Q: What does it mean when the screen is gray with a flashing question mark in a file folder? This is on an older iMac .

I Have an older iMac but not sure of OS. Cant get in to find it but purchased in about 1994. When I turn it on it is a gray screen and flashes a file folder with a question mark.

iMac, iOS 7

Posted on Sep 2, 2014 2:33 PM

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Q: What does it mean when the screen is gray with a flashing question mark in a file folder? This is on an older iMac .

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by Allan Eckert,

Allan Eckert Sep 2, 2014 2:36 PM in response to Francine rocks
Level 9 (53,378 points)

Desktops

Sep 2, 2014 2:36 PM in response to Francine rocks

That is the way that the Mac tells you it can't find a system file to boot from.

Either the disk drive is dead or the system file no the disk drive is corrupt.
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by Niel,

Niel Sep 2, 2014 2:37 PM in response to Francine rocks
Level 10 (311,502 points)

Sep 2, 2014 2:37 PM in response to Francine rocks

Click here and follow the instructions. If you reach the third set of steps, insert a Mac OS or Mac OS X install disk.

There weren't any iMacs before 1998.

(112004)
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by a brody,

a brody Sep 5, 2014 10:47 AM in response to Francine rocks
Level 9 (66,781 points)

Classic Mac OS

Sep 5, 2014 10:47 AM in response to Francine rocks

Look at both these tips to identify your Mac:

Do I have a Power Mac?

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-6413
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Q: What does it mean when the screen is gray with a flashing question mark in a file folder? This is on an older iMac .

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by Allan Eckert,

by Niel,

by a brody,

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