PPPoE modems, or with proxy servers, or with networks that require a certificate for authentication.
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

IMac won't turn on. Only a clicking sound and a grey folder with flashing question mark.

iMac won't turn on. Only a clicking sound and a grey folder with flashing question mark.
Help.

Your iMac is actually turning ON as proven by the grey folder with the flashing question mark.
The flashing question mark indicates that your system is unable to find a bootable volume. The clicking sound that you hear is probably coming from your hard drive while it tries to recalibrate. I suspect your hard drive has failed.
What model imac do you have? If it's under warranty I suggest taking it in for service. Hopefully you've been maintaining a regular backup of your data as all users should. I lost my data once and it was a valuable lesson. I back up regularily now.
If your iMac came with install disks then you can boot from them, choose your language when asked, then pull down the Utilities menu to launch the Disk Utility application. The Disk Utility application will allow you to verify whether your hard drive has an issue. Usually a clicking sound, assuming it's coming from the hard drive, is a sign of a bad hard drive.
If your system has Lion installed then you can hold down the Command and R keys when you restart the system, then launch the Disk Utility application from the menu that appears.

What to do with a grey screen with flashing question mark on start up

What does a flashing question mark on a blank screen mean web starting up?

Follow the procedures in this support article:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts2570
Ciao.

Intermittent failure to boot, flashing question mark or white screen

So, I've had two MacBooks with similar problems (I am a Mac consultant). The first one would intermittently boot to a white screen, often enough to be annoying. This current one is occasionally booting to a flashing question mark. My first thought is, of course, the hard drive, but in both cases the hard drive tests fine using SMART Utility, which is usually great at giving advance warning when a drive starts experiencing hardware errors.
On the first MacBook, the one with the white-screen boots, I tried reinstalling the system with no effect; replacing the drive eventually made the problem go away. The current MacBook, with the question-mark boots, has already had its drive replaced once, when the stock drive failed.
I will reseat the drive, which is all Apple could suggest. I just wonder if anybody else had experienced something like this and can offer any information about what might be going on.

Thanks for the reply. Aside from finding that holding the mouse button down at boot might cause a flashing question mark, I already knew all that. I will ask the owner if she is leaning on the trackpad button when she starts up her computer in the morning.
I've already reset the power manager and the PRAM; we'll see if that makes any difference. The puzzling thing here is that the problem is intermittent.
I also need to ask her if, when the computer does boot to the question mark, there has been a chime first. Somehow I think there has to be, for the system to have gotten as far as looking for a boot drive. I couldn't find anything useful in the logs; not surprising, since if it can't find a drive to boot to, it won't have anything to write a log to.
Again, the mystery is why the failure to boot is intermittent. If it happened every time, I'd know what to do!
Thanks
cavenewt

Clicking sound and flashing question mark folder

This morning I started getting a repetitive clicking sound from the left of the machine. I wasn't using it at the time.
This stopped, and I tried closing apps: got the spinning beach ball. Let it run for a while, then tried force quit, which didn't work - the "Force Quit" window didn't appear. So, did a power off by pressing the power button.
At start up got a gray screen, the clicking noise, and then the folder icon with flashing question mark. Tried another start, got the chimes and blue screen and the clicking noise this time, then the gray and question mark.
My guess is I've got a bad hard drive: should I keep trying to start up so I can try to back up if I get a good start (last backed up a week ago) or is it doing more damage to keep trying?
Is it worth trying to run Disk First Aid or Tech Tool since it seems to be hardware related?

If it's clicking, it's probably failing. Try things in Apple doc.#58042 on Flashing? mark.
If the drive still spins, You could try the free demo of DataRescuell .
If the demo "sees" your stuff, you can purchase the full version to rescue the bigger files. Don't use the drive, till you get this program, if the demo works. Best chance of recovery. Otherwise Data Rescue companies will charge you a fortune! Everyone needs to have at least one backup of their system.
Cheers! DALE

Help..Flashing question mark, won't boot,clicking sound. Whats happened?

