Folder icon with ?-mark in the middle flashing...
out of nowhere, I went to turn on my IMac G5 (purchased in 2003, but still a superhero!) and a folder icon with a '?- mark' inside keeps flashing in the middle of my screen... HELP! I can't get into my computer!
It means that the computer is looking for an OS. You need to use a compatible installation disk or installed system to repair the internal drive or install a new OS. In the rare case the computer eventually starts up on its own, check the setting in the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences.
(65520)
Similar Messages
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Tried restoring to factory settings and folder blinking with ? In the middle
how do I get rid of a blinking folder with a question mark in the middle? Daughter tried restoring to factory setting and got to this and didn't know what to do. HELP!!
lgeorge45,
which model MacBook Pro do you have, and which version of OS X is installed on it? -
I have tried rebooting the MacBook several times as well as resetting it. If I turn it off and then turn it back on while holding "option" a mouse appears on the screen but nothing else. This started earlier today when the screen froze and I had to restart the computer (with the CD still in it). I have not been able to get back to the computer since.
That folder with the question mark icon means that the MacBook can't find the boot directory. That can either mean it can't find the hard drive or the operating system files on the hard drive are somehow corrupted or damaged.
If you don't have your install disks you can get the 10.4 gray disks by calling AppleCare. 1-800-APL-CARE (1-800-275-2273) They can send them to you for about $16 per disk plus S & H. Just give them your serial number and they'll know which ones you need. With the original disks you also get the iLife that was current when your MacBook was bought included on the #2 disk.
Or if you don't have any files you want to recover from your hard drive you can get Snow Leopard for $29 if you have at least 1gb of RAM and a working DVD drive. http://store.apple.com/us/product/MC573Z/A?mco=MTY3ODQ5OTY You would then erase and reformat your hard drive and install Snow Leopard. You won't need the box set unless you want the latest iLife and iWork. If you only want iPhoto or other single apps you can get them from the App Store in 10.6.6. iPhoto, iMovie and Garage Band for $15 each and Pages, Keynote and Numbers for $20 each.
If you have files you want to recover you can get a larger hard drive and put your old hard drive in an external case. After you install the Mac OS on the new hard drive you can plug in the old hard drive in the external case by the USB connection and try to access it that way.
To buy a hard drive try Newegg.com http://www.newegg.com/Store/SubCategory.aspx?SubCategory=380&name=Laptop-Hard-Dr ives or OWC http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/hard-drives/2.5-Notebook/
Here's instructions on replacing the hard drive http://creativemac.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=45088
Here's a cheap SATA external hard drive case on eBay http://cgi.ebay.com/USB-2-5-SATA-HDD-HARD-DRIVE-EXTERNAL-ENCLOSURE-CASE-BOX-/120 636286623?pt=PCC_Drives_Storage_Internal&hash=item1c167ba69f -
Installed hard drive in bay 2 now get flashing folder icon with ? mark
Mac Pro 1.1, OS x 10.7 - installed storage hard drive in bay 2 now get flashing folder icon with ? mark
found the answer - hold down opt/alt key, reboot, choose drive with os installed. it worked.
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Late 2009 MBP 13" rebooting to blinking folder icon with questionmark
My late 2009 MacBook Pro 13" is rebooting into a blinking folder icon with questionmark at least twice a week.
Some further Information: this happens when the Notebook is in sleep mode. today the MB rebooted about 1-2 h after closing the lid. sometimes this takes longer, usually sometimes at night. after the reboot the EFI shows a flashing folder icon with a questionmark. the notebook gets insanely hot and the fans are spinning at full speed.
No Messages at that time in the Console Logs.
After turning the MacBook off and on again it boots just fine into Yosemite.
Hardware: Mid 2009 MacBook Pro 13" 2,55 Ghz 8 GB RAM OCZ Vertex 2 SSD
Any Ideas?Hi Rofl-Katofl,
If you are having an issue with your MacBook Pro booting to a flashing question mark, I would suggest that you troubleshoot using the steps in this article -
A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac - Apple Support
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Brett L -
Flashing folder icon with question mark in the middle of the folder
LLashing folder icon with a question mark in middle of folder on startup
Click here and follow the instructions.
(121672) -
I tried googling several solutions, but so far nothing seems to work. Everytime i start up my laptop i press CMND+R to make it go to the repair disk utility but instead it takes me as if i have to install lion when i had Snow Leopard 10.6.8. When i do go to the repair disk utility, on the eft hand side shows two hardrives one is Untitled and another is Hitachi, i tried downloading snow leopard 10.6.8 onto a Re-writable disc using my windows computer. When i insterted it onto the disc drive it came out under SUPER DRIVE and everytime i double click on the CD it says something about attaching images/ I also forgot to mention that the MAC OSX 10.6.8 Update shows on the left hand side on the bottom in DMG format. I dont know what else to do, please help?
DestroyGalaxies wrote:
a flashing folder came on with a question mark in the middle of it
This is the firmware telling you it can't find a bootable OS X volume.
Usually to solve this all you do is hold the option key down on the built in keyboard while booting the computer, this enters Startup Manager and then you choose OS X to boot, then in System Preferences > Startup Disk you change it to the boot volume and it tells the firmware.
Everytime i start up my laptop i press CMND+R to make it go to the repair disk utility but instead it takes me as if i have to install lion when i had Snow Leopard 10.6.8.
What you have is a 10.7 or 10.8 Recovery HD from when 10.7 or 10. was on the machine previously.
