Flashing question mark folder after RAM upgrade

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Level 2

285 points

Flashing question mark folder after RAM upgrade

I took apart my Mac Mini this evening to upgrade the RAM. Thought I did everything right. When I hooked it back up to test it (without completely reinstalling the case), I got the ominous Flashing folder With a Question Mark icon. I did some research and found that this meant that the Mini couldn't find the startup disk. I checked the RAM, reseated it several times, I even put the original Apple RAM back in, nothing changed. I bought a 3 GB upgrade kit (a 1 GB module and a 2 GB module) from OWC, if that matters. Looks like Techworks branded RAM. Though, if the machine won't boot with the original RAM, either... I'm starting to get worried. I have tried resetting PRAM, also. Many times. Of the four USB ports on the back, does it matter which ones my keyboard and mouse are plugged into? I'm not using Apple keyboard/mouse, if that matters. But the keyboard and mouse work just fine. I've also tried inserting a DVD-ROM, to try and boot from that. The computer won't accept it. It's like there's no power to the optical drive. The Mini doesn't emit any chimes or other sounds, either. Any help would be appreciated.

2.0 ghz Intel Mac Mini, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Nov 9, 2007 11:54 PM

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Answer 1

damfair

Level 2

230 points

Nov 10, 2007 7:11 AM in response to shawnogordo

Both the hard drive and the optical drive are connected to the motherboard by a multi-contact tab which fits into a slot on the motherboard. Since the Mini tries to boot, and then cannot find an operating system either on the HD or the optical drive, my guess is you don't have the drive tray seated properly into its slot. Since you're not getting any tones or flashing light on the front, you added the memory correctly. Don't put the top back on after you reseat the drive tray, start it up and ensure that it is communicating with the drives, then shut it down and replace the top.

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Answer 2

Boece

Level 5

6,264 points

Nov 10, 2007 5:31 AM in response to shawnogordo

If you followed proper precautions about static electricity when handling the internal parts of the Mini, then the flashing question mark (and the problem with the optical drive) suggests that the sub-assemblies weren't put back together quite right.

Check that no pins are bent and that everything mates properly.

Assuming you have access to another working computer, recheck the videos on the OWC site and make sure you dotted all your i's and crossed all your t's.

I doubt the problem is with the RAM; you probably wouldn't have gotten as far as the "?" if the RAM were totally borked.

If I recall correctly, we had a poster here about two months ago who didn't get the sub-assemblies mated back together quite right. When he solved the mating issue, he was able to boot properly.

(Obviously the solution could be different if you were already having problems with your Mini before the RAM update.)

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Answer 3

shawnogordo Author

Level 2

285 points

Nov 10, 2007 9:11 AM in response to damfair

Is there anything I should do besides the flipping the drive tray back over on top of the rest of the computer? I'll re-watch the videos to try and see what I'm missing. But, I don't see exactly what's supposed to match up.

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Answer 4

shawnogordo Author

Level 2

285 points

Nov 10, 2007 9:44 AM in response to damfair

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!! I messed around a little more with the drive tray and finally got it to "click" into place. Now it's booting up and everything. Of course, now I have to put it back together, but I'll tackle that later. At least I know the computer's not damaged and the RAM is good. 3 GB!! Never seen a Mac boot so fast. Awesome!

I thought for sure I was going to have to send it in for service. Very relieved.

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Answer 5

damfair

Level 2

230 points

Nov 10, 2007 12:15 PM in response to shawnogordo

It is hard to see the tab get into the slot, but everything pointed to the fact that the drive tray was not seated in the slot correctly. There is nothing like the feel of success when you discover what has kept the upgrade from performing. Now, to have fun with what you have done!

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Answer 6

shawnogordo Author

Level 2

285 points

Nov 10, 2007 9:13 AM in response to shawnogordo

"Is there anything I should do besides JUST flipping the drive tray back over on top of the rest of the computer?" That's what I meant to type. Sorry 'bout that.

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