My mac book is flashing a grey file with a question mark does any one know what this could be?

my mac book is flashing a grey file with aQuestion mark in it what does that mean does anyone know?

That folder with the question mark icon means that the MacBook can't find the boot directory. That can either mean it can't find the hard drive or the hard drive data is somehow corrupted.
Put your install DVD into the drive and reboot. As soon as you hear the boot chime, hold down the "c" key on your keyboard (or the Option key until the Install Disk shows up). That will force your MacBook to boot from the optical drive.
Once it has finished booting and you are at the Install screen launch Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Is your Hard Drive in the list on the left?
If it is then select the First Aid Tab run Repair Disk and if that repairs any problems run it again until the green OK appears and then run Repair Permissions.
If your hard drive isn’t recognized in Disk Utility then your hard drive is probably dead.

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TS1702 Hello, we have a Mac and an ipad,the Mac is working and wifi is on and the Ipad's wifi is on too, but Ipad Safari can not open because it could not connect to the server, does any one know what have happened?

Hello, we have a Mac and an ipad, the Mac is working and wifi is on and the ipad's wifi is on too, but Ipad Safari can not open the page because it could not connect to the server, does any one know that?

Some things to try first:
1. Turn Off your iPad. Then turn Off (disconnect power cord for 30 seconds or longer) the wireless router & then back On. Now boot your iPad. Hopefully it will see the WiFi.
2. Go to Settings>Wi-Fi and turn Off. Then while at Settings>Wi-Fi, turn back On and chose a Network.
3. Change the channel on your wireless router (Auto or Channel 6 is best). Instructions at http://macintoshhowto.com/advanced/how-to-get-a-good-range-on-your-wireless-netw ork.html
4. Go into your router security settings and change from WEP to WPA with AES.
5. Renew IP Address: (especially if you are drooping internet connection)
    •    Launch Settings app
    •    Tap on Wi-Fi
    •    Tap on the blue arrow of the Wi-Fi network that you connect to from the list
    •    In the window that opens, tap on the Renew Lease button
6. Potential Quick Fixes When Your iPad Won’t Connect to Your Wifi Network
http://ipadinsight.com/ipad-tips-tricks/potential-quick-fixes-when-your-ipad-won t-connect-to-your-wifi-network/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fix WiFi Issue for iOS 7
http://ipadnerds.com/fix-wifi-issue-ios-7/
iOS 6 Wifi Problems/Fixes
Wi-Fi Fix for iOS 6
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4823738?tstart=240
How To: Workaround iPad Wi-Fi Issues
http://www.theipadfan.com/workaround-ipad-wifi-issues/
Another Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/10/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems-ssid/
Wifi Doesn't Connect After Waking From Sleep - Sometimes increasing screen brightness prevents the failure to reconnect after waking from sleep. According to Apple, “If brightness is at lowest level, increase it by moving the slider to the right and set auto brightness to off.”
Fix For iOS 6 WiFi Problems?
http://tabletcrunch.com/2012/09/27/fix-ios-6-wifi-problems/
Did iOS 6 Screw Your Wi-Fi? Here’s How to Fix It
http://gizmodo.com/5944761/does-ios-6-have-a-wi+fi-bug
How To Fix Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue After Upgrading To iOS 6
http://www.iphonehacks.com/2012/09/fix-wi-fi-connectivity-issue-after-upgrading- to-ios-6.html
iOS 6 iPad 3 wi-fi "connection fix" for netgear router
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XsWS4ha-dn0
Apple's iOS 6 Wi-Fi problems
http://www.zdnet.com/apples-ios-6-wi-fi-problems-linger-on-7000004799/
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
How to Boost Your Wi-Fi Signal
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Boost-Your-Wi-Fi-Signal.h tm
Troubleshooting a Weak Wi-Fi Signal
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/Troubleshooting-A-Weak-Wi-Fi-Sig nal.htm
How to Fix a Poor Wi-Fi Signal on Your iPad
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/a/How-To-Fix-A-Poor-Wi-Fi-Signal-O n-Your-iPad.htm
iOS Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
iPad: Issues connecting to Wi-Fi networks http://support.apple.com/kb/ts3304
WiFi Connecting/Troubleshooting http://www.apple.com/support/ipad/wifi/
How to Fix: My iPad Won't Connect to WiFi
http://ipad.about.com/od/iPad_Troubleshooting/ss/How-To-Fix-My-Ipad-Wont-Connect -To-Wi-Fi.htm
iOS: Connecting to the Internet http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1695
iOS: Recommended settings for Wi-Fi routers and access points http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4199
How to Quickly Fix iPad 3 Wi-Fi Reception Problems
http://osxdaily.com/2012/03/21/fix-new-ipad-3-wi-fi-reception-problems/
iPad Wi-Fi Problems: Comprehensive List of Fixes
http://appletoolbox.com/2010/04/ipad-wi-fi-problems-comprehensive-list-of-fixes/
Connect iPad to Wi-Fi (with troubleshooting info)
http://thehowto.wikidot.com/wifi-connect-ipad
10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2372811,00.asp
Fix iPad Wifi Connection and Signal Issues http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwWtIG5jUxE
Fix Slow WiFi Issue https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2398063?start=60&tstart=0
How To Fix iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch Wi-Fi Connectivity Issue http://tinyurl.com/7nvxbmz
Unable to Connect After iOS Update - saw this solution on another post.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4010130
Note - When troubleshooting wifi connection problems, don't hold your iPad by hand. There have been a few reports that holding the iPad by hand, seems to attenuate the wifi signal.
Some Wi-Fi losses may stem from a problematic interaction between Wi-Fi and cellular data connections. Numerous users have found that turning off Cellular Data in Settings gets their Wi-Fi working again.
You may have many apps open which can possibly cause the slowdown and possibly the loss of wifi. In iOS 4-6 double tap your Home button & at the bottom of the screen you will see the icons of all open apps. Close those you are not using by pressing on an icon until all icons wiggle - then tap the minus sign. For iOS 7 users, there’s an easy way to see which apps are open in order to close them. By double-tapping the home button on your iPhone or iPad, the new multitasking feature in iOS 7 shows full page previews of all your open apps. Simply scroll horizontally to see all your apps, and close the apps with a simple flick towards the top of the screen.
Wi-Fi or Bluetooth settings grayed out or dim
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1559
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If any of the above solutions work, please post back what solved your problem. It will help others with the same problem.
 Cheers, Tom

