Mac Mini folder with question mark at startup the shuts off

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Mac Mini folder with question mark at startup the shuts off

I have a 2006 mac mini that is booting up with the folder and question mark symbol and then it automatically shuts off after a few moments. It won't allow me to boot from startup disk. When I hold down the C key the disk utility does not load and then I see the folder and question mark. When I startup holding down the Option key, I do not see the disk as a drive--either way it shuts off pretty quick. I have tried about everything and am out of ideas. I know I need to probably reinstall the OS but I do not have another Mac to run target disk mode....Any ideas?

Mac mini

Posted on Jul 31, 2013 6:14 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 31, 2013 7:45 PM in response to iluvzane05

When I startup holding down the Option key, I do not see the disk as a drive--either way it shuts off pretty quick

If the startup disk is not available when booting up while holding down the Option key, then the disk is failing or has failed 😟

A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

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Answer 2

Jul 31, 2013 7:56 PM in response to iluvzane05

Do you have the original disk to boot up from? If so try booting up from that disk and run Disk Utility from there. Could be a failed drive or a corrupt OS.

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