White MacBook won't start up.

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Level 1

0 points

White MacBook won't start up.

My MacBook won't start up at all. Before it completely went haywire, it would just freeze and the whole computer would be frozen and . It wouldn't even let you "force quit". Most of this happened when I opened iTunes. Now when I start it, the gray screen comes up, it shows the little apple sign, then goes gray with a circle with a line through it. I tried starting it up with the utility disk and holding down the "C" key, and instead of the circle it has a question mark inside a file sign and flashes. Now I have no idea how to get the disk out and my computer is useless. Please help me.

macbook

Posted on Jul 10, 2009 4:45 PM

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Answer 1

robnich

Level 3

844 points

Jul 10, 2009 6:06 PM in response to ZoeMary

You may have a failing or failed hard disk, but you can try to eject the utility disk by holding down the trackpad button as you start up the computer.

Bob N.

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Answer 2

ZoeMary Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 10, 2009 6:12 PM in response to robnich

Thanks.
Is there anyway to fix it though?

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Answer 3

Jul 11, 2009 2:20 AM in response to ZoeMary

Hi,

*"question mark inside a file sign and flashes"*

A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

Flashing question mark can mean several things. One the drive is failing or failed. Two, it can mean that your Mac can't find a system folder to boot from. Try booting while holding down the Option key which prompts the Startup Manager window. If that doesn't work, it's time to replace the drive.

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 4

dwb

Level 7

32,920 points

Jul 11, 2009 6:12 AM in response to ZoeMary

There is no question that the problem involves your hard drive. It might be dead or the filesystem might be severely corrupt. I recommend that you contact AppleCare or take the computer to an Apple service center for repair.

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Answer 5

Jul 12, 2009 8:19 PM in response to ZoeMary

I have a white 2,1 Macbook. The problem I have is that the machine works fine, it will go to sleep, wake from sleep, will restart, ie shutdown and immediately restart but if I shutdown it won't restart unless I remove the battery and AC power and leave it out for approximately 12 hours. Any ideas how to resolve this problem.

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