Everytime I try to start my mac up, it shows a prohibitory sign. I've tried holding down command+option+r hoping it would take me into recovery mode, now it keeps showing a folder with a question mark. I've also tried just command+r, nothing is working.
My mac is running el capitan cause thats the highest software I believe a 2009 mac can run
The "?" folder means your Mac cannot find a valid startup system.
About the screens you see when your Mac starts up - Apple Support
use Startup Manager to start up your Mac, then select your startup disk from System Preferences.
If that doesn't help and you can't startup from Recovery Mode then you may need the discs that originally shipped with your Mac if you still have them.
The "?" folder means your Mac cannot find a valid startup system.
About the screens you see when your Mac starts up - Apple Support
use Startup Manager to start up your Mac, then select your startup disk from System Preferences.
If that doesn't help and you can't startup from Recovery Mode then you may need the discs that originally shipped with your Mac if you still have them.
Early 2009 iMac won't fully start up
