Receiving a Question Mark at start up

I own a 13 inch Macbook, and my problem is that when I turn my computer on, only a white screen appears, then after a few moments a folder with a question mark appears on the screen. I cannot get past this screen, and I am really unsure how to fix the problem.

It means critical system files needed for startup are missing or damaged. You will have to reinstall OS X. You may be able to do so without erasing the drive if the drive is not corrupted:
How to Perform an Archive and Install
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.) 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, then quit DU and return to the installer.
If DU reports errors it cannot fix, then you will need Disk Warrior (4.0 for Tiger) and/or TechTool Pro (4.5.2 for Tiger) 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.

Similar Messages

  • Folder with question mark at start up

    Why a, I ratting a blinking folder with a question mark at start up.  My MacBook will not open beyond that.  Is it a ram issue?

    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'llsee 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 hand list. 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.

  • Question mark on start up

    how to solve or repair or load the start up program once you see the file question mark on start up

    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 hand list. 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.

  • Fleshing question mark on start up

    Fleshing question mark at start up

    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 hand list. 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.

  • If I reset my Mac's PRAM and NVRAM because the question mark in starting up  . Will that earase anything ?

    If I reset my Mac's PRAM and NVRAM because the question mark in starting up  . Will that earase anything ?

    Hold the option key down and boot your computer, a row of icons appears, select your OS X and click the arrow
    Once in, head to System Preferences > Startup Disk and select yours, this will tell the firmware again what your supposed to boot from.
    If that doesn't work, then run through this list of fixes
    Step by Step to fix your Mac

  • Question Mark on Start Up Disk Icon

    What is the meaning of a question mark on start up disk icon in system preferences?
    I have clicked on icon, selected my start up disc and restarted but, question mark still appears on start up dick icon.
    Thanx in advance for any help.
    stewartpaul

    Startup – Question Mark
    Startup Issues - Resolve
    Startup Issues - Resolve (2)

  • Hard disc dead??? flickering folder with question mark on start up

    I get a flickering folder with question mark on start up, and i cant get into mac osx.
    I tried the hardware test and it detected no problems. Ive tried to do an install with the disc but no harddisc was detected to install it on.
    I cant believe my harddisc is broken all my work is gone (backing doesnt help with configurations etc)

    I know many of you don't understand english. Basicly what the articel tells us is that there is a problem with the harddrive due to a contruction caused error.
    I would say please do something about it. Start a program to solve this problem
    Thank you very much (my seagate still works, lets see for how long!!!
    Der Festplatten- und Datenrettungsspezialist Retrodata aus der englischen Grafschaft Hampshire gibt eine beunruhigende Warnung an MacBook-Besitzer heraus. Apple-Notebooks, in denen ab Werk Seagate-Festplatten arbeiten, sind nach seinen Untersuchungen mit einem Fabrikationsfehler konfrontiert, der zum Totalausfall der Festplatte mit einhergehendem Datenverlust führen kann.
    Nach eigenen Angaben erhält der Spezialist eine Vielzahl dieser ausgefallenen Platten zur Wiederherstellung von Daten. Die Untersuchungen von Retrodata zeigen, dass der Schreib-Lesekopf der Festplatte mechanisch ausfällt. Dies führt dem Spezialisten nach zu tiefen Kratzern auf der Oberfläche der magnetischen Scheiben mit entsprechenden Datenverlusten.
    Anwender können schnell selbst feststellen, ob ihr MacBook gefährdet ist. Die betroffenen Segate-Platten sind ausgestattet mit der Firmware in Version 7.01. Zeigt der System-Profiler, zugänglich über den Befehl “Über diesen Mac… / Weitere Informationen” im Apfel-Menü, in der Kategorie Serial-ATA ein Laufwerk mit der Hersteller-Kennung ST und der Versionsnummer 7.01, dann besteht nach diesem Bericht ein hohes Ausfall-Risiko. Die Firma rät allen betroffenen Anwendern ein Backup der Daten anzulegen und umgehend ihren Händler zu kontaktieren.

  • Folder sybol with a question mark on start up

    When I start up my G5 desktop I get a folder with a question mark on start up. I have seen this before when the computer cant find a start up but this sybol dissapears after a few seconds and the computer completes its start up. Can I get rid of this?
    Many thanks
    Alf

    Yes, this happens if another startup volume was selected and not changed back after being disconnected from the system. Apple menu -> System Preferences -> Startup Disk is where startup volumes get selected. Go back there and change it to the volume you want to startup.

