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ak1956 Author

Level 2

331 points

Flashing question mark folder icon

When I start up my Mac I get a flashing folder with a question mark in it.

I used the install disk and disc utility to verify and repair the disc and permissions on the Mac HD. I can see the disc and the files.

However when ever I try to restart the Mac starts form the CD and will not change to start from the MacHD.

I removed the CD (I had to use Mouse key and Power up to get the CD out as it would not eject using the keyboard button). I rebooted and got the flashing folder.

I tried starting holding the option key (to get the startup manager) and this does not work.

I tried to reset the PRAM and this seemd to work (ie I got the two startups indicating it had done what it was supposed to) but this did not fix the problem as I still cannot change the Startup disc to the MacHD.

Thats about as far as I coule take it. Any suggestions welcome.

Many thanks

MacBookPro, Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Posted on May 12, 2007 7:30 AM

24 replies

ak1956 Author

Level 2

331 points

May 15, 2007 11:17 AM in response to EZ Jim

!!!!News Flash!!!!

OK - I erased the disc using the Zero out option. Installed again and yaba daba doooooooooooooo - I have an OS. Just going through the online software updates to get from my disc version up to latest.

Still have to get the apps and data on there and check there no residual issues - but its looking great at the moment.

Will let you know when I am recovered fully - but - what can I say - great job guys.

Not going to temp fate by saying this is the last post on this issue - but I will close the discussion as soon as I am home and (completly) dry.

Best regards

akell

TildeBee

Level 7

31,917 points

May 15, 2007 11:22 AM in response to ak1956

akell, you've made a ton of progress.
I['m very happy it's looking so hopeful.
Don't forget to repair permissions after the updates . . .
Especially the ones that require your admin password.

EZ did a fabulous job walking you through this.

macjack

Level 10

111,168 points

May 15, 2007 12:21 PM in response to EZ Jim

Terrific directions all the way Jim! Great job 🙂

-mj
macjack@gmail.com

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

May 15, 2007 1:06 PM in response to ak1956

Great news, akell!

We are all very happy that you your Mac is back!

You can make the updating operation a one step process by using the 10.4.9 Combo Update.

Even if you have already updated to 10.4.9 via multiple single-step updates, I suggest you now do the following:

- Repair permissions.

- Then download and apply the Mac OS X 10.4.9 Combo Update (iNtel).

- Finish with another Permissions Repair.

Users have reported fixes to a wide variety of audio, video, connectivity, and software conflicts and unreliability issues after properly applying Combo Updates.

You are wise to complete and test the remaining steps of getting apps, settings, and data successfully restored before declaring victory, but you seem on the homestretch now.

We eagerly await your updates.

Jim

P.S. for Bee and macjack - Thanks for the too kind words. All the suggestions offered were good ones. Just happy we could help akell.

Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 PowerBook 1.67 GHz

ak1956 Author

Level 2

331 points

May 16, 2007 6:09 AM in response to EZ Jim

Hi all

Apps and data 99% ish restored and all working fine. Mac has behaved since the last post.

Thanks for the suggestions on fixing permissions, updates etc. All implemented.

I think we can close this one now.

With many many thanks.

akell

ak1956 Author

Level 2

331 points

May 16, 2007 6:11 AM in response to macjack

Closing post - now resolved

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

May 16, 2007 7:48 AM in response to ak1956

You're welcome, akell

Happy to hear that you have it sorted. Thanks for letting us know.

Enjoy,
Jim

Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 PowerBook 1.67 GHz

matp

Level 1

5 points

Jun 27, 2007 12:20 AM in response to ak1956

I had almost exactly the same problem (on my iBook) as you and your solution also turned out to be my solution too.

Just wanted to say thanks to Jim for providing the solution (using the "zero out" in the erase) and akell for his persistence in care in describing this problem.

I think this issue should be added to the Kbase article and have sent off feedback saying this.

EZ Jim

Level 7

22,590 points

Jul 6, 2007 9:17 AM in response to matp

Thanks for the very kind words, matp

I am happy to read that you got your issue resolved, too.

You may also be interested in my suggestions about
" Macintosh System Stability" and " Mac OS X Maintenance".

Cheers,
Jim

Mac OS X (10.4.9) G5 DP 1.8 PowerBook 1.67 GHz

Flashing question mark folder icon