MacBook Pro 2009: Flashing ❓folder upon startup
What does the flashing question mark folder mean upon startup and how to exit and reboot device
MacBook, macOS 10.13
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The flashing question mark folder basically means that your Mac can't find the startup volume, or the disk contains no operating system whatsoever. However, it can also indicate a faulty Macintosh HD. (In some cases, if you try to boot your Mac into a corrupt or incompatible macOS, you'll get a prohibitory sign instead of a question mark, and your Mac will shut down after 30 seconds.)
First, you must boot your Mac into macOS Recovery. Turn off your Mac, then press Command-R upon switching it on. Once at the macOS Recovery screen, select Disk Utility from the menu. Select the Macintosh HD, and click the First Aid icon. Select Run from the dialog prompt. Disk Utility should now check your disk for errors.