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

Have you tried to boot in Safe Mode (keep the Shift key down while booting, until the Apple grey backdrop, spinning gear and progress bar appear)?
If you can boot that way, it means some third-party software is causing problems.
If not, try to boot in Single User mode (press the Command/Apple and S keys on startup), then type "fsck -y" (no quotes), press Enter.
You should get a return such as:
fsck_hfs: Volume is journaled. No checking performed.
fsck_hfs: Use the -f option to force checking
If you do, then your startup volume is accessible. Type "restart" (no quotes...), then press Enter.
If not, you can try the following command:
mount -u/w /
(there's a space between mount and the dash, no space between the dash and u/w, and a space between u/w and the slash sign).
There shouldn't be any visible return on screen after that command, but if you wait a few seconds, you could then enter the following command:
systemstarter
Then press Enter.
That could suffice to boot your system, but still not the graphical user interface.
When the prompt sign (#) returns, type "restart" (again, without the quotes), and press Enter.
Tell us how it went.

What is a grey file with a question mark inside doing on my start up screen

when i start up my computer instead of the normal apple symbol showing up i get a grey folder that has a white question mark inside and it is flashing. I know that that means that the computer cannot find the operating system. can anyone help or give me a solution to this problem and a way i can fix it.

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.
(79144)

When I turn on my macbook pro, the white screen displays a file with a question mark in the middle. What does this mean?

Suddenly, my macbook pro has experienced problems. When I turn on my computer, the white screen displays a flashing file folder icon with a quesrion mark in the middle. Has my hard drive burnt out? Thank you in advance for any helpful suggestions..

