IPod with exclamation mark & folder icon on screen?

Hi a friends iPod mini has come up with an exclamation mark & folder icon on it's screen and is not working. It seems fine when it is plugged into their Mac and in iTunes and updates playlists ok but as soon as they eject it the exclamation mark & folder icon appears on the iPod screen and it doesn't work. I've had a look at it but not sure what to do. Thanks.

Check these out:
iPod Folder with Exclamation Point After Disconnected From Computer
iPod Folder with Exclamation Point After Turned On
Good Thread About iPod Sad icon/Folder with Exclamation Point
I hope this helps!

Similar Messages

Help! Ipod nano with exclamation point folder icon.

My ipod nano (1st gen) showed a folder icon with exclamation point after an unsuccessful sycronization. Then the ipod didn't work anymore. I tried several times to use the reset method mentioned here http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61003 without any success. Basically, after I force it into disk mode, my computer still did not recognize it and asked me to insert the disk (when click with right button).
Since I bought it more than one year ago, the warranty has expired. So return it to apple is probably not a viable option. I am wondering whether there is anything else I can to to fix the problem? Does anybody know what kind of problem it might be, hardware problem or just the software screwed.
Thanks in advance.

In my opinion, iPod with exclmation mark folder icon means a corrupted OS with an iPod.
. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iTunes 7.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2364921&#2364921
or if you cant find a Mac
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iTunes 7 and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool”.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=501330&tstart=0

Frequent startup with question mark folder icon--a diagnostic challange!!!

I recently obtained a 500 mhz G4 Cube; I transplanted memory, video board, video riser board, and DVD/CD drive from my old (dead) 450mhz G4 Cube (logicboard and DC-DC board were fried) to the 500 mhz Cube AND I added a Western Digital 80gb hard drive. The problem involves frequent startups with the question mark folder (Mac OS logo alternates with question mark).; Eventually the system folder is found and OS 10.4.11 starts up--sometimes in 20 seconds and sometimes in 3, 4, 5 minutes or longer..........I have tried 2 brand new batteries after numerous PRAM (via keyboard) and CUDA resets (depressing the CUDA button on the motherboard just once and then installing the new battery). The battery terminals in the Cube look perfect--no corrosion. With the new battery, startups were fine for a day but now 4 out of 5 times, I will get the question mark folder. Using Disc Utility, I fixed any errant permissions and the hard drive checks out with zero problems. Once running, the Cube works great, but these startups are maddening. One other issue; if I start up with the G4 Cube 9.1 installation disc, the install program DOES NOT recognize any bootable discs; whilst starting up using the Tiger Upgrade install disc, my 2 bootable discs (partitions of my Western Dig. hard drive) ARE recognized. Any ideas would be greatly welcome!!

I believe I have solved the problem regarding the question mark startup---> after rechecking all cable connections to HD, OD, and logic board, I revisited the jumper setup on the HD; it turns out that I set the HD up to be the MASTER, but what I should have done was set the HD to be the MASTER with attached SLAVE. Since reconfiguring the jumper, all startups have so far been normal. Also, I did install OS 9 drivers, but I the OS 9.1 install disc still does not recognized my 5 gig partition when starting up from the CD; this is minor in retrospect as I can still use the classic mode with a earlier version of OSX that does not hog so much disc space.

