After SSD upgrade Flashing folder with Question mark during startup

Question

Level 1

9 points

After SSD upgrade Flashing folder with Question mark during startup

Hi,

I have a very interesting problem with my Macbook Pro 13" early 2011.

My hard disk is functioning, but working slow. That's why I want to upgrade to a SSD.

The new SSD is working very well (testing) on a Macbook Pro 13" early 2011 from a friend and one Macbook Pro 15" 2014, but does not function on mine.

When I replace the harddisk with the SSD I get the "Flashing folder with Question mark" .

I replaced the internal harddisk cable, but with no result.

I also did a PRAM reset.

The SSD drive does get recognized by Apple disk utility for formatting etc....

Don't know where to look anymore.

Serial : C02G17F7DH2G

Model : MacbookPro 8.1

Model : A1344

Processor : Intel Core I5 2.3Ghz

Memory 4 MB 1333 Mhz DDR3

ROM version MBP81.0047.B27

SMC version 1.68f99

OS X 10.9.4

I am desperate for a solution.

Posted on Jul 3, 2014 5:36 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 3, 2014 5:55 AM in response to LucGov

Startup your Mac while holding down the Option key. Theoretically, that should launch the Startup Manager window where you can select the startup disk.

Startup Manager: How to select a startup volume

Reply

Answer 2

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jul 3, 2014 6:03 AM in response to LucGov

Is the SSD formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled)? Does it have an OSX installed on it? Is it just recognized by the other macs or will it boot the other macs?

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 3

LucGov Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 3, 2014 6:12 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Hi Caroline,

Thank you for your response.

Tried that, when I hold the Option key with booting I get the Internet Recovery. No other disk options to see.

Reply

Answer 4

LucGov Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 3, 2014 6:15 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hi Ogeltorp.

Yes, the SSD is formatted with the Extended and Jounaled option. Also a particin is made.

The SSD does boot and startup with other Macbooks.

I replaced the internal disk cable already, but no results.

Firmware or other hardware causes ?

Reply

Answer 5

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jul 3, 2014 6:27 AM in response to LucGov

How did you install the OSX on to the SSD? What mac did you use?

Have you tried to boot the early 13' 2011 MBP in an enclosure connect via USB?

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 6

LucGov Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 3, 2014 6:53 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

I tried to create an SSD with different MacBooks.

First I used the Apple disk Utility for formatting and patrician.

The I tried with :

- Carbon disk cloer.

or

- with the Internet Recovery tool .

Reply

Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jul 3, 2014 7:00 AM in response to LucGov

Place the SSD into an enclosure and connect it to your MBP via USB.

Boot the MBP with the OPTION key down.

If you have a functioning OSX on the SSD, the SSD icon should appear.

Click on it and see if it boots your MBP.

If it does, then there is an internal hardware connection issue.

If it doe not boot the MBP, post back for instructions.

Ciao

Reply

Answer 8

LucGov Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 3, 2014 1:34 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Hi,

When I boot the SSD with the USB and Option key down I don't get the SSD icon. Only the Internet Recovery option.

Reply

Answer 9

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,305 points

Jul 3, 2014 1:49 PM in response to LucGov

Your response is not 100% clear to me. Try this:

Install the original HDD into the MBP and make certain that it will boot the MBP.

Install the SSD in an enclosure and connect it to the MBP.

Open Disk Utility.

Click on the external drive (SSD) in Disk Utility>Erase and format it to Mac OS Extended (Journaled).

Then open Disk Utility>Restore.

Set up the internal HDD as the SOURCE and the SDD as the DESTINATION.

Click on the RESTORE button. This make take some time depending how much data has to be copied.

When finished, restart the MBP holding the OPTION key down. The SSD icon should appear (yellow). Click on it. It should boot the MBP. If so, then you can swap the original HDD for the SSD.

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 10

LucGov Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 3, 2014 11:54 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

Just followed your instructions. I haven't tried this one before and copied with Carbon Copy Cloner.

Install the original HDD into the MBP and make certain that it will boot the MBP. >>Done.

Install the SSD in an enclosure and connect it to the MBP. >> Done

Open Disk Utility. >> Done

Click on the external drive (SSD) in Disk Utility>Erase and format it to Mac OS Extended (Journaled). >> Done

Then open Disk Utility>Restore. >> Done

Set up the internal HDD as the SOURCE and the SDD as the DESTINATION. >> Done

Click on the RESTORE button. This make take some time depending how much data has to be copied. >> Done

When finished, restart the MBP holding the OPTION key down. The SSD icon should appear (yellow). Click on it. It should boot the MBP. If so, then you can swap the original HDD for the SSD. >> Done and indeed the SSD appears and boots and works.

>> Then I swap the original HDD with the SSD, boot the MBP with the SSD and I get the Question mark message again. So conclusion the SSD works only with the USB with the USB connection. <<<

I swapped the harddrive cable intern the MBP already, so what can it be ?

Reply

Answer 11

LucGov Author

Level 1

9 points

Jul 4, 2014 4:21 AM in response to LucGov

I have the solution.

Cause was the internal harddisk cable.

Apperently, this is a week spot by MacBooks 2011.

Anyway, thank you so much for your attention and effort !

Ciao.

Reply

Answer 12

Dec 22, 2016 11:35 AM in response to LucGov

Hi man! Mine worked great after the upgrade for almost a year then I started getting the flashing folder! Did you find the solution?

Regards,

Suren

Reply

Answer 13

Aug 26, 2017 3:04 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

I'm replacing my hard drive to and all I get is a? But the hard drive is not formatted How do I format my new hard drive for Mac OS Extended (Journaled)?

Reply