It means your computer is search for a start up volume. You need to reboot into recovery mode and attempt to repair your disk. To do this restart the computer and hold the keys:
<command> + r
Then open Disk utility.
http://support.apple.com/kb/ts1417

I am using a mac book pro with Leopard OS. when I switch my laptop on it flashes a grey folder with a question mark on a grey screen, after the chime. I have tried all the things mentioned in another discussion. none of those have helped. HELP! im scared.

what must i do? im a student and dont have backup for my work. Im in desperate need of a solution where i wont lose my work from my desktop.

You need to purchase Leopard if you don't have the DVD and reinstall OS X:
How to Perform an Archive and Install
An Archive and Install will NOT erase your hard drive, but you must have sufficient free space for a second OS X installation which could be from 3-9 GBs depending upon the version of OS X and selected installation options. The free space requirement is over and above normal free space requirements which should be at least 6-10 GBs. Read all the linked references carefully before proceeding.
1. Be sure to use Disk Utility first to repair the disk before performing the Archive and Install.
Repairing the Hard Drive and Permissions
Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When the menu bar appears select Disk Utility from the Installer menu (Utilities menu for Tiger, Leopard or Snow Leopard.) 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 installer. Now restart normally.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior and/or Tech Tool Pro to repair the drive. If you don't have either of them or if neither of them can fix the drive, then you will need to reformat the drive and reinstall OS X.
2. Do not proceed with an Archive and Install if DU reports errors it cannot fix. In that case use Disk Warrior and/or TechTool Pro to repair the hard drive. If neither can repair the drive, then you will have to erase the drive and reinstall from scratch.
3. Boot from your OS X Installer disc. After the installer loads select your language and click on the Continue button. When you reach the screen to select a destination drive click once on the destination drive then click on the Option button. Select the Archive and Install option. You have an option to preserve users and network preferences. Only select this option if you are sure you have no corrupted files in your user accounts. Otherwise leave this option unchecked. Click on the OK button and continue with the OS X Installation.
4. Upon completion of the Archive and Install you will have a Previous System Folder in the root directory. You should retain the PSF until you are sure you do not need to manually transfer any items from the PSF to your newly installed system.
5. After moving any items you want to keep from the PSF you should delete it. You can back it up if you prefer, but you must delete it from the hard drive.
6. You can now download a Combo Updater directly from Apple's download site to update your new system to the desired version as well as install any security or other updates. You can also do this using Software Update.

How do I eject a disk from a MacBook if there is a grey file with a question mark

I have tried to fix it by putting in the re-instillation disk but there is already another disk in there. I held the left key after the chime and nothing, then I held the options key down after a reboot and now I just have a mouse on my screen. Please help as I am IT illiterate!! Also I don't know what operating system I have.

Have you tried the basics? Open a Finder window and click the little up arrow next to the drive. Or try holding down the key with the upwards triangle and the line under it on the upper right corner of the keyboard.

Does any one know what the matrix.dms is? And why it is in my picture folder? When I open this file the unarchiver takes over and I see my entire hard drive when I scroll down I see the matrix.dms file with in the unarchiver.

Hello everyone. Does anyone know that the matrix.dms file is? And why it may have came to be in my picture folder? When I opened the file the unarchiver took over, then I saw my files in the unarchiver window. I then scrolled down and I saw the same matrix.dms file within the unarchiver window. I made a video of what saw when I tried to open the file, so as to aide in your understanding of reason for my perplexion at this file. Thank you for your help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QeWH9hRnro&feature=youtu.be

Hi EMT-B,
It sounds like you have done all the troubleshooting needed to narrow down your issue with the iPhone camera to hardware. Based on the information you have provided, it appears your iPhone needs to be serviced. The following link should help you get started with the process and has links with additional information on topics such as warranty and service pricing, battery replacement, and express replacement service.
Apple - Support - Service Answer Center
http://support.apple.com/kb/index?page=servicefaq&geo=United_States&product=ipho ne
You may need to change the country when you get to the page.
Thanks for using Apple Support Communities.
Best,
Brett L

HT3500 i have a mac pro and have connected to my wireless canon printer. I was able to print but now the printer comes up with the paper in the tray is the wrong size. but the paper is A4. does any one know what is wrong.