Query Results - failed with exclamation mark on icon

Hi there,
When I run a select query I now get an exclamation mark on the green arrow icon in the Query Results. I've been able to run this query before and no changes have been made.
In the Query Results window if I click the 'reload' icon (two blue arrows) the Output results flash up and then clear.
Version 3.0.02   //   Build MAIN-02.37   //   Java Platform 1.6.0_11
As far as I know I have not made any configuration or database connection changes. This issue appears on all DB connections and all SQL I try to run.
This appears to be the error:
java.lang.NullPointerException
    at oracle.dbtools.worksheet.sqlhistory.db.HistoryDB2.getRowFor(HistoryDB2.java:43)
    at oracle.dbtools.worksheet.sqlhistory.SqlEditorHistory.saveSql(SqlEditorHistory.java:85)
    at oracle.dbtools.worksheet.StatementRunnerResultsPanel$4.taskFinished(StatementRunnerResultsPanel.java:287)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTaskAdapter.stateChanged(RaptorTaskAdapter.java:95)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTaskDescriptor.notifyListener(RaptorTaskDescriptor.java:143)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTaskDescriptor.setStatus(RaptorTaskDescriptor.java:370)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTaskDescriptor.setStatus(RaptorTaskDescriptor.java:352)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTask.setStatus(RaptorTask.java:257)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTaskManager$RaptorFutureTask.done(RaptorTaskManager.java:479)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerSet(FutureTask.java:251)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerRun(FutureTask.java:303)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.run(FutureTask.java:138)
    at oracle.dbtools.raptor.backgroundTask.RaptorTaskManager$RaptorFutureTask.run(RaptorTaskManager.java:500)
    at java.util.concurrent.Executors$RunnableAdapter.call(Executors.java:441)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask$Sync.innerRun(FutureTask.java:303)
    at java.util.concurrent.FutureTask.run(FutureTask.java:138)
    at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.runTask(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:886)
    at java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor$Worker.run(ThreadPoolExecutor.java:908)
    at java.lang.Thread.run(Thread.java:619)
Closing/reopening SQL Developer doesn't help. I've restarted my PC and the results do appear, but then the same error appears again.
Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Hi Jon_Male,
A couple of points:
1. Your release is a bit out-of-date, plus it seems to be an early adopter release rather than the 3.0 production release (3.0.04.34).
2. The following old forum post discusses the same behavior occurring after an OutOfMemory error: exclamation mark on script output tab
Regards,
Gary
SQL Developer Team

How do you fix Sad face Ipod with exclamation mark

So i've been having a few problems here with my ipod hopeing that someone out there could help me out. So now my Ipod wont charge, it wont hook up to my computer and whenver i hook it up to the charger or the computer the sad face ipod comes on with the address www.apple.com/support/ipod anyways i also get this sign on the screen which is the charging sign but the bar isnt moving, its like its in the charge mode but nothings charging.. then after about 5 minutes it goes back to the apple logo and then tries to restart itself. When its turning on it also makes this clicking sound its like the hard disk is turning on and then turning off... SO basically i cannot get my ipod to turn on ... i cannot get it to charge, and i cannot get it to come up on my computer.. any suggestions?

Last week, I managed to fix up my daughter's iPod with the same problem. However, you need to have a PC to help you. First, put your iPod into Disk Mode (you may need to plug it with the AC Charger), press "Select"+"play" keys, then plug it with a PC, a window pop up and indicates that your iPod cant be read. Open the iPod Updater (make sure you pre-install the latest iPod updater before you connect your iPod with the PC) and click Restore. Once it has been completed, plug it back with your Mac, and do the Restore in Mac version

Syncing ipod to itunes with exclamation marks

Hi,
I was wondering if I sync my ipod with exclamation marks on some of my songs in itunes, will those songs disappear from my ipod if I sync it? There are quite a few songs in my playlist that have exclamation marks next to them saying that they can't be found, however they are already on my ipod. I have been afraid to hook up my ipod to add new songs I've added for fear the ones I already have on it that now can't be found will dissappear. I did move some of the songs to an external hard drive to make some room on my computer hard drive, but some I can't find. Can you help me?

You should understand how iTunes managed your music.
If you move, edit, delete or otherwise change a music file listed in the iTunes Library with a program or tool other than iTunes, you may end up with a "!" in front of the song name or a message like “the original file could not be found. Would you like to locate it?" It is important to note that iTunes does not keep track of music file changes made outside of iTunes.
See these Threads for ways of finding &/or removing the Broken Links:
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=818692#818692
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=607582
EASIER:
Download this to your Desktop: http://ottodestruct.com/itunes/FindDeadTracks.txt (right-click, save-link-as)
and this, as well: http://ottodestruct.com/itunes/RemoveDeadTracks.txt (right-click, save-link-as)
Rename each to FindDeadTracks.js & RemoveDeadTracks.js respectively.
Run iTunes.
1) While iTunes is running, double click FindDeadTracks.js to run the script.
It will give you a list of all the exclamation marked tracks.
2) While iTunes is running, double click RemoveDeadTracks.js to run the script.
It will remove all the exclamation marked tracks.
This well-written iLounge Article is a must-read for anyone who wants a better understanding of how iTunes manages your music.
Best of Luck