I was using my macbook (Intel Core Duo) to watch some Quicktime trailers and whilst waiting for the movie to load (which was taking a long time as I have a slow internet connection), the fans started whirring away, then the spinning beachball started. A clicking sound started from somewhere inside, I tried to force quit but couldn't get the force quit screen so ended up having to shutdown using the power button. When I tried to startup again all I got was a clicking sound and a flashing question mark. I used the cd to do a hardware test and tried disc utility but the hard disc is no longer there..! I tried resetting PRAM but still nothing.
Does this mean my hard drive has failed? What is the clicking sound? I have most of my stuff backed up and my itunes library, photos, and movies are on a external drive. If I have to have a new hard drive will I be able to access these again?

Thank you. I have now read many other reports of hard drive failure in Macbooks and as mine has exhibited exactly the same sypmtoms as everyone else I can see that it means it is dead. Luckily I had backed up but I am very angry that this has happened to a 16 month old, well cared for computer..and an Apple one, not some cheap PC!

Imac G5 won't start white screen and flashing question mark

tried every key combo recomended - erased HD using target mode/firewire with laptop - but won't boot up from install disc...

The white screen with flashing question mark means that it cannot find a bootable volume.
The iMac G5 will not boot from just any install disk. Ideally, use the grey restore disks which came with the computer. If you've lost these, you can order them direct from Apple. Alternatively, a Mac OS X 10.5 retail install DVD will work provided the iMac G5 has also 1GB RAM (minimum requirement for 10.5).
Sometimes, if the internal drive is faulty, it can take a long time for the computer to recognise other disks. I would suggest holding down the option key on the keyboard (labled alt on some keyboards) and turning the computer on, keep holding alt until you get to the early boot menu, insert your DVD/CD, and click the circle arrow to refresh, wait a bit and the DVD/CD will show up and you can click on it to select it and boot from it by pressing the straight arrow.
After a little while it will get to the install menu, select your language, then on the next screen go through the menus to find "Disk Utility" (it's in different places on different versions of Mac OS X).
You will want to check that the internal hard drive is detected, and that it doesn't have a SMART error (it might be red, or say that the disk is failing). If you get that far, then (assuming you have erased the disk previously, as this will step really will erase the drive and take all your data with it) partition the drive, making sure that under 'Options' you select Apple Partition Map (this will be the default on earlier versions of Mac OS X, but might not be if you've erase the disk from an intel Mac like a MacBook).
Once, you done all that, and there haven't been any issues, you should be able to quit Disk Utility, and carry on with the sytem install as usual, and a 30mins to 2 hours and reboot later you should be booting from the internal drive again.

IMac 9,1 Grey Screen with Flashing Question Mark (After HDD Replaced)

Hello, I have an iMac 9,1 and it recently booted with a grey screen and a flashing question mark. My HDD made a very loud ticking noise, which to my knowledge and people on Google, the HDD is basically dead. No big deal. I purchased and replaced the HDD myself, no more ticking but I still get the same screen. I put in my OSX installer DVD and it spits it back out. Tried holding C on start up, same thing. I tried reseting the PRAM and SMC, no luck. Can't boot into safe mode nor the start up manager. I just get a blank screen with the cursor that I can move around, that's it.
However, I was also to boot the Apple Hardware Test through the 2nd CD that came with my installer by holding D on start up. Ran the test, no hardware errors found. I've tried so many things such as the ones listed above, I tested the RAM as well and I'm stumped. Please help. Thanks.
Edit: I also tried booting into single user mode. That doesn't work either. I also tested the OSX installer in my MacBook to make sure the disc wasn't bad and it booted the disc no problem with the full installer.

Linc Davis wrote:
I can boot into Target Disk mode and since my Macbook reads the OSX installer no problem, would I be able to install the OSX through Firewire?
That may work, if you have a retail (not a gray) installation disc, but the MB will then be set to boot from the iMac's drive. You'll need to reset the startup disk in the Startup Disk preference pane on the MB.
Thanks, I'll certainly give this a try. I'm really hoping this works out because I feel like I've tried everything and seeing no hardware errors makes me feel like I can do something on my end rather than dropping hundreds of dollars to get it fixed.

Blank screen flashing question mark/finder, weird sounds

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for