Flashing folder when starting up ??

Anyone know how I can remedy the flashing folder when I start up my mini? I have a ministack and if I restart it boots normally with the grey apple. When I turn on the Mini I get the flashing folder and don't boot. Show a Folder logo with "?" . I don't have that problem with my other drives.
How do I fix this?

Two possible scenarios. Don't overreact, and read both to find out which one is best:
1. If you are getting a flashing ? folder that won't quit flashing ? folder, in some cases booting with the Option key is necessary:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106178
You need to use the operating system that is installed or a newer retail operating system disk to examine the disk. I'd only do this on a system that is backed up, and following the instructions in my FAQ*:
http://www.macmaps.com/directoryfaq.html
2. If it quits the Flashing ? Folder and goes to the desktop without issue, then you don't have anything to worry about, but you should backup your data in anycase as my FAQ* explains:
http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html
The Startup Disk will simply need to be reset in Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Startup Disk so it won't flashing ? folder on the next restart.
Do you need a translation? Or do you understand what I am saying?
* Links to my pages may give me compensation.

Similar Messages

My macbook air has a flashing folder when start up, I just got it back from apple with a new hardrive.

I just got my macbook air back from apple because my hard drive failed,
Now that I have finally got it back I get a flashing folder and when I boot up to the disk utlities it doesn't let me choose a disk and it doesn't provide one to reset the OSX,
This is the worst experience I have EVER had with Apple and I need help.

Stephen ~ Welcome to the Support Communities. This Apple doc may help:
Mac OS X: Gray screen appears during startup
...Found by searching here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=search

HT1803 i have the flashing folder when i start up my power book, i have no idea how to fix it

i have the flashing folder when i start up my power book, i have no idea how to fix it

Hi morales2k,
Here is a link for a relatively cheap OS that would be compatible with your Mac. Its a little old but will get you back on track. This is OS X 10.3
http://www.amazon.com/Mac-10-3-Panther-OLD-VERSION/dp/B0000E6NK9/ref=sr_1_1?ie=U TF8&qid=1384575314&sr=8-1&keywords=os+x+10.3
This is a newer version of OS X (10.4 Tiger). Its more expensive, but will get more updates than Panther...
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Mac-10-4-Tiger-VERSION/dp/B0002G71T0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=U TF8&qid=1384575391&sr=8-1&keywords=os+x+10.4
This is the highest OS that the PowerBook can run, and is more expensive. The biggest advantage of this OS (Leopard) is that it will get the most updates available for PowerPc Macs...
http://www.amazon.com/Apple-Version-10-5-6-Leopard-VERSION/dp/B000FK88JK/ref=sr_ 1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1384575583&sr=8-3&keywords=os+x+10.5
Any of these will get your Mac back to normal operation. Just insert the CD/DVD and follow the on screen instructions!
Good Luck!

I bought an iMac last year and now have a flashing folder on start up. I tried to reboot but am unclear about whether or not the time machine has backed up everything I have on there or how I can do it so I don't loose important data. Thanks in advance!

My iMac which I bought in May 2011, (yes the warranty for one year just ran out) but I have 3 years through Best Buy, was making a really loud humming noise yesterday so I shut it down and restarted and now I have the flashing folder on a grey screen. I don't know if I have lost everything on that computer as I am not sure if I set up or needed to set up the time machine when I bought it. I am not super mac savvy (yet) and would love some help to try and not only fix this issue but to find out how I can check and see if what I have on there is automatically backed up or not. I need help! Thanks in advance!!!

Do you have an Install Disc?
If so...
"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.

Flashing folder at start-up, have I done all I can?

I really hope someone might be able to help with this cause I am getting frustrated beyond belief.
I have a MacBook Pro with Mavericks OS X 10.9. About a week ago it crashed while I was printing, first my desktop went gray while still displaying my desktop folders and then it froze. I manually shut it off and upon restart I got the flashing folder with a question mark.
so far my steps have been: (not completely in order)
Holding shift at start up - the screen stays grey and freezes (doesn't even get as far as the flashing folder)
Connecting my MacBook Pro to my old White Macbook (that is running Snow Leopard) via firewire and holding T during start up, though my MB Pro has the symbol for migration assistant, my White MB could not recognize it. (This was to test the hard drive and recover data)
I was able to access and copy my files when I connected my MB Pro to my White MB via a hard drive enclosure through the USB port.
(with hard drive back in my MB Pro) Holding command + R - continues into internet recovery mode
in disk utility through recovery mode - Disk0 and mac OS X base system are available
under base system / first aid / verify disk - I get an all green and no repairs are needed
under erase and restore - all options are grayed out
when closing out of the OS X Utilities window and going into start up disk - no disk is available
Reinstall OS X under Utilities widow - I am able to get though licensing agreement and then it stops on selecting the disk to install on because no disk options show up and there is no searching indicator or failed message.
holding D during start up and running the extensive hardware test. No problems were detected.
holding command + option + P + R during start up until the starting sound plays twice to reset NVRAM. It went right back to the flashing folder
holding command + S at start up for single-user mode and my laptop doesn't register, it goes straight back to the flashing folder
As far as I can tell, my hard drive is fine, all the files were available, there are no strange sounds while it is spinning and I am completely at a loss. Is there anything left for me to try?