File with exclamation mark and cannot connect

My ipod stopped working. I had a low battery so I charged it. Now when I try to turn it on, it just churns and churns and then the file with exclamation mark comes on the screen. Also, when I try to connect it to my computer, the computer doesn't recognize it.

Unbelieveable, since last Saturday, I needed to fix up 3 iPods with similar problems from family members and friends, 2 connected with PC and 1 with Mac. I guess it will be a good idea if I can share with you all and hope that it can give you some hints when you try to fix yours before sending it for repairing.
Before you do anything I suggest that you should read the following carefully..
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/index.html
Most problems came from the iPod not being recongzied by the computer (mainly PC and I find it less often with Mac). Second issue is iPod not being charged for quite some time.
I must say that I am not an expert but I did learn something during the past experience on fixing for more than 10 iPods but none of them are shuffle.
The first thing you need to do is plug your iPod directly to the AC charger not the USB of your computer, and leave it for 2-3 hours and most of the time you will able to wake up your iPod.
Secondly, do a reset of your iPod when it hangs, it is simple just press "Select"+"Menu" keys, which will not erase your data of your iPod.
In case the above both do not manage to fix your iPod problem then you may force to do the following, but it will erase all your data therefore it is always to be wise to have a backup before your iPod got problem.
1. Reinstall the latest iPod updater after the reset
If 1 still not able to recongize your iPod by the computer then you have to put your iPod to DiskMode i.e. plug your iPod to the AC charges, do a RESET and press "Select"+"Play" keys, you will see the message "Disk Mode" in few sec. Then you need to connect your iPod with your computer, and hope that it will be recongized. If you are lucky to reach this stage then you simply need to restore your iPod updater, and your iPod should be back to normal.Please note that You may need to plug and unplug few times in order to let your iPod to be recongized.
If your iPod still not able to be recongized then you have to format your iPod while it is in a Disk Mode, you need to use the Disk Utility software (for Mac - I am not sure about PC) to erase the Partition of your iPod then do a formatting and disk verify straight after. Then you should able to reach the final stage i.e. restore the latest iPod updater and sysc your iPod with your iTune.
Additional hints which may help your during the fixing ..
1. Try to do few attempts, which could take you as long as 1 hour
2. Try to exchange cables to connect with your computer i.e. USB and Firewire
3. If you fail to solve your iPod with your PC then try to fix it with Mac and vice versa. Surprisingly, I do have experience that the iPod got recognized by my Mac after I connected it with a PC
Above are my experience and I am glad that more than 90% chance I am able to solve the iPods' problem with only one iPod Mini needed to be repaired.
Good luck and hope it works in your case

What does a white screen with a flashing folder icon with a question mark in it mean?, what does a white screen with a flashing folder icon with a question mark in it mean?

My computer seemed locked up, nothing would open. I had to force quiy everthing. I tried to normally shut it down and it wouldnt shut down. I held the on off power switch. When I tried to turn it back on It stays tuck on the white screen with a flashing folder icon with a question mark in it . Has my hard drive gone bad?

Reboot the computer holding the option key down, you will get a selection of your OS X internal boot drive or the perhaps the disk you stuck in.
You can choose what you can boot into.
If it's the hard drive and it's there, then select that and head to System Preferences and change the startup disk to the hard drive, you shoudl be fine.
If only to disk, then select that and run Disk Utility > Repair, If your drive doesn't appear on the left, it's likely dead.
Repair the drive and reboot holding the Shift key down, see if that fixes things some more and reboot again normally.
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks/macbook_pro?view=documents

Can't restore iPod after seeing the "Exclamation point folder icon"

My iPod showed me the "Exclamation point folder icon" out of the blue... i tried resetting, restoring (upgraded to 7.1 in the process) but when i connect the ipod to my computer it still shows me the icon, then the Apple sign, then "Do not disconnect" (while charging) and then the ipod itself starts clicking...
any help would be GREATLY appreciated!! very furstrated over here...