  • Flashing question mark at start up (details in post)

    Problem: Flashing question mark at startup.
    System: iBook G4 running OS X version 10.3.something.
    Details: The machine froze on waking up when I opened it last night. I held down the power key to turn it off, then powered it up again and got a flashing question mark superimposed on a small blue folder icon.
    Further details:
    (1) I tried to start the iBook up in Firewire target mode to copy my data to another machine. Holding down the T key at startup brings up the Firewire screensaver, but the iBook drive does not appear on the host machine's desktop.
    (2) I can start the iBook from CD: I cannot find the CDs that came with the machine at the moment, but I can boot from a OS X 10.3 install CD that I have laying around.
    (3) The hard drive is not visible to Disk Utility: When I boot from the OS X 10.3 install CD and then start Disk Utility, my hard drive is not visible to Disk Utility.
    (4) Zapping PRAM does not help: I held down option-apple-P-R and restarted, letting the iBook chime four times for good measure. I still get the flashing question mark and the hard drive is still not visible to Disk Utility.
    (5) The hard drive is visible in single-user mode: I powered down again and held down apple-S while powering up. I am now in single-user mode. My hard drive is visible and all of the files I have inspected seem to be just fine. I have not done anything except cd into various directories, use ls to list the files in the directories, and use cat and more to display the contents of various text files.
    Questions: Obviously what I would like is to be up and running as quickly as possible. But more importantly, I don't want to do anything that would muck up the data on my hard drive.
    (1) Is there any way to manually back up the data to a removable device while in single-user mode?
    (2) I have not done anything with fsck yet. Should I? What are the risks/benefits of using fsck?
    (3) Just for curiosity's sake: Why is the hard disk visible in single-user mode but not to Disk Utility?
    (4) What are your suggestions for what to do next? I am still in single-user mode and am happy to stay there while I wait for advice.
    Thanks,
    RJH
    iBook G4 Mac OS X (10.3) OS version 10.3.(something) -- don't remember and can't start up to find out

    Here are some troubleshooting guides:
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58042
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106464
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=50959
    http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
    The following link is about backup:
    http://homepage.mac.com/lee_cullens/Bx3.html
    (1) Is there any way to manually back up the data to a removable device while in single-user mode?
    Yes. If you have an external backup drive you can copy your files while in single-user mode. There are several available tools you can use: cp, rcp, rsync, and diskutil. These utilities may require knowing the Unix device names and paths. You can use the df command to obtain that information. Use the commandline "man cmd" to obtain the Unix help on the particular "cmd", e.g., man rcp.
    (2) I have not done anything with fsck yet. Should I? What are the risks/benefits of using fsck?
    Fsck is simply a form of Disk Utility that can repair a startup volume when in single-user mode. One of the above references explains how to use fsck to repair the disk. Note that if fsck returns anything other than "** The volume (nameofvolume) appears to be OK", you should re-run fsck until the preceding message is received. If you re-run fsck more than 5 or 6 times without getting the OK message, then fsck is not able to fully repair the drive.
    If you have other disk repair tools like Disk Warrior or TechTool Pro, you should try to repair the drive with them. Both tools can perform repairs that neither Disk Utility nor fsck can.
    Of course all the above is contingent on the drive actually being functional. If the drive has failed you may not have any success.

  • Intermittent Blinking Question Mark at Start-Up

    I've read a number of postings about the blinking question mark problem during start-up, but this one is different -- its intermittent. By that I mean that sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn't. Here is the chronology:
    - Student comes home for Spring Break and requests me to connect her to our wireless network.
    - I enter network name and PW. It gets connected, but the spinning rainbow wheel won't stop spinning. So eventually I re-start --> first time I've ever seen the blinking question mark. System won't start on multiple tries. Student says 'yeah, that's been happening for a while. Just wait a while and it will be OK.' I've never seen an intermittent problem like this.
    - Took iBook to the Genius Bar at local Apple Store
    - Genius gets it to start up on first try, amazing me. He didn't do any trick, just pushed the power button. But he did plug the AC adapter in as he was trying to boot it. (more on this later) How can this be??
    - Genius does some kind of test on the Hard Drive and pronounces it OK. Says problem must be software-related.
    - I mention that Student didn't bring home her 10.3.X Disk Utilities/Restore disk.
    - I mention I've got 10.4 Family Pack, but haven't had time to load it on any of our Macs. Genius recommends doing Archive Install, then use 10.4 disk to run Disk Utilities to check Permissions etc.
    - I load 10.4 and then run Disk Utilities. The start-up disk is already properly identified, no need to re-select the internal HD Sys X. But sure enough, some of the Permissions needed repair and were fixed. Problem seems solved, system runs fine for 3 days.
    - Student goes back to college. Today she reports that the blinking question mark is back, but now she can't run Disk Utilities because I still have the 10.4 disk at home, and her 10.3 disk won't work anymore.
    I should also mention: Student has been having short battery re-charge life. Checked the Apple Website and realized that her battery S/N is covered under the free replacement program. Today she received the new battery and installed it, and then when she re-started, that's when the blinking question mark showed up again. Could there be a connection between the power supply and the blinking question mark?
    What to do? Any ideas welcomed. Student wants new computer, I say not so fast.....
    iBook G4   Mac OS X (10.4.5)  