The Macintosh HD partition only was erased and 10.6 installed on it, without erasing the entire drive like what should have occured to remove the Recovery HD partition.
So you have a mucked up machine.
i tried downloading snow leopard 10.6.8 onto a Re-writable disc using my windows computer.
Well there goes your problem there, your downloading illegal copies of Snow Leopard from a untrusted location.
10.6 is not available for download, except from pirate sites. You likely have malware or a compromised system.
I dont know what else to do, please help?
What you need to do is call Apple via phone, tell them the make of your machine and order the appropriate 10.6 disks, they are inexpensive now. Some machines that came with 10.6.3+ origianlly need machine specific disks, other wise pre-10.6.3 Intel Macs can use the 10.6.3 white retail disks.
Once you have the disks, you need to backup your personal information off the computer to a external storage drive using the emergency quick copy method, then disconnect it to prevent mistakes.
Most commonly used backup methods
Next follow this proceedure and make sure to select the ENTIRE drive on the far left with the drive makers name and size, this will erase the entire drive, then install 10.6 from the disk
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
When finished setup the machine and log onto the Internet and use Software Update to get current on 10.6.8
Don't use pirated software, it's likely been compromised in some fashion. -
My MacBook Pro turns on but not all the way, it gives me an icon of a grey folder with a question mark in the middle, and won't go further that that. Anyone knows why, or what's the problem?
If these do not resolve the issue or if you are not comfortable with proceeding through these steps then take your Mac to an Apple store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider. An Apple store will perform these initial steps, diagnose the problem, and give an estimate for repairs (if needed). If the Mac is less than one year old or is covered by AppleCare any repairs would be free.
Genius reservation http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ .
or find an Apple Authorized Service Provider https://locate.apple.com/country -
Help! As of today, my iMac will not boot up. When I turn it on I get a blank white screen then, after about a minute, a blinking folder icon with a question mark in the middle.
Find your original install disk, insert it and re-boot holding the "C" key during startup. It will take longer but should boot. Then you need to select Disk Utilityfrom the Menu Bar. Do a Repair Disk on your hard drive. When it finishes re-boot normally.
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My iMac is completely unresponsive. Whenever I restart it, it's just a white screen with a flashing file folder with a question mark in the middle. What does this mean?
this means the mac cannot find the startup disc. which more times than not means you need a hdd replacement.
try starting holding the option key, then using utilities try to repair the disc. -
I just booted my mac book pro and it is at a blue screen with a flashing folder with a question mark in the middle of it. How do I get out of it?
Click here and follow the instructions. If the computer was running Mac OS X 10.6.8 or earlier and you reach the third set of steps, insert a Mac OS X install disk.
(126818) -
I restarted my computer, but the screen only shows a flashing folder icon with a question mark. What to do?
It means that the system boot directory can't be found.
See this support article for suggested actions
Also see this discussion. -
As I say my computer, a mac mini refuse to start. When I turn it on it gives the startup sound and the screen turns grey and stay that way for a long time. And in the end a small folder icon with a question mark inside (it doesn't blink) turns up in the middle of the screen.
I have tried to start up from the installation CD holding down the C key on the keyboard. Same result. I have tried different key combinations while starting up. No result or rather same result. Nothing. Is the computer suddenly dead?
I was about to buy a new computer but I need access to my data on this one (I write this on an iPad) but hven't yet found a way.
Anybody have any good advice?
I thought it was a software problem, that the computer couldn't find the startup software or something and maybe it is, but I am beginning to fear that it could be a hardware problem.You need to re install OSX. If you have the dmg file downloaded via torrentz this is how you can create a bootable external HD or Flash drive (8 GB+)
https://discussions.apple.com/message/23957654#23957654
Peace
Harry -
hi . i have Intel based iMac. i erased whole hard disk. now it flashes folder icon with question mark... i have no internet or orginal dvd.... i want to clean install any mac osx..friend got mac book pro and osx in dmg format . what are my options?
On your friend's computer with an internet connection, log into the Mac App Store with your ID and download Yosemite from the Purchases section of the Mac App Store. The make a bootable USB install media using
http://liondiskmaker.com/
Then boot from that on your computer and install
You need an internet connection to install via Recovery mode -
Help ! Flashing folder icon with question mark when starting up
Hi, I have tried to restore my macbook pro 15 (2012 model with Yosemite OS X) to factory settings and wipe out the hard drive but on restarting it I now just get a blank screen with a flashing folder icon with a question mark on it. Any help/advice anyone I would be very grateful for ! Thanks, Mark
Something didn't install properly.
Try these in order testing your system after each to see if it's back to normal:
1. a. Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM
b. Intel-based Macs: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
2. Restart the computer in Safe Mode, then restart again, normally. If this doesn't help, then:
Boot to the Recovery HD: Restart the computer and after the chime press and hold down the
COMMAND and R keys until the Utilities 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.
3. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions: Upon startup select Disk Utility from the Utilities 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. Select Restart from the Apple menu.
4. Reinstall Yosemite: Reboot from the Recovery HD. Select Reinstall OS X from the Utilities menu, 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.
5. Reinstall Yosemite from Scratch:
Be sure you backup your files to an external drive or second internal drive because the following procedure will remove everything from the hard drive.
How to Clean Install OS X Yosemite
Note: You will need an active Internet connection. I suggest using Ethernet if possible
because it is three times faster than wireless.
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