Hello,
If a sad iPod icon or an exclamation point and folder icon appears on your iPod’s screen, or with sounds of clicking or HD whirring, it is usually the sign of a hard drive problem and you have the power to do something about it now. Your silver bullet of resolving your iPod issue – is to restore your iPod to factory settings.
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=60983
If you're having trouble, try these steps at different levels one at a time until the issue is resolved. These steps will often whip your iPod back into shape.
Make sure you do all the following “TRYs”
A. Try to wait 30 minutes while iPod is charging.
B. Try another FireWire or USB through Dock Connector cable.
C. Try another FireWire or USB port on your computer .
D. Try to disconnect all devices from your computer's FireWire and USB ports.
E. Try to download and install the latest version of iPod software and iTunes
http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
For old and other versions of iPod updater for window you can get here
http://www.ipodwizard.net/showthread.php?t=7369
F. Try these five steps (known as the five Rs) and it would conquer most iPod issues.
http://www.apple.com/support/ipod/five_rs/
G. Try to put the iPod into Disk Mode if it fails to appear on the desktop
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=93651
If none of these steps address the issue, you may need to go to Intermediate level listed below in logical order. Check from the top of the lists to see if that is what keeping iPod from appearing on your computer in order for doing the Restore.
Intermediate Level
A. Try to connect your iPod with another computer with the iPod updater pre-installed.
B. Still can’t see your iPod, put it in Disk Mode and connect with a computer, instead of doing a Restore on iPod Updater. Go and format the iPod instead.
For Mac computer
1. Open the disk utility, hope your iPod appears there (left hand side), highlight it
2. Go to Tab “Partition”, click either “Delete” or “Partition”, if fails, skip this step and go to 3
3. Go to Tab “Erase” , choose Volume Format as “MAC OS Extended (Journaled), and click Erase, again if fails, skip it and go to 4
4. Same as step 3, but open the “Security Options....” and choose “Zero Out Data” before click Erase. It will take 1 to 2 hours to complete.
5. Eject your iPod and do a Reset
6. Open the iTunes 7 and click “Restore”
For Window computer
Go to folder “My Computer”
Hope you can see your iPod there and right click on the iPod
Choose “Format”. Ensure the settings are at “Default” and that “Quick Format” is not checked
Now select “Format”
Eject your iPod and do a Reset
Open the iTunes 7 and click “Restore”
In case you do not manage to do a “Format” on a window computer, try to use some 3rd party disk utility software, e.g.“HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool”.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=501330&tstart=0
C. Windows users having trouble with their iPods should locate a Mac user. In many cases when an iPod won't show up on a PC that it will show up on the Mac. Then it can be restored. When the PC user returns to his computer the iPod will be recognized by the PC, reformatted for the PC, and usable again. By the way, it works in reverse too. A Mac user often can get his iPod back by connecting it to a PC and restoring it.
Tips
a. It does not matter whether the format is completed or not, the key is to erase (or partly) the corrupted firmware files on the Hard Drive of the iPod. After that, when the iPod re-connected with a computer, it will be recognized as an fresh external hard drive, it will show up on the iTunes 7.
b. It is not a difficult issue for a Mac user to find a window base computer, for a PC user, if they can’t find any Mac user, they can go to a nearest Apple Shop for a favor.
c. You may need to switch around the PC and Mac, try to do several attempts between “Format” and “Restore”
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2364921&#2364921
Advance Level
A. Diagnostic mode solution
If you have tried trouble shooting your iPod to no avail after all the steps above, chances are your iPod has a hardware problem. The iPod's built-in Diagnostic Mode is a quick and easy way to determine if you have a "bad" iPod.
You need to restart your iPod before putting it into Diagnostic Mode. Check that your hold switch is off by sliding the switch away from the headphone jack. Toggle it on and off to be safe.
Press and hold the following combination of buttons simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds to reset the iPod.
iPod 1G to 3G: "Menu" and "Play/Pause"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Menu" and "Select"
The Apple logo will appear and you should feel the hard drive spinning up. Press and hold the following sequence of buttons:
iPod 1G to 3G: "REW", "FFW" and "Select"
iPod 4G+ (includes Photo, Nano, Video, and Mini): "Back" and "Select"
You will hear an audible chirp sound (3G models and higher) and the Apple logo should appear backwards. You are now in Diagnostic Mode. Navigate the list of tests using "REW" and "FFW". The scroll wheel will not function while in diagnostic mode. For further details on Diagnostic mode can be found at http://www.methodshop.com/mp3/ipodsupport/diagnosticmode/
Try to do the 5in1, HDD R/W and HDD scan tests. Some successful cases have been reported after the running the few tests under the Diagnostic mode. In case it does not work in your case, and the scan tests reports show some errors then it proves your iPod has a hardware problem and it needs a repairing service.
B. Format your iPod with a start disk
