Slow start 3 mins - flashing globe & folder - Mac OS X (10.4.11)

I find my father's PowerBook G4 is now starting very slowly. It took about three or four minutes this morning, when it used to be much quicker. This may be intermittent.
It used to go straight to a white screen with a large grey apple, and then a loading Mac OS screen. Now it starts with a blank screen and a small flashing globe in a square in the centre; this changes to a smaller folder, flashing and showing a question mark.
I thought that the battery might be low, and we have recently installed a new one. I was wondering if there was another CMOS backup battery that might need replacing. The computer is three and a half years old now, and was bought with Mac OS X Panther, which I upgraded to Tiger without problems.
I would be interested in (ideally simple) suggestions for improvement of the start-up time.

Hi occasional_user,
If you have any FireWire devices connected go to System Preferences > Network > Show: Network Port Configurations > Uncheck Built in FireWire and drag it to the end of the list or delete it altogether if you do not use IP over FireWire.
Sweet Polly

Similar Messages

Slow start up for applications in Mac Mini

Beginning last week all of my most important applications in my 2010 Mac Mini have been slow to start up. Safari takes two minutes to start. MS Word for Mac 2011 takes two minutes, forty seconds to start. I had never timed these applications before, but I know that each took well under a minute to start.
After the applications start, they operate with the same speed as normal.
This startup problem began at the same time that my Messages application conked out. With the advice that I got here in the Apple Support Forums, I did two tasks to try to repair Messages.
First I started up in Safe Mode and ran Disk Utility. “Repair Disk” reported no problem with the hard drive. “Repair Permissions” spent a long time (over five minutes, IIRC) repairing permissions in many appplications that I never use. Most of the changes were in iBooks. I doubt that I have ever turned on that application in this computer. “Repair Permissions” did not repair any permissions in Messages, Word, and, IIRC, Safari.
I report this history with Disk Utility, because I see in other threads a recommendation to try this technique for slow applications.
Second, I logged out of my account in Messages and logged back in. Doing so restored the function of Messages but had no effect, as far as I can tell, on the speed of start up of my applications.
My hard drive is nowhere being full. Trash is empty. I doubt that there is a problem with crowding the RAM, as the problem occurs only when starting the applications. Once the applications are running, I have found no problems no matter how many applications are running. Software Update reports everything is up to date. Software Update did download an update to the Twitter application two days before the present problem arose; I do not know if there is a connection. The problem arose one morning like any other morning when I started the computer.
Any guesses as to what is wrong?   TIA

Problem description:
slow application start-up
EtreCheck version: 2.0.4 (89)
Report generated October 14, 2014 at 12:44:16 PM CDT
Hardware Information: ℹ️
Mac mini (Mid 2010) (Verified)
Mac mini - model: Macmini4,1
1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2-core
2 GB RAM Upgradeable
BANK 0/DIMM0
1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
BANK 1/DIMM0
1 GB DDR3 1067 MHz ok
Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
Video Information: ℹ️
NVIDIA GeForce 320M - VRAM: 256 MB
SyncMaster spdisplays_1080p
System Software: ℹ️
OS X 10.9.5 (13F34) - Uptime: 1:37:7
Disk Information: ℹ️
ST9320325ASG disk0 : (320.07 GB)
S.M.A.R.T. Status: Verified
EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 319.21 GB (274.58 GB free)
Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
OPTIARC DVD RW AD-5680H
USB Information: ℹ️
Apple, Inc. Keyboard Hub
Apple, Inc Apple Keyboard
Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
Gatekeeper: ℹ️
Mac App Store and identified developers
Kernel Extensions: ℹ️
/System/Library/Extensions
[not loaded] com.marvell.kext.USBGenericPrinterClass (1.0.0) Support
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist Support
[loaded] com.barebones.authd.plist Support
[loaded] com.barebones.textwrangler.plist Support
[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Support
User Login Items: ℹ️
None
Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
DirectorShockwave: Version: 11.6.5r635 Support
Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.0 Support
Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9
Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.4.4.2 Support
RealPlayer Plugin: Version: (null) Support
Silverlight: Version: 5.1.10411.0 - SDK 10.6 Support
FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 15.0.0.152 - SDK 10.6 Support
Flash Player: Version: 15.0.0.152 - SDK 10.6 Mismatch! Adobe recommends 15.0.0.189
QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3
CitrixICAClientPlugIn: Version: 11.2.0 Support
SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.4 - SDK 10.6 Support
iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0
JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.8.0 - SDK 10.9 Check version
User Internet Plug-ins: ℹ️
WebEx64: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.5 Support
Safari Extensions: ℹ️
AdBlock
3rd Party Preference Panes: ℹ️
Citrix Online Plug-in Support
Flash Player Support
Flip4Mac WMV Support
MouseLocator Support
Perian Support
SANE Support
Time Machine: ℹ️
Auto backup: YES
Volumes being backed up:
Macintosh HD: Disk size: 319.21 GB Disk used: 44.63 GB
Destinations:
Time Machine Backups [Local]
Total size: 999.86 GB
Total number of backups: 37
Oldest backup: 2012-05-16 15:48:43 +0000
Last backup: 2014-10-08 22:54:20 +0000
Size of backup disk: Excellent
Backup size 999.86 GB > (Disk size 319.21 GB X 3)
Top Processes by CPU: ℹ️
      10% WindowServer
      3% mdworker
      1% Microsoft Word
      0% mds_stores
      0% AppleSpell
Top Processes by Memory: ℹ️
99 MB Safari
97 MB Microsoft Excel
90 MB WindowServer
73 MB Microsoft Word
56 MB Finder
Virtual Memory Information: ℹ️
62 MB Free RAM
589 MB Active RAM
529 MB Inactive RAM
345 MB Wired RAM
898 MB Page-ins
25 MB Page-outs

