Getting prohibitory sign at startup. Have tried everything!!!

Question

Using early 2008 MacBook with 10.6.3. Getting prohibitory sign at startup.  Repaired HD through startup disc.  Still getting sign.  Any last ditch suggestions?

Answer 1

Do you still have your Snow Leopard install CD?
If yes, you could try booting from the CD and running Disk Utility > Repair drive, but most likely you will have to install Snow Leopard over your install. While this should not harm your data it's highly advised that you backup first.
Because you can't boot into your drive, in order to do this you would need a bootable drive. You would need to install OS X on the external drive and boot from that drive. Download SuperDuper and make a clone backup.
SuperDuper! http://www.shirt-pocket.com/
You can select to use Disk Utility to erase the internal drive and install OS X. You can use migration to bring over your data from the clone backup.
If you meet the requirements and your software will run under Mavericks, you might choose this time to make the move.
Check out your software here:
App Compatibility Table
http://roaringapps.com/apps:table
The two most common app that require updates are Microsoft Office 2004 and Older versions of Adobe CS. No app that requires Rosetta like Apple Works will run under Mavericks.
OS X Mavericks: System Requirements
To install Mavericks, you need one of these Macs:
          ▪          iMac (Mid-2007 or later)
          ▪          MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)
          ▪          MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later),
          ▪          MacBook Pro (15-inch or 17-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later)
          ▪          MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)
          ▪          Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)
          ▪          Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)
          ▪          Xserve (Early 2009)
Your Mac also needs:
          ▪          OS X Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard v10.6.8 already installed
          ▪          2 GB or more of memory
          ▪          8 GB or more of available space
Hope this helps!