I have not tried this solution myself, I heard that there were few successful cases that the users managed to get their iPod (you must put your iPod in disk mode before connecting with a computer) mounted by the computer, which was booted by a system startup disk. For Mac, you can use the Disk Utility (on the Tiger OS system disk), for PC user, you can use the window OS system disk. Try to find a way to reformat your iPod, again it does not matter which format (FAT32, NTFS or HFS+) you choose, the key is to erase the corrupted system files on the iPod. Then eject your iPod and do a Reset to switch out from Disk Mode. Reboot your computer at the normal way, connect your iPod back with it, open the iPod updater, and hopefully your iPod will appear there for the Restore.
If none of these steps address the issue, your iPod may need to be repaired.
Consider setting up a mail-in repair for your iPod http://depot.info.apple.com/ipod/
Or visit your local Apple Retail Store http://www.apple.com/retail/
In case your iPod is no longer covered by the warranty and you want to find a second repairing company, you can try iPodResQ at your own risk
http://www.ipodresq.com/index.php
Just in case that you are at the following situation
Your iPod warranty is expired
You don’t want to pay any service charges
You are prepared to buy a new one
You can’t accept the re-sell value of your broken iPod
Rather than leave your iPod as paper-weight or throw it away.
You can try the following, but again, only do it as your last resort and at your own risk.
Warning !!!! – It may or may not manage to solve your problem, and with a risk that you may further damage your iPod, which end up as an expensive paper weight or you need to pay more higher repairing cost. Therefore, please re-consider again whether you want to try the next level
Last Resort Level
1. . Disconnecting the Hard Drive and battery inside the iPod – Warning !! Your iPod warranty will be waived once you open the iPod.
In Hong Kong there are some electronic shops offering an iPod service for Sad iPod, the first thing they do is to open up the iPod’s case and disconnecting the battery and the Hard Drive from the main board of the iPod. Wait for 5-10 minutes and reconnecting them back. The reason behind which I can think of is to do a fully reset of a processor of the iPod. In case you want do it itself and you believe that you are good on fixing the electronics devices and have experience to deal with small bits of electronic parts, then you can read the following of how to open the iPod case for battery and HDD replacement (with Quicktimes)
http://eshop.macsales.com/tech_center/index.cfm?page=Video/directory.html
2.Press the reset button on the Hard Drive inside the iPod – Suggestion from Kill8joy
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2438774#2438774
Have I tried these myself? No, I am afraid to do it myself as I am squeamish about tinkering inside electronic devices, I have few experiences that either I broke the parts (which are normally tiny or fragile) or failed to put the parts back to the main case. Therefore, I agree with suggestion to have it fixed by a Pro.
2. Do a search on Google and some topics on this discussion forum about “Sad iPod”
Exclamation point and folder and nothing else
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3597173#3597173
Exclamation point and folder and nothing else
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2831962#2831962
What should I do with my iPod? Send it or keep it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=469080&tstart=0
Strange error on iPod (probably death)
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=435160&start=0&tstart=0
Sad Face on iPod for no apparent reason
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=336342&start=0&tstart=0
Meeting the Sad iPod icon
http://askpang.typepad.com/relevanthistory/2004/11/meeting_thesad.html#comment-10519524
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2236095#2236095
iPod Photo: unhappy icon + warranty question
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2233746#2233746
4th Gen iPod Users - are we all having the same problem?
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2235623#2235623
Low Battery, and clicking sounds
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2237714#2237714
Sad faced iPod, but my computer won’t recognize it
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2242018#2242018
Sad iPod solution
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=412033&tstart=0
Re: try to restore ipod and it says "can't mount ipod"
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=443659&tstart=30
iPod making clicking noise and is frozen
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2420150#2420150
Cant put it into disk mode
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3786084#3786084
I think my iPod just died its final death
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3813051
Apple logo & monochrome battery stay
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3827167#3827167
I am not suggesting that you should follow as well, but just read them as your reference. You are the person to make the call.
Finally, I read a fair comments from dwb, regarding of slapping the back of the iPod multiple times
Quote “This has been discussed numerous times as a 'fix'. It does work, at least for a while. In fact I remember using the same basic trick to revive Seagate and Quantam drives back in the mid to late 1980's. Why these tiny hard drives go bad I don't know - could be the actuator gets stuck in place or misaligned. Could be the platter gets stuck or the motor gets stuck. 'Stiction' was a problem for drives back in the 80's. Unfortunately the fix can cause damage to the platter so we temporarily fix one problem by creating another. But I know of two instances where a little slap onto the table revived the iPods and they are still worked a year or more later.”UnQuote

