Macbook issues

Why when sometimes I open my macbook, it goes grey then restarts and said there was an error, then another time it does the same thing, i restart it, then it has the file with the ?. Then i restart it then it’s back to normal, how to fix this?

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 12.6

Posted on May 12, 2023 10:31 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 14, 2023 11:33 PM

Experiencing a gray screen followed by a restart, as well as the appearance of a folder icon with a question mark, can indicate a potential issue with your MacBook's startup process. There are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve this problem:

 

1. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC): The SMC controls various hardware functions on your Mac, and resetting it can sometimes resolve startup-related issues. To reset the SMC, follow the instructions specific to your MacBook model. You can find the steps on Apple's support website.

 

2. Check the startup disk: The appearance of a folder icon with a question mark suggests that your MacBook is unable to locate a valid startup disk. Verify that your MacBook's startup disk is set correctly. Go to "System Preferences" > "Startup Disk" and ensure the correct disk is selected.

 

3. Run Disk Utility: Use Disk Utility to check and repair any disk-related issues that might be causing the problem. Restart your MacBook, and immediately press and hold the Command + R keys to enter the macOS Recovery mode. From there, choose "Disk Utility" and run First Aid on your startup disk.

 

4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) can help resolve various startup issues. Restart your MacBook and immediately press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time.

 

5. Safe Mode: Boot your MacBook into Safe Mode to check if any third-party software or extensions are causing the problem. Restart your MacBook and hold down the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound until the Apple logo appears.

 

6. Reinstall macOS: If the issue persists, you might consider reinstalling macOS. This process will install a fresh copy of the operating system without affecting your personal files. Make sure to back up your important data before attempting this step.

 

Further, you can also check the below link for solutions to fix flashing question mark with folder on Mac:

 

https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/repair-mac-flashing-question-mark-folder-error/

 

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance based on the exact model and symptoms you're experiencing.

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4 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 14, 2023 11:33 PM in response to feen4me

Experiencing a gray screen followed by a restart, as well as the appearance of a folder icon with a question mark, can indicate a potential issue with your MacBook's startup process. There are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve this problem:

 

1. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC): The SMC controls various hardware functions on your Mac, and resetting it can sometimes resolve startup-related issues. To reset the SMC, follow the instructions specific to your MacBook model. You can find the steps on Apple's support website.

 

2. Check the startup disk: The appearance of a folder icon with a question mark suggests that your MacBook is unable to locate a valid startup disk. Verify that your MacBook's startup disk is set correctly. Go to "System Preferences" > "Startup Disk" and ensure the correct disk is selected.

 

3. Run Disk Utility: Use Disk Utility to check and repair any disk-related issues that might be causing the problem. Restart your MacBook, and immediately press and hold the Command + R keys to enter the macOS Recovery mode. From there, choose "Disk Utility" and run First Aid on your startup disk.

 

4. Reset NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the NVRAM (non-volatile random-access memory) or PRAM (Parameter RAM) can help resolve various startup issues. Restart your MacBook and immediately press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys until you hear the startup sound for the second time.

 

5. Safe Mode: Boot your MacBook into Safe Mode to check if any third-party software or extensions are causing the problem. Restart your MacBook and hold down the Shift key immediately after hearing the startup sound until the Apple logo appears.

 

6. Reinstall macOS: If the issue persists, you might consider reinstalling macOS. This process will install a fresh copy of the operating system without affecting your personal files. Make sure to back up your important data before attempting this step.

 

Further, you can also check the below link for solutions to fix flashing question mark with folder on Mac:

 

https://www.stellarinfo.com/blog/repair-mac-flashing-question-mark-folder-error/

 

If none of these steps resolve the issue, it's recommended to contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further assistance. They can provide more specific guidance based on the exact model and symptoms you're experiencing.

May 13, 2023 9:15 PM in response to feen4me

feen4me Said:

"Macbook issues: Why when sometimes I open my macbook, it goes grey then restarts and said there was an error, then another time it does the same thing, i restart it, then it has the file with the ?. Then i restart it then it’s back to normal, how to fix this?"

-------


Troubleshooting a Mac with a Question Mark:


Three Things...

1. Overview this Link: If a Flashing Question Mark Appears when you Start your Mac - Apple Support


II. Mount the Drive:

Boot into Recovery Mode (Hold Down: [Command + R] upon boot). Then, using Disk Utility, see if the Hard Drive is seem. If it is, then see if you need to click the “Mount’ button for it. Try rebooting once more. If of no success, then click unmount button, and then the mount button. Try rebooting once more.


III. If Neither of the Above Works...

Reinstall the macOS:

Go Here: How to reinstall macOS from macOS Recovery - Apple SupportImportant: Be certain to create a backup of your Mac prior to all of this. That way, you can have something to restore from the Mac from, should anything go wrong with the reinstall. Once reinstalled, try this once mor

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