Flashing folder w/Question Mark @ Start up (iMAC)

Question

Flashing folder w/Question Mark @ Start up (iMAC)

Hey Everyone,

Recently bought a used iMac from the surplus annually held at the University I attend. For security reasons they wipe/reformat the computer before selling it.

Problem:
When I try and start up the computer however, it does not boot up/start up. Instead it shows a continously flashing grey folder with a question mark. Some research I've done tells me its missing an operating system, is this the case? Also, if yes, how exactly do I fix this issue and where do I get the solution that will eventually let me start it up.

Thank you for all your help in advance!

iMac

Posted on Dec 23, 2013 10:19 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 24, 2013 1:00 AM in response to AvidEntrepreneur

Have you read for possible solutions over in the "More Like This" thread over here?----------------------->

When posting in Apple Communties/Forums/Message Boards.......It would help us to know which Mac model you have, which OS & version you're using, how much RAM, etc. You can have this info displayed on the bottom of every post by completing your system profile and filling in the information asked for.

CLICKY CLICK--->https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-3602

CLICKY CLICK-----> Help us to help you on these forums

***This will help in providing you with the proper and/or correct solutions.***

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Answer 2

Paul_31

Level 6

14,172 points

Dec 24, 2013 1:11 AM in response to AvidEntrepreneur

Did the disk come with two grey restore disks? Depending on the model of your Mac you may need them - Apple will sell you a replacement set (so long as the Mac isn't too old). They'll want to know the serial number which is likely on the bottom of the stand..

If you do have those disks and need instructions on what to do, let us know, but in short put disk 1 in the drive and restart holding down Command+c - hopefully the Mac will boot. Once booted, select your language and from there the on-screen options should be clear.

Alternatively, if the Mac is a newer model, you may find that Internet Recovery will allow you to install an OS. Try rebooting holding Command+Option (Alt)+r to see if it will allow you to make progres. You'll need to be connected to the internet during the process. More info here:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718

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Answer 3

Dec 24, 2013 2:18 PM in response to Paul_31

Nothing came with the iMac other than the mighty mouse (A1152) and the Clear case keyboard (A1048). To be honest I'm not even sure what year the iMac is or any specs. There is a sticker on it howeve that states ' The hard drive has been securely wiped using the erasure protocol US DoD 5220.22-M (the write head passes over each sector threee times. 3 Wipes - ones, zeros, random character and verify) ' -- Im not sure if that makes a difference.

Is there a way to tell what the model and specs are at the boot up menu? Do you suggest then maybe I should just take the iMac into Apple and see what they say?

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Answer 4

Dec 24, 2013 2:35 PM in response to AvidEntrepreneur

maybe I should just take the iMac into Apple and see what they say?

It's a possibility if the KB Articles listed below are of no help.

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1159 Mac OS X versions (builds) for computers

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1758 How to identify iMac models

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1440 A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac

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