    Assuming that you get the flashing question mark for extended periods of time (i.e. not just one or two flashes and then it boots), and repeatedly (i.e. it takes several power cycles to boot the system), I'd recommend a couple of steps:
    1) Run the Disk Utility -> Repair Disk option while booted off CD. This will check and repair common disk problems that can cause this kind of issue
    2) Reset the parameter RAM (PRAM) to reset the system settings (Command-Option-P-R as you power on)
    3) When this happens, hold down the option key as you power up the system. this will offer a list of available boot drives. Check that your boot drive is available.
    4) If all else fails, backup - soon, and be prepared to replace the hard drive. This might sound drastic but I'd had a number of laptops die through failed drives. This option is especially true if you're experiencing other unexplained problems such as hangs and crashes while running the machine.

  • Flashing question mark on start

    hi,
    I hope you can help me with my problem.
    my ibook g4 began working slowly and finally froze. i restarted and saw a question mark and finder icon flashing on and off. i tried disk utility but it didn't work. disk utility gave the following error message:
    invalid b-tree node size
    volume check failed
    the underlying task reported failure on exit -9972
    then i tried resetting pram, but it didn't work either.
    also disk utility says the disk is not mounted.
    I would like to know if there are any other solutions that i can try before i erase it. would erasing the hard disk solve the problem or do i need to replace it?
    thank you.
    terken gupur

    A free [donations accepted] utility "Applejack" at superforge downloads should help. I downloaded this a few months ago and forgot about it. This morning my ibook froze tried disk utility tech tool etc. I{ always repair permissions and run cron utilities daily} started my computer in single user/hold cmd,shft on startup/after receiving message similar to yours;B- Header,File nod,etc. and I ran applejack and I'm writting this reply on the ibook a few minutes later.
    I hope it helps

  • HELP I'm getting a blinking folder with a question mark at start up? Have been trying to fix this for 3 hours and I dont want to lose all my files by resetting it completely!!

    I currently have Mavericks but my original OS X disk that I have I'm pretty sure is Mac OS X 10.6.6. I'm not great with computers but am usually able to fix problems I have had with mine in the past. I have reinstalled and reset my computer to factory settings before, but I am locked out of my computer completely & can't get to my files to save them & I really dont want to lose them. I was in Safari earlier opening a file, the page started to not respond & froze up my whole desktop so I did a hard shutdown & restarted my computer. I haven't been able to get back into my account ever since. If my only choice is to lose my files & reinstall everything, I need detailed instructions because I actually attempted to do this at first, out of desperation to fix my computer & the installer was asking me to select what disk I wanted to reinstall lion to yet I dont have a disk for that nor do I know what it exactly is asking of me? Please help

    Question (?) Mark, Blinking Folder, or Gray Screen at Startup
    These are related but not identical issues. Their causes are outlined in Intel-based Mac- Startup sequence and error codes, symbols. Solutions may be found in:
    A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac
    Mac OS X- Gray screen appears during startup
    In most cases the problems may be caused by one or more of these:
    a. Problem with the computer's PRAM - See Resetting your Mac's PRAM and NVRAM.
    b. Boot drive's directory has been corrupted - Repair with Disk Utility.
    c. Critical system files are damaged or deleted - Reinstall OS X.
    d. The disk drive is physically non-functional - Replace the hard drive.
    Note that the information I have provided is what Apple recommends, If other users suggest different solutions than found here, then be sure what they recommend does not impact on your warranty, if any, or ability to get continuing Apple service.
    Please don't start removing drives or changing cables unless you know what you are doing and have exhausted other non-invasive alternatives outlined here. If you perform any work yourself that is unapproved by Apple, then you will void any warranty you may have and lose all further Apple Support.
    Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your Snow Leopard 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 Utilities menu. 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.
    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.
    The main difference if you are using Lion or Mountain Lion is that you must first boot from the Recovery HD. Simply boot from the Recovery HD to perform the above.
    Reinstall Snow Leopard Without Erasing The drive
    1. Repair the Hard Drive and Permissions
    Boot from your Snow Leopard 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 Utilities menu. 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.
    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. Reinstall Snow Leopard
    If the drive is OK then quit DU and return to the installer.  Proceed with reinstalling OS X.  Note that the Snow Leopard installer will not erase your drive or disturb your files.  After installing a fresh copy of OS X the installer will move your Home folder, third-party applications, support items, and network preferences into the newly installed system.
    Download and install Mac OS X 10.6.8 Update Combo v1.1.
    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.