Flashing globe/folder

I just bought an Apple iBook G4, Mac OS X Version 10.3.9
Processor 1.07 GHz PowerPC G4, from a friend and when starting up it started flashing a blue globe, then switched to a flashing folder that has a ? and the finder icon. What is wrong?

I would say it can't find your hard disk. If you got the system disks with it(you should have) you can start up from the restore disk by holding down the c key as you start it up.You can run the disk utility when it gets started, and maybe resurrect it. If you can't resurrect it, you can nuke and repave, and restore it to original new setup. In a long shot, you may have a dead hard disk which would give you an opportunity to replace it with a bigger faster one. Exciting, huh!
Bill Kline,
The MacFanatic

IMac won't start up (flashing ? folder)

Hi, I've recently had trouble with my 24 inch iMac. It's about 2 years old now. About 2 months ago I had a similar problem starting up the computer. I ended up booting up from the Snow Leopard install disc and reinstalling the OS. Everything worked ok (not great) until last night when my computer froze up. I forced a shut down and now I can't start up again. I turn on the computer and after about 30 seconds I see a flashing folder with a question mark. I tried every possible solution here on the support files and nothing has worked. Even when I try to boot up from the install disc, the computer doesn't seem to recognize my Macintosh HD, so I'm unable to even do anything.
Anyone have this problem before or have any suggestions? Or am I fried? It would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

dmcphail,
I had almost the exact same issues you experienced with your iMac today.
You said you had an issue months prior to the system failure, so did I. In fact it happened after I did some apple software updates and thought it just didn't install properly. I too then re-installed the whole Snow Leopard. Now 2 months later I rebooted my system and then got the flashing folder with a question mark then after a few flashes a flash of a globe then back to the folder flash. Nothing works based on trying to use all key commends at boot, from forums on the apple threads or other websites.
My only different problem from you i also experience that does not make my issue the exact same as yours is the fact that when I place the snow leopard disk in the slot it just loads endlessly. I have to eject it.
Let me know what happens with your situation, I have 5 months warranty left on my system and its quite annoying this the fact this is going on with not just myself but others as well. I hope this is not going to be a recurring then once it is resolved. I cant afford 1700 dollars every 6 months when my warranty ends as I hear some had to do with similar symptoms.

When starting up Mac Book Pro, a Flashing Globe appears

I am using a 2.4 GHZ Mac Book Pro, and whenever I boot up my laptop, it turns blue, and then a white screen appears for around a few minutes.. then a flashing globe pops up. My Mac still runs perfectly, but it takes around 5-8 minutes just to boot up my laptop.

Open the Startup Disk pane of System Preferences and set your hard disk as the startup disk.
(28622)

Cannot get into mac. I get a white screen and flashing file folder with question mark inside. What can I do?

