Can't boot Macbook, Question Mark Folder

Do you have your install discs handy? If so, insert Install Disc 1 and hold down the C key while booting. Choose a language, then from the Utilities menu, choose *Disk Utility*.

Does your hard drive show up here? If so, click on the top-most icon for the drive (this lists capacity & manufacturer name) and then click the *repair disk* button.

If anything can't be repaired, post the message here.

~Lyssa

You might be able to use a retail copy of Leopard if a friend has one you could borrow.

Other options:

1) Contact the school and see if they have the discs
2) Call up Apple and order replacements
3) Head to an Apple store or authorized reseller and see what they can do for you.

I suspect the hard drive has failed on you, but you might just have directory corruption right now which would prevent it from booting.

~Lyssa

Hey. You could try using FireWire Target Disk Mode (see http://www.tekserve.com/service/mac-faq/plugging-things-in/firewire-target-mode. php) for instructions, but this requires another Mac and it could cause more damage to the system. If you take it to an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider, they may be able to recover the data more reliably for a fee. Sorry to hear about your problem, good luck getting your data off!
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Jeremy A.
Tekserve Intern

As an intern at Tekserve, I may receive financial compensation for my recommendations and links.

fafatian wrote:
Here's a problem. I don't have the install discs because I bought this through my school. Is there anything I can do in this case?

The school is responsible for supplying all the disks that came with the machine. They are part of the OS.
You can call Apple and get replacement disks for a nominal fee.