I have connected to my wireless canon printer but it wont let me print from my mac pro. printer comes up with the message that the paper size doesnt match the printer settings. I have tried to change the settings on the printer but that didnt work. can anyone help

Well... no help was found here.. so I abandoned the wireless- ness of my printer. I bought a
small 10 port hub because only 2 USB ports really isn't enough with wireless mouse, wireless internet
and any kind of printer. I also bought a long USB cable. I now print--wired since this can be done
as an alternative to wireless with this printer. Because I don't want a cable "hanging around"
when the printer is not in use, I simple disconnect it and reconnect when I want to print.
It's a temporary solution others may find helpful as well. Apparently there's been a lot of
confusion and problems getting this printer set up wirelessly with our MacBooks.
Shame on HP for not helping us out!

What do I do about the file with a question mark when it starts up?

I have a MacBook Pro, had it for 2 years now. It has been good, up until just now... It was on, perfect as normal until I plugged in my iPad mini and my iPod touch. It started freezing up, and so I turned it off, but when I turned it back on, the file with the question mark just shows up. What am I supposed to do now? I have never had this problem before, and I don't wanna lose everything inside it as I have 2 years worth of pictures and videos. Any suggestions? Is there any steps I can take?
P.s I'm not sure which operating system it is, so I just chose one that might be close to it, as I updated my Mac just a couples weeks ago.

A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

So i have a 2011 MacBook Pro and when i turned it on this morning a flashing folder came on with a question mark in the middle of it and it keeps flashing. So i tried googling any solutions and up so far nothing has worked. Please Help ?

I tried googling several solutions, but so far nothing seems to work. Everytime i start up my laptop i press CMND+R to make it go to the repair disk utility but instead it takes me as if i have to install lion when i had Snow Leopard 10.6.8. When i do go to the repair disk utility, on the eft hand side shows two hardrives one is Untitled and another is Hitachi, i tried downloading snow leopard 10.6.8 onto a Re-writable disc using my windows computer. When i insterted it onto the disc drive it came out under SUPER DRIVE and everytime i double click on the CD it says something about attaching images/ I also forgot to mention that the MAC OSX 10.6.8 Update shows on the left hand side on the bottom in DMG format. I dont know what else to do, please help?

DestroyGalaxies wrote:
a flashing folder came on with a question mark in the middle of it
This is the firmware telling you it can't find a bootable OS X volume.
Usually to solve this all you do is hold the option key down on the built in keyboard while booting the computer, this enters Startup Manager and then you choose OS X to boot, then in System Preferences > Startup Disk you change it to the boot volume and it tells the firmware.
Everytime i start up my laptop i press CMND+R to make it go to the repair disk utility but instead it takes me as if i have to install lion when i had Snow Leopard 10.6.8.
What you have is a 10.7 or 10.8 Recovery HD from when 10.7 or 10. was on the machine previously.
The Macintosh HD partition only was erased and 10.6 installed on it, without erasing the entire drive like what should have occured to remove the Recovery HD partition.
So you have a mucked up machine.
i tried downloading snow leopard 10.6.8 onto a Re-writable disc using my windows computer.
Well there goes your problem there, your downloading illegal copies of Snow Leopard from a untrusted location.
10.6 is not available for download, except from pirate sites. You likely have malware or a compromised system.
I dont know what else to do, please help?
What you need to do is call Apple via phone, tell them the make of your machine and order the appropriate 10.6 disks, they are inexpensive now. Some machines that came with 10.6.3+ origianlly need machine specific disks, other wise pre-10.6.3 Intel Macs can use the 10.6.3 white retail disks.
Once you have the disks, you need to backup your personal information off the computer to a external storage drive using the emergency quick copy method, then disconnect it to prevent mistakes.
Most commonly used backup methods
Next follow this proceedure and make sure to select the ENTIRE drive on the far left with the drive makers name and size, this will erase the entire drive, then install 10.6 from the disk
How to erase and install Snow Leopard 10.6
When finished setup the machine and log onto the Internet and use Software Update to get current on 10.6.8
Don't use pirated software, it's likely been compromised in some fashion.

Hi I installed a new hard drive in my Mac mini osx lion an when I turn it on I get a flashing file with a question mark. I tried holding command and R keys when turning it on but the recovery fails to work. Does any one know how I can get it to recover?