I installed the window 7 os in to my mac book pro. after that the partition is not supported and then the folder with question mark flashing on my screen. plaese helf me what to do next to resume the mac os x?

i installed the window 7 ultimate OS in to my mac book pro. after that the partition is not supported and then the folder with question mark flashing on my screen. plaese helf me what to do next to resume mac mac os x?

Assuming that you tried to install Win 7 in bootcamp.
Power on the machine and press and hold the "option" key when you hear the bong sound.
Select the Macintosh HD icon and press "return" or just click on the icon.
Once booted into OS X go to System Preferences and select the Startup Disk icon and configure startup to use the Macintosh HD.

Exclamation mark folder, find a mac, erase, partitioning woes

Hi. Variations on this topic have been posted many times
and I've gone through many many many. I hope not to offend those who see this as duplication.
I have iPod 20gb dock connector. Pre-click wheel.
Have used on Windows XP for 1.5 years, no real trouble.
All of a sudden, the dreaded exclamation point/folder icon.
I tried all of the suggestions. It would not recognize the iPod. One suggestion I found a few times was to use a mac.
I have a new mac mini and planned to migrate iPod to that box anyway, so I tried.
Tried using Disk utility to Erase, per suggestions.
First try failed with input/output error. So I changed security option to write zeros. This seemed to work but then got stuck in creating partitions and never got out of it. I left it overnight.
Tried again with seven times over option. It is currently on pass 4 of 7.
I have all my music backed up, I don't need any info from the iPod, just to be able to use it again.
Any suggestions?
To re-state, Reset/Restore attempts are not successful.
Reset always goes back to disk mode.
Restore unsuccessful because iPod Updater software does not see it.

