Getting prohibited sign at OS startup help...???

Hi I am getting a prohibitied(like the no smoking sign) sign instead of an apple at the when I first start up my mac...Anyone have this problem...?
thanks

Actually, before you even use any drive, it is becoming a wise idea to zero the drive (more than just reformat or erase) and then do an install.
Also, good way to learn how to and get in the habit of making a backup clone of your OS and data in the process, something, unfortunately, is all too necessary with updates and upgrades, as well as for the unforseen (like installing something and having problems).
You can always just hold down Command + s on startup, then follow the instrutions at the command line prompt for running
/sbin/fsck -fy to run diskutil - the same as the fsck_hfs that would get run from GUI of Disk Utility. (Later, you can install Applejack and run even more commands easily from a menu in Single User Mode environment).
While an Archive & Install "should" work and does retain settings, sometimes you do need a full erase and install.
Some drives might be taking too long to warm up on startup (Maxtor?) as MacPro seems to fly when booting (20 seconds is common). Some drives even have a delayed or staggered spinup routine.
Note that without details anything is guessing. Make-model-revision and firmware can play a role.

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    Message was edited by: Donny Paulling

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