Q: i get a file symbol with a question mark when I power up

Hey! Take a look at these Apple Support articles and try the basic troubleshooting steps.

If a flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac - Apple Support

About the screens you see when your Mac starts up - Apple Support

How about the second one?

Have you tried to boot into Internet recovery (OPTION + COMMAND + I)?

If successful you will get this display:

This will connect you to the Apple servers.

By following the directions, you can erase the HDD and install the original OSX.  You will need a solid Internet connection.

If this fails, I suggest an appointment at an Apple store genius bat for a free evaluation.

Ciao.

Hi IceLandMan:

Here is another option as I see you also have an iMac.

You can try making a boot USB drive from your iMac:

First thing is to make a complete backup.

Go to App Store.

Look under purchases.

Download El Capitan, but QUIT before actually installing it.

Now download DiskMaker X. Diskmaker X .

Download DiskMaker X version 5.0.3 for making a El Capitan boot disk.

Here is a video on how to make a bootable USB Flash drive with El Capitan on it. Burn Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan to a USB Flash Drive.

Then try installing El Capitan on MacBook Pro from boot disk.

Kim

Try these basics.  They may or may not help:

Reset the SMC and the NVRAM:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

Then try a safe boot:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262

If no success, the the Apple store is your best option.

Ciao.

Good.  Best of luck. 

Ciao.