  • Flashing question mark on start up after crash

    Hi all
    i was using my Mac mini 2012 with Yosemite installed. I was streaming using air play to my speakers and I went to open Safari and it was stuck on a beach all. I left it for a minute then the Mac crashed and restarted. Upon restarting, I was greeted by a flashing folder with a question mark. I then did a hard reset and managed to boot back into the Mac no problem.
    I installed a crucial 512gb SSD a month ago and not had any problems before. Disk utility shows the drive is verified and I done a verify disk check and everything came back fine.
    anyone know what could of potentislly caused this? My first concern was the starting signs of a ssd failure but it seems to be working ok again

    It could be a symptom of a SSD problem, because the question mark shows up when your Mac does not find any bootable volume (it does not find your SSD drive).
    As this might happen again, I recommend you to make a backup of your files onto an external drive with Time Machine -> Mac Basics: Time Machine backs up your Mac - Apple Support By doing this, you will have your data safe in case that problem shows up again. If it carries on happening, I would recommend you to replace the SSD.

  • Flashing Question Mark At Start Up/ Disk Utility Not Working

    I am having the old flashing question mark in a file show up when I try to start my computer. I went through a lot of the forums and I have attempted the Disk Utility. When I put the 10.3 install disk in and restart it takes me to the opening screen. If go to disk utility and start it and I have three options: 734.6 MB Pioneer DVD, Session 1, and Mac OSX Install Disk all with a CD icon by them. Not sure which one to pick. Even when I select any though, it does not give me the option to push the repair disk button. It is never available. Anyone know what to do here?

    Exactly this happened to me two weeks ago. Unfortunately in my case it was a result of hard disk failure - my heads had burnt out and I had total data loss (I was fortunately backed up recently).
    I would suggest taking your mac to a reputable computer firm, preferably Apple who can diagnose hard disk failure immediately. If that is the case you will need a replacement HD, which might be a good opportunity to expand HD size on your system (prices are always coming down; I took the opportunity to go from 60 to 120GB, for £140).
    If you are not backed up and ABSOLUTELY NEED YOUR DATA then do NOT give your machine to Apple there and then however; despite assurances, you may never see your HD again, and at any rate once it has been removed it should be handled extremely carefully to prevent platter damage and compromising future data retrieval. It may not be treated with proper respect whilst a replacement is being fitted. Therefore take it to a data retrieval specialist first, who may also replace the HD for you anyway, at similar or lower cost. The cost of data retrieval is very variable but is generally about £500 if an 'invasive procedure' (HD repair) is necessary.
    I hope this isn't your situation, but as I say these were exactly the symptoms of my HD failure 2 weeks ago.
    Fulvio

  • Have a flashing folder with a question mark on start-up but cannot hold option as wireless keyboard won't connect, how do I get it to connect if I cannot turn on the machine?

    Hello all, I've registered here because I can't work out how to get my keyboard and mouse to connect.
    The issue is that when I turn my mid-2010 iMac on it doesn't load up, but instead shows a flashing folder with a question mark. I've Googled this and have some idea how to fix it, the first step in all guides to fixing the problem states that you should hold the option key upon start-up. The problem I'm having is that I've just had to change the batteries on my keyboard and mouse and they are now not connecting. I can't see how to get the keyboard and mouse connected with the Mac stuck on the flashing folder screen, and I can't get the Mac past said screen without using the keyboard. Does anyone know how I can connect the two devices?
    Thanks.

    The flashing folder with the ? mark indicates that a bootable system can't be found. You'll need to borrow a wired keyboard so you can boot into the Recovery volume (boot with the Command + R keys held down). From there you can reinstall the system and try a normal reboot.

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