Hi I installed a new hard drive in my Mac mini osx lion an when I turn it on I get a flashing file with a question mark. I tried holding command and R keys when turning it on but the recovery fails to work. I can hold the option key at start up and choose my network, then Internet recovery shows up with an arrow pointing up. When I click on the arrow Internet recovery fails and all I get is a globe with a triangle on it with an exclamation mark on it, and under that it says
apple.com/support
-6002F
Does any one know how I can fix this without a recovery disc? Thanks

I just want to add to this, in case someone else searches for this error on Apple Support (google doesnt cover apple support.. how clever is that?)
I had the same error. And i had a Computer that had worked, with a SSD drive and 16GB upgrade done by the owner himself.
I tried swapping with a Mechinal Harddrive, no luck.
Kept the Mechanical drive in, and tried with some other Ram, it worked..
So for me this error and after reading the other responses can be boiled down to a Harddrive problem or Ram issue.
It was Ram for me..

Does any one know how to "reset" my password that I have to plug into my mac-book pro system before I download a file?

Does any one know how to "reset" my password that I have to plug into my mac-book pro system before I download a file?

Reset Password
Follow the instructions in this article.
http://pondini.org/OSX/Password.html
Best.

I've got a 15" white macbook which I bought about 2 years ago. It froze the other day and wouldn't respond so I shut it down. When I turn it on now it comes up with a flashing file with a question mark on it. How can I fix it?

I've got a 15" white macbook which I bought about 2 years ago. It froze the other day and wouldn't respond so I shut it down. When I turn it on now it comes up with a flashing file with a question mark on it. How can I fix it? I've tried a few things i've seen online but the futhest ive got is to put the start up disk in when you makes it go to a grey screen with an apple logo and the spinning wheel which then stops spinning. Can anybody help?

That folder with the question mark icon means that the MacBook can't find the boot directory. That can either mean it can't find the hard drive or the Operating System data on the hard drive is somehow corrupted.
Put your install DVD into the optical drive and reboot. As soon as you hear the boot chime, hold down the "c" key on your keyboard (or the Option key until the Install Disk shows up). That will force your MacBook to boot from the install DVD in the optical drive.
When it does start up, you'll see a panel asking you to choose your language. Just press the Return key on your keyboard once.It will then present you with an Installation window. Completely ignore this window and click on Utilities in the top menu and scroll down to Disk Utility and click it. When it comes up is your Hard Drive in the list on the left?
If it is then click on the Mac OS partition of your hard drive in the left handlist. Then select the First Aid Tab and run Repair Disk. The Repair Disk button won't be available until you've clicked on the Mac OS partition on your hard drive. If that repairs any problems run it again until the green OK appears and then run Repair Permissions.
If your hard drive isn’t recognized in Disk Utility then your hard drive is probably dead.

HT3964 I just opened up my MacBook Pro after a few days of not using it and it was frozen. I turned it off and back on and all I see is a white screen, there was a file with a question mark flashing for a bit but I can't do anything, please help me!!

I just opened up my MacBook Pro after a few days of not using it and it was frozen. I turned it off and back on and all I see is a white screen, there was a file with a question mark flashing for a bit but I can't do anything, please help me!!

Jerricayoung,
you have a 13-inch Mid 2012 MacBook Pro. It’s modern enough that it supports booting into Recovery mode. To do so, hold down a Command key and the R key as you start up. It should eventually show a Mac OS X Utilities menu. Select Disk Utility from that menu; when the Disk Utility window appears, select the bootable volume from the left-hand side of the window. (It’s typically called “Macintosh HD”.) When the volume is selected, some buttons will appear on the right-hand side. If it’s not greyed out, press the Verify Disk button; if it is greyed out, or if it reports on errors that it found, press the Repair Disk button. Once the verification/repair is completed, exit Disk Utility and select Restart from the Apple menu; that will restart your MacBook Pro in its normal mode. With luck, that will be enough to get you to your normal login screen, rather than the white screen.

My mac book is flashing a grey file with a question mark does any one know what this could be?

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