Apple Intelligence is now available on iPhone, iPad, and Mac!

📢 Newsroom Update

Apple introduces M4 Pro and M4 Max. Learn more >

Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Mac book start up

When I start my Mac book I have a file with a question mark in it. How do I get this

Posted on Jan 30, 2022 4:03 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Jan 31, 2022 12:45 AM

..Nigelhaywood:

Perhaps should you mention where, at what point in above 'reference

Article' failed, that may be a good place someone to offer more ideas?


[IF your Mac has an Apple silicon M1 'system on chip' some aspects

in this article, would not be used with the newest Apple hardware.]


If your Mac starts up to a Question mark

"A folder with a flashing question mark, means that your startup disk is

no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system."


  1. If the question mark appears only momentarily before your Mac starts up normally: Reset NVRAM.
  2. Make sure that your preferred Startup disk is Selected in Startup Disk preferences.


[The article has a few things going forward; & where it goes beyond, is better.

Should the First part not prove viable or without result, see the Second part.]


If the question mark persists, follow these steps:


  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off.
  2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R to start up from macOS Recovery.
  3. While in macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
  4. If Disk Utility found no errors or repaired all errors, reinstall macOS.
  5. If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.


Keys are these steps, going forward. The blue text, access additional support

articles from Apple Support. Each can be a bit much. Figure out what you can

& get back to ask anyone here (mostly 'Volunteers' help, in ASC) for more info.

[Try to post a inquiry to just one thread or entry; keep duplicates to minimum.]


And at some point, you may have a need to contact Apple for more help.

That may mean an 'authorized Apple service provider' &/or Apple Genius.


• Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


If either one presents itself in your region (some are under-represented)

realize Apple retail genius, with an appointment, can do more for free.


You could use Apple - Find Locations https://locate.apple.com/ to find

nearest Apple sales, service/support, AASP, etc. Or see if others in general

regions, choose what may be available. Find Locations - Location Selector.


An authorized Apple service provider (AASP) is an independent business

as such, may levy a Fee for their time. Better if you can, go as far as possible

toward solving an issue; maybe you can. Or, tell a good story to Service rep.


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Jan 31, 2022 12:45 AM in response to Nigelhaywood

..Nigelhaywood:

Perhaps should you mention where, at what point in above 'reference

Article' failed, that may be a good place someone to offer more ideas?


[IF your Mac has an Apple silicon M1 'system on chip' some aspects

in this article, would not be used with the newest Apple hardware.]


If your Mac starts up to a Question mark

"A folder with a flashing question mark, means that your startup disk is

no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system."


  1. If the question mark appears only momentarily before your Mac starts up normally: Reset NVRAM.
  2. Make sure that your preferred Startup disk is Selected in Startup Disk preferences.


[The article has a few things going forward; & where it goes beyond, is better.

Should the First part not prove viable or without result, see the Second part.]


If the question mark persists, follow these steps:


  1. Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off.
  2. Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R to start up from macOS Recovery.
  3. While in macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
  4. If Disk Utility found no errors or repaired all errors, reinstall macOS.
  5. If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.


Keys are these steps, going forward. The blue text, access additional support

articles from Apple Support. Each can be a bit much. Figure out what you can

& get back to ask anyone here (mostly 'Volunteers' help, in ASC) for more info.

[Try to post a inquiry to just one thread or entry; keep duplicates to minimum.]


And at some point, you may have a need to contact Apple for more help.

That may mean an 'authorized Apple service provider' &/or Apple Genius.


• Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/


If either one presents itself in your region (some are under-represented)

realize Apple retail genius, with an appointment, can do more for free.


You could use Apple - Find Locations https://locate.apple.com/ to find

nearest Apple sales, service/support, AASP, etc. Or see if others in general

regions, choose what may be available. Find Locations - Location Selector.


An authorized Apple service provider (AASP) is an independent business

as such, may levy a Fee for their time. Better if you can, go as far as possible

toward solving an issue; maybe you can. Or, tell a good story to Service rep.


Mac book start up

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.