My niece had the same problem. In case this helps anyone...
She has a MacBook Pro | 13-inch, Mid 2012 | Model A1278, running Yosemite. She has owned it for a little less than two years. Here were the symptoms:
Flashing folder with question mark after start up and chime. (Note that her Mac worked fine that morning.)
She was able to get into Internet Recovery, but after selecting Disk Utility, no hard drive disk displayed in the left pane.
I had her launch Terminal from Internet Recovery and check the drives listed under /Volumes/ and the hard drive didn't display there, either.
She was not able to boot in single user mode to launch fsck.
I figured it was either a bad hard drive, loose or bad cable.
I advised her to make a Genius Bar appointment to a diagnose the problem.
She had her appointment today and it turns out it was a bad cable. The cost was $60 for the replacement (and labor). Curious how often these cables malfunction.
I agree with mmblar... if you or someone you trust has technical skills and the tools, save yourself ~$30, purchase the cable from Amazon and do it yourself. This is not a particularly tough replacement. I would have helped her out, but I'm over 100 miles away and she couldn't wait.

Flashing Folder when booting in Mac now

Okay, i tried Bootcamp with windows on my MacPro on a separate internal HD.
so I have 2 HDD, one for mac and one for Windows.
since then, i removed the Windows HDD and back to 2 Mac HDDs.
When I boot, i get a blank gray screen with Flashing Folder.... then I have to shut it down and boot again while holding down the OPTION key to boot into Bootcamp menu, the only choice i have is "Macintosh HD" and select it it will boot just fine.
I have tried to set it in Starup Disk System Preferences to Mac but whenever I shut it down, it will not start up unless I do the OPTION key and select mac.
What can I do? it's annoying and I want it to boot back in Mac all the time.

HI Jeff,
If your profile is correct, 10.5.2, try downloading and installing the 10.5.6 combo update available here.http://support.apple.com/downloads/MacOS_X_10-5-6_ComboUpdate It can fix a myriad of issues. Make sure and repair disk permissions before and after. Launch Disk Utility. (Applications/Utilities) Select MacintoshHD in the panel on the left, select FirstAid, then click: Repair Disk Permissions. Quit DU when it's finished and reboot.
Carolyn

Flashing folder at start up!!!!

Hi Guys
Just wondered if you could help on this one. Whilst in the middle of printing something, i shut down the Mac (intel running os 10. 4) by mistake. When i switched it back on the flashing folder thing happened. I've had this before and the guy at the apple store said that the mac could not find the os to run. He showed how to select the startup disc ect. So this time i did not do the usual thing of banging my head against the wall and biting my fingernails till they disappeared. Whilst trying to insert the cd whilst starting up, the thing sprung to life. Ah arrhh !!! Brilliant i thought mac fixed and did nt have to do anything sucess. Sadly i was wrong. Every time i shut down same problem. I had to press the cd eject button before it would start. I had my new copy of Leopard just arrived so i thought with high hopes that i would just install the new system and that would sort it out... Nope same thing happens. Any one got any ideas on how to help me on this!!!

Have you done this: when you've got it running, go to System Preferences>Startup Disk and select the correct hard disk. It sounds as if the CD may have got set as a startup disk somehow.

TS1440 Question Mark in Flashing Folder at start up problem.

After trying to fix the flashing question mark folder problem, I took my iMac to the Apple store and, naturally and a little embarrassingly, the iMac booted up just fine and everything seem to be intact.However, when I brought it home it reverted but to same problem i.e. question mark in flashing folder. I read and tried most suggestions I could find but still cannot get the iMac to startup. I tried holding down the "C" key, then the Option key, then PRAMed it and even attached the separate back up disk I use as a Time Machine for my new iMac. IThe problem Mac is a 2008 iMac though I don't exactly know which OS came with it, in any case, I cannot find the original disk. The iMac is networked with my latest iMac. Can anyone help? Thank you.

Does it boot to Single User Mode, CMD+s keys at bootup, if so try...
/sbin/fsck -fy
Repeat until it shows no errors fixed.
(Space between fsck AND -fy important).
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck...
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214

Flashing Folder when USB device plugged into 3rd USB port

Model: Intel iMac, 2008, 2GB
Problem: Anytime I plug in any USB device into the third USB port from the left, next to the firewire port, I get a flashing folder.
If I boot into an install disc, it does not recognize or see the hard drive.
If I unplug the device from that specific port, the computer will boot and run fine.
I managed to zero out the hard drive and reinstall Leopard. I have reset PRAM and all that.

