Grey folder with question mark or circle w line when attempting start up

Whenever I attemp to start up my iMac intel based computer, I either get a blinking grey folder with a question mark in it, or after a while, I get a circle with a line through it. I've tried holding the shift button down as advised when starting up and also holding shift command v and I've tried holding the command option pr buttons down as well and none of these seem to reolve the issue. Is there anything I can do to help resolve this? It was working just fine last night, but now I can't get it to boot up. Unfortunatley, I do not have the install disks for this as I bought it from a friend last year and she lost them. Please help!!
Thanks!

Hello and Welcome to Apple Discussions...
*"blinking grey folder with a question mark in it,"* Possible hard disk failure.
Try here ...
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
*"shift command v "*
I'm not familiar with that startup key combo at all.
Without your install disks you can't repair the hard disk if necessary. You can obtain new disks.
If you no longer have your Leopard Install DVD, you may be able to obtain it from Apple Customer Relations - 1-800-767-2775.
You can get replacement System Install & Restore CD/DVDs from Apple's Customer Support - in the US, (800) 767-2775 - for a nominal S&H fee. You'll need to have the model and/or serial number of your Mac available.
If you're not in the US, you may need to go through the regional Apple Store that serves your location to find the contact number. Here's a list of links to all of those -
http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/intlstoreroutingpage.html
You will need the above in order to run the *Repair Disk* option.
Carolyn

Similar Messages

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