2012/13 MacBook Pro froze up, so I did a hard shut down. Now, when I try to start up, it makes 3 unusual beeps, then I get a white screen. After a couple minutes, a flashing file folder with a question mark appears and remains. What is wrong and what can I do to fix it.

Three beeps usually means a RAM or RAM slots problem. The Question Mark means there is no bootable system found.
A flashing question mark or globe appears when you start your Mac
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 ? folder on white screen upon start up

i have a 2008 macbook unibody and when started up i get a white screen with a flashing ? folder. I have tried some suggestions i found here, like holding the c button as well as holding the option button. when i hold the option button i get a flashing spinning globe on a hard drive. nothing else happens, i cant choose a drive or only thing, but i get the cursor. someone please help. oh and i dont have the install/reboot discs either.

The flashing ? mark can mean several things.
One the starutp disk is failing or has failed.
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
You mentioned holding down the Option key. Theoretically, that would prompt the Startup Manager window where you can select the startup disk but if that didn't work, then you may be out of luck.
If the startup disk has failed, you wouldn't be able to repair the startup disk using your install disc anyway.

Permanent flashing globe at start up

Hello, I hope someone can help me on this. First off, sorry I do not have model information, I cannot get on my imac to confirm it. I purchased it (24" widescreen model, silver casing) in 2008. Here is the problem.
I went on a 3 day vacation to vegas, I left my computer on as usual. When I arrived home, it was frozen on one of the screen saver pictures. I had to power off the computer manually. When I restarted, I held the option key and instead of getting a couple disk icons to select between my OS X and Windows XP, I got a blank grey screen. I tried again, same thing. I tried without holding option, and got a black screen and message stating there was no bootable disk (this would be on the windows side of things). Restarted again, held option, got the grey screen and decided to wait. About 10 minutes later a flashing globe appeared. I researched this and understand that the computer is trying to boot from a non-existent network disk. I am not sure how this preference was changed. The solution is to change the preference. The problem is in all the solutions I encoutnered, the flashing globe eventually goes away, followed by a question mark and then finally start up. Mine remained as a flashing globe for 10 hours overnight, so I am at a loss on how to correct it.
Any explanations or links to explanations for my specific situation would be greatly appreciated. Also, if the explanation does not involved wiping the computer that would be great as I have many family memories on the computer I would be very happy to get back. Thank again for your time.

Couple of suggestions you can try.
1.
a) Hold down 'Command' + 'S' before Apple startup sound.
b) At the command line, type "/sbin/fsck -fy" (without quotes) to repair the disk.
2.
a) Hold down 'Shift' before Apple startup sound. This boots your machine in 'Safe Mode'.
b) Log-in and reboot.
Good luck. Let us know how it works out.

Flashing file folder with a question mark when starting my macbook after a few minutes it shuts down, any ideas??

When turned on our Macbook flashes a folder with a question mark in the center screen, then it shuts down after a few minutes. Doea anyone have any ideas how to boot the computer back up?
Cheers

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 yourkeyboard 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.

HT1379 need help- frozen mac w flashing file folder & ?

My mac is frozen. nothing but the white screen of death. tried troubleshooting w no luck.
Tried re-setting NVRam/PRAM and now have white/grey screen w flashing file folder icon and question mark.
Help!

Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1367
A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=58042
 Cheers, Tom

When I start my macbook a flashing file folder with a ? mark appears in the middle of my screen.

When I start my mac book a flashing file folder with a question mark in the middle appears in the middle of my screen.

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.

Issues re: using SanDisk Cruzer Mini flash drives on a Mac

Given some strange behavior, I'm wondering whether SanDisk Cruzer Mini flash drives cause known problems when used with Macs.
Two problems I've had:
1. Not being able to re-save edited Word documents back to the flash drive without first renaming those files. If I try to re-save a document in the normal way (i.e., by just clicking 'Save' to overwrite the existing version on the drive) I get error messages about 'permissions.'
2. Getting 'insufficient disk space' error messages when trying to save to the flash drive, even though according to Get Info the flash drive still has plenty of space left.
Also, does completely wiping a flash drive using 'zero disk' (in Disk Utility or other programs) work exactly the same on a flash drive as on a hard drive?
Thanks.

