flashing folder icon on MacBook Pro

I am looking for any assistance with repairing my MacBook Pro. It is pretty old (around 2012) when I turn it on it has a screen with a flashing folder icon with a ? on it. I have no idea why or what this means. No combination of keys seems to get rid of it so I can get to use the laptop. Any assistance would be appreciated. Regards, Donna.

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MacBook Pro

Posted on Apr 1, 2018 3:24 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 1, 2018 4:02 PM

The flashing "?" mark folder means your Mac cannot find a viable startup disk.

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

Try using Startup Manager by booting while holding the Option key and select your hard drive:

How to select a different startup disk - Apple Support

Also see:

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

2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Apr 1, 2018 4:02 PM in response to donnafromrobina

The flashing "?" mark folder means your Mac cannot find a viable startup disk.

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

Try using Startup Manager by booting while holding the Option key and select your hard drive:

How to select a different startup disk - Apple Support

Also see:

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

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flashing folder icon on MacBook Pro

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