FOR SUGGESTION: See last paragraph...
MY PROBLEM:
I have a Mac formatted 4th Gen. iPod (B/W, click wheel, no photo). Have had problems with functionalitiy, (will not respond {click wheel}, will not mount, verify or erase in Disk Utility, Image usually will not appear on desktop) and when I charge it (wall socket) sometimes does not show the battery charging. Get both the "frowning iPod" and the ("!" Folder) when I reset... Have tried to restore (iPod updater) and it usually fails, although it inconsistantly says it restores (image appears on desktop), then fails to import and freezes my iTunes, Disk Utility and iPod updater as well as my G4 Quicksilver and my Power Mac G5. I have had this for just over one year (no more warrenty) and my battery is losing charge. I just used my (over the counter) Tiger DVD (as start-up disk) and tried using Disk Utility (twice). I've been working on this for a week now and I am at the point of opening the "**** thing" myself.
But a glimmer of hope has appeared after the last Tiger Disk Utility. It seems that after the last(Tgr.Dsk.Uty. and iPod restore) I have found 2 partitions; an Apple OS Ext Journaled and a Windows FAT 12 (not 32). Yes that is weird! Although the FAT 12 does take up 32 MB of space (just looked at it in D.U. partitions) and it seems to be the culpret of why my D.U. won't complete a First Aid or Verify or anything else for that matter. I want(ed) to have an iPod to use on both Windows and Macs but haven't been able to partition anything that works on both so far and I'm not sure if I should take this opportunity to "run with it (Fat 12)" or just restore again and get my Mac functionality back. Does anybody have a suggestion about 2 partitons (Mac/Windows) or should I just feel lucky and restore one more time?
MY SUGGESTION:
My suggestion here would be to use your Mac and it's DVD start-up/restore disk, (use it as your start-up disk and look at the top under utilities). First run a disk utility, a first aid, a partition and an erase (zero out) your iPod. Then run your iPod Restore a couple of times after restarting (be sure your iPod is fully charged through a wall socket first)... Good luck!
PowerMac G5, Dual 1.8 GHz, Superdrive, 2 GB DDR SDRAM Mac OS X (10.4.5) ATI Radeon 9600 Pro, PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-106D: 4th Gen. iPod B/W screen

Red stopsign with exclamation mark when I try to open iTunes!

When I click on the iTunes icon in the dashboard, a window comes up that has a stopsign with an exclamation mark. This can't be good..... What does this mean and how can I get back my iTunes?
Help!
Thanks.
PS: I just did the last software update a few days ago and remember there was something regarding iTunes there. Not sure if that is relevant. I also had a system crash a couple of days ago and got nothing but the blue screen until I removed my battery and reinserted it....again, not certain if this is relevant either.....

Thanks for responding Chris. I repaired permissions (there were alot) but not sure how to run Disk First Aid as the repair permissions area is actually under the "first aid" button. If there is another step, can you walk me through it?
After I repaired permissions I rebooted but I still cannot open iTunes - the same stopsign with exclamation mark and iTunes logo come up....

Question Mark Folder Icon?

I just received my new MacBook Pro yesterday and already have had the flashing question mark folder icon while attempting to startup. I have restored from a Time Machine backup so I'm not sure if that has messed something up. I have reset the PRAM as well as repaired permissions this morning. It seems to be working fine now. Should I be worried? This is a brand new MBP with the 7200RPM HDD.

The question mark means that it did not find the OS to boot up from. If you're restoring from TM how did you do that and what type of machine was originally backed up on Time Machine.
If you're looking to restore the entire disk from TM, you'll need to boot off of the system disc, and there should be a Time Machine option in the menu bar (I forget where since I only did this once).
If you're restoring from an older Mac the chances are high that the OS does not have all of the files/drivers/components for the new Mac. Try reformatting, and reinstalling the OS from the install disk. If that resolves the problem then you can be sure that either the process messed up the OS or the backedup OS was not completely compatible to your new MBP.

Question Mark folder icon on startup

Hello - When I startup I'm getting the Question Mark folder icon. I can't get past this to do anything else at all.
A little background, Three days I got the Spinning Beachball couldn't do anything and Cmd-Opt-Esc did nothing; I had to use the power button to turn off. Restarted and all was fine. But then it happened again. And each time the "PC Connection" light on my cable modem was not lit. Last night I left the machine to sleep on its own but it would not wake up this morning. I held the power button and nothing happened; held it again and it started up but just displayed the Question Mark. (TimeWarnerCable recently upgraded their speed this week but that wouldn't cause this would it?)
Please help!
You should see below that I'm still on Tiger; my iMac is about four and a half years old.

