Mac book pro flashing a question mark folder

What does it mean when my mac book pro is flashing a question mark folder and will not boot

There are four general causes of this issue:
1. The computer's PRAM no longer contains a valid startup disk setting when there aren't any problems with the disk itself. This can be checked for by pressing the Option key and seeing if the drive appears.
2. The internal drive's directory structure has become damaged. This requires usage of an alternate bootable system to perform the repair.
3. Critical system files have been deleted. This requires usage of an alternate bootable system to reinstall them.
4. The internal drive has died or become unplugged. This is the most likely case if the computer took a sharp impact or there are unusual sounds coming from the hard drive's location.
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Similar Messages

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    Message was edited by: Austin Kinsella1

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    Message was edited by: AppleSensei

    if someone has the same issue, i just want to notice i solved it using ubuntu -linux- and transferring the files to an external hard drive from ubuntu, reinstalling mac os x again. When i did target mode with another mac the hard drive didnt appear in finder, but with ubuntu all worked great, i saw my files and then problem solved, i saved my data ; )
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    Message was edited by: AppleSensei

  • I already have a apple ID for my iphone5. And recently I have purchased a new mac book pro.

    I already have a apple ID for my iphone5. And recently I have purchased a new mac book pro.
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    hi iam a java developer and interested to buy mac book pro.
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    mviplav,
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  • Turned my mac book pro on and a folder with a question mark just flashes

    TTurned my Mac book pro laptop on and all I get is a flashing folder with a question mark on the screen

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    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.
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    My computer is not working, is my personal data lost?
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    Likely it's just the firmware forgot what the boot volume is supposed to be.
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    Run through this list of fixes
    Step by Step to fix your Mac
    If the drive works, and you can't boot from it, you can recover data
    Create a data recovery, undelete boot drive

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