It would seem SanDisk Cruzers and Macs have some compatibility problems. You are the second person with problems in two days. I'm not sure why you should have the problems you describe as USB flash drives should just work. I can suggest you try repartitioning and formatting the drive for the Mac rather than using the FAT32 format that usually is how the flash drives come from the factory. Try the following:
Extended Hard Drive Preparation
1. Open Disk Utility in your Utilities folder. If you need to reformat your startup volume, then you must 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 or Leopard.)
2. After DU loads select your hard drive (this is the entry with the mfgr.'s ID and size) from the left side list. Note the SMART status of the drive in DU's status area. If it does not say "Verified" then the drive is failing or has failed and will need replacing. SMART info will not be reported on external drives. Otherwise, click on the Partition tab in the DU main window.
3. Set the number of partitions from the drop down menu (use 1 partition unless you wish to make more.) Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, set the partition scheme to GUID (only required for Intel Macs) then click on the OK button. Click on the Partition button and wait until the process has completed.
4. Select the volume you just created (this is the sub-entry under the drive entry) from the left side list. Click on the Erase tab in the DU main window.
5. Set the format type to Mac OS Extended (Journaled.) Click on the Options button, check the button for Zero Data and click on OK to return to the Erase window.
6. Click on the Erase button. The format process can take up to several hours depending upon the drive size.
This may help, but if you plan to use the flash drive on a Windows machine, then you will need to restore it to the FAT32 format.
And, yes, zeroing the disk works the same on flash drives as on hard drives.

I am having a problem with very slow start up after expanding RAM on my 2009 Mac Pro.

I am having a problem with very slow start up after expanding RAM on my 2009 Mac Pro (8 Core 2.93GHz). When I run the Mac Pro with 2 x 2Gb RAM it takes 4 seconds before the gray screen, chime and spinning wheel appear.However when I expand the RAM to 20GB the grey screen and chimes appear after a long 20+ second black screen.
The RAM modules are paored 2 x 4GB Crucial CT51272BA1339.M18FMR and 6 x 2GB SAMSUNG M391B5673FH0-CH9, all DDR3 ECC.
Reading articles on the internet, I thought it may be damaged RAM modules, but I have completed memtest and all are okay. I have tried changing the pairs around and if I use any paired 2 modules the Mac Pro starts normally, only when I try running more than 2 modules the delayed start up happens. (black screen 20 Seconds)
I also have tried PRAM and SMU resets after changing the RAM setups, and the issues always occurs when I have more than 2 modules. As you can see I have 6 SAMSUNG modules and even with identical modules the issue happens, when increasing the RAM to more than 2 modules.
The Mac Pro runs fine after the start up screen and can see all the modules, but has anyone else come across this issue, or have any ideas as to why my Mac Pro is taking 20 seconds to start up with 20 GB RAM?

Hi there. Thanks for your comments.
I have tried all the different combinations of RAM setup, and as stated in my initial topic, the Mac Pro boot up time only slows when I have more that 2 modules. Where I place these does not seem to make a difference.
I have taken the Mac Pro to an Apple Reseller technician yesterday and they where not able to find any RAM errors. Apparently the boot up time is within Apple's acceptable parameters for this set up.
Could anyone that is running a Mac Pro 2009 with more that 4 modules of RAM, please let me know if the boot up time is normal. ( the time it takes from pressing the power button to seeing the gray screen around 16 - 20 seconds)
Or is anyone else having the same issues?
thanks for your responce

When I power up my Mac-Pro I only get a flashing file folder with a ? inside the folder. I suspect my hard drive is maxed to capacity can anyone help me as to what I should do?

When I power up my Mac-Pro I only get a flashing file folder with a ? inside the folder. I suspect my hard drive is maxed to capacity can anyone help me as to what I should do?

Whatever the problem is you no longer have a bootable system. You need to try reinstalling OS X.
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.

TS1440 I followed all of the directions after seeing that my laptop flashed the folder with the question mark. But when I went to disk utility to repair/ verify issues w/ start up disk it would not allow me to.button to repair/verify is there but cant be

I followed all of the directions after seeing that my laptop flashed the folder with the question mark. But when I went to disk utility to repair/ verify issues w/ start up disk it would not allow me to. The buttons to repair and modify we're there but they were grey and couldn't be pressed.

Were you trying to repair the disk you were booted from? You can't do that - you need to boot from your install disk, and choose 'Disk Utility' from the 'install' menu.

Slow start 3 mins - flashing globe & folder - Mac OS X (10.4.11)

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