Okay, so got home and checked the mouse and keyboard, un and re plugged them in; unplugged the GarageBand controller I had connected and my printer, which has been troublesome lately. Started up and... fine, no problem. Now I just have to hope it doesn't happen again.
I will be updating shortly to Lion (after first updating to SnowLeopard). But if their is a hard disk problem that wouldn't help, would it?
Here's the quite lengthy error report that appeared after I started up and logged in. Perhaps someone can decipher it?
panic(cpu 0 caller 0x001A49CB): Unresolved kernel trap (CPU 0, Type 14=page fault), registers:
CR0: 0x8001003b, CR2: 0x00000000, CR3: 0x00fa1000, CR4: 0x000006e0
EAX: 0x00000000, EBX: 0x039b1500, ECX: 0x00000000, EDX: 0x00000000
CR2: 0x00000000, EBP: 0x25133ef8, ESI: 0x039b1500, EDI: 0x00000000
EFL: 0x00010246, EIP: 0x00848ca6, CS: 0x00000008, DS: 0x00000010
Backtrace, Format - Frame : Return Address (4 potential args on stack)
0x25133ce8 : 0x128d0d (0x3cc65c 0x25133d0c 0x131f95 0x0)
0x25133d28 : 0x1a49cb (0x3d2a94 0x0 0xe 0x3d22b8)
0x25133e38 : 0x19b3a4 (0x25133e50 0x39c6ef0 0x25133e98 0x13597b)
0x25133ef8 : 0x9064e1 (0x39b1500 0x297 0x25133f28 0x907564)
0x25133f28 : 0x909e92 (0x39c0b00 0x39c0ba4 0xaa 0x0)
0x25133f58 : 0x90a268 (0x39c0b00 0x0 0x25133f78 0x19e23a)
0x25133f78 : 0x13d989 (0x39c0b00 0x0 0x19e23a 0x385df5c)
0x25133fc8 : 0x19b21c (0x0 0x0 0x19e0b5 0x385f3b4) Backtrace terminated-invalid frame pointer 0x0
      Kernel loadable modules in backtrace (with dependencies):
         com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIBlockStorage(1.0.7)@0x905000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOStorageFamily(1.5.1)@0x51b000
            dependency: com.apple.iokit.IOAHCIFamily(1.0.3)@0x845000
Kernel version:
Darwin Kernel Version 8.11.1: Wed Oct 10 18:23:28 PDT 2007; root:xnu-792.25.20~1/RELEASE_I386
Model: iMac7,1, BootROM IM71.007A.B03, 2 processors, Intel Core 2 Duo, 2.4 GHz, 2 GB
Graphics: ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro, ATI,RadeonHD2600, PCIe, 256 MB
Memory Module: BANK 0/DIMM0, 1 GB, DDR2 SDRAM, 667 MHz
Memory Module: BANK 1/DIMM1, 1 GB, DDR2 SDRAM, 667 MHz
AirPort: spairport_wireless_card_type_airport_extreme (0x14E4, 0x88), Broadcom BCM43xx 1.0 (4.170.46.9)
Bluetooth: Version 1.9.5f4, 2 service, 0 devices, 1 incoming serial ports
Network Service: Built-in Ethernet, Ethernet, en0
Serial ATA Device: WDC WD3200AAJS-40RYA0, 298.09 GB
Parallel ATA Device: MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-85J
USB Device: Built-in iSight, Apple Inc., Up to 480 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Keyboard Hub, Apple, Inc., Up to 480 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Apple Optical USB Mouse, Primax Electronics, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA
USB Device: Apple Keyboard, Apple, Inc, Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 100 mA
USB Device: IR Receiver, Apple Computer, Inc., Up to 1.5 Mb/sec, 500 mA
USB Device: Bluetooth USB Host Controller, Apple, Inc., Up to 12 Mb/sec, 500 mA

Initial startup with question marked folder with a disk already inside

Initial startup with question marked folder with a disk already inside

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.

IPod with exclamation mark & folder icon on screen?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for