So if you plug in, say a printer, scanner, mouse or keyboard does it act the same?
The flashing folder tells you that the Mac cannot find a bootable OSX device (volume).
You stated in the original post "I have reset PRAM and all that"
Is resetting SMC included in the "everything like that" category? If you have not tried resetting the SMC then do that.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1411

Flashing question mark folder when start iMac after Time Capsule performed a new back up

I switched my iMac on after a few days away and I was asked to start a new back up for Time Capsule to enhance the performance of the device (or something along those lines). Clicked the back up now and carried on, having read the process could take a few hours (not surprising because of the amount of data on my computer).
Left it running overnight and when I came back this morning the computer was off. Switched it on, saw the apple logo and the progress bar but it didn't move past 25% before I had a message in several languages to turn the computer off (and some script in the top left corner. From memory I think I saw <panic> in that script but not 100% sure).
When I switched it back on I had the dreadful flashing question mark so performed steps described in support.apple.com/kb/ts1440 several times and performed a safe Boot. No results.
I haven't reinstalled Mac OS X (step 11 in ts1440) as I don't want to erase the hard drive.
I have plugged the Time Capsule in a MacBook and it seems empty bar 2 very small files so I'm now very worried. I have some questions:
1- I'm not a technical person so is this now a case of bringing the iMac and Time Capsule to an Apple shop or call Apple support when they reopen tomorrow Monday?
2 - Is my data wiped out in the iMac and Time Capsule? If yes is it recoverable - obviously not by me but by an expert?
3 - what created the problem? My Lightroom 3 catalog was corrupted 3-4 times over the last few weeks and was surprised that Time Capsule wanted to perform a new back up but everything otherwise was working fine.
I'm very much looking forward to your help and suggestions.

You have a couple of options and I also have a suggestion for the future. First is you can try Data Rescue software. You can find it at:
http://www.prosofteng.com/products/data_rescue.php
The other is sending the HD out to a professional data recovery service.
My suggestion though is using a redundant backup system. Many on this forum do just that because a backup (as you have found out) can fail too. What I use is TM and on a separate EHD I created a bootable clone using SuperDuper. You can use SuperDuper or Carbon Copy Cloner for this. I'd recommend reading the following MacWorld articles for backup strategies. I think you'll see a recurring them in them and that is redundancy is wise.
Backup Plan
Backup Plan II
Backup Plan III
Also it wasn't a virus, you are correct there are none for OS X.
Good luck on the recovery.

Open specific folder when starting

Would like to set specific folder/catalog as the one to open on initial load of organizer? How?

And, if you're using "Folder View", I think it remembers the last folder used. In any case, you cannot specify the default folder to open.
Ken

Flashing Folder Question

So, I was using my macbook air like normal, just web browsing and it froze up and nothing would work so I tried restarting it and I got the flashing folder at start up and it wouldn't go away. From what I've seen online, I'm supposed to boot it in recovery mode. I'm only given the option to do online recovery. From there, nothing seems to work - can't repair the disk, can't erase the disk. It's only seeing disk0 with Mac OS X base System. I tried to reinstall the OS, but when I go to click the disk I want to install it to, there are no options to select. I tried selecting the start up disk - also no options. Anyone have any idea how to fix this?

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 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.

I get a white screen with a grey flashing folder icon with a question mark in it when i try to start up my i mac, what's happening?

A few days ago my i mac when into grey screen; there were a few options for starting up, restoring etc i tried all of them to the extent possible but didn't work. Then i decided to unplug my external backup drive in case it may be erased or info lost in this process and now all i get when i turn it on is a white screen with a flashing folder and question mark. Any ideas?

That indicates the computer is having difficulty finding the startup volume. Your internal HD may have failed or the system may have "forgotten" where it is. If you are using Lion or later (10.7.x or later) then restart in the Recovery Partition and choose the startup disk. Before doing anything carefully read and follow Apple's instructions in:
A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac

When I start my Mac air I get a flashing folder with a question mark

I am trying to start my Mac air and I get a flashing folder with a question mark. When I turn the power of it shuts down but wen starting it comes back

Just being clear about your situation. When you hold down Option during boot it does not show a system volume or a recovery volume from which to boot. At that point if you select a network boot and you do not see a spinning globe that persists there a good while as it loads the recovery partition over the network. True?
A couple of more thinks to try:
Disconnect all of your external devices.
Reset PRAM
Boot with the option key again.
Standard things to try (which is sounds like you already have attempted) A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

Getting a flashing folder with a question mark when starting Imac.

I got this flashing folder with a question mark on it when starting my Imac this morning. Im running on Osx 10.6. I put it in target disc mode and connected it to my macbook pro. I opened the disc utility app on the macbook and found my imac. I "verified" it and found an error. When I clicked "repair" the disc utility app froze and crashed. When I opened it again my Imac didn't show up. I've restarted both computers several times with no luck. Whats my next step?

Hi.
Try restarting your iMac while holding down the option (alt) key until the spinng gear appears. You should momentarily be presented with a list of startup drives to select.
Choose Macintosh HD (your normal startup disk drive) and click the right-arrow.
When your iMac boots, go to System Preferences > Startup Disk and again select your normal startup disk. Then click Restart.
I hope this is helpful.
EDIT - disconnect the machines from each other first.

Flashing folder when starting up ??

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