Folder Displayed While Booting

[FN-GM]

Hi There

If i a mac powers on, chimes but then displays a folder and not boot into OS X can this be fixed by a simple re-install of the OS?

Thanks

Z

[GrumbleDook]

Boot from the DVD and use the disk utility to repair it. It will also let you know if the problem with the drive (presuming it is a drive problem) is a major failure.

[FN-GM]

Thanks

If there is a hardware problem it will be a Hard drive failure? I cannot do the test right now as this is a problem with my mum friends computer, this is all i was told over the phone.

Thanks

[SYNACK]

Thanks

If there is a hardware problem it will be a Hard drive failure? I cannot do the test right now as this is a problem with my mum friends computer, this is all i was told over the phone.

Thanks

It could just be the file system, I remember having to run disk doctor on a bunch of older OS 9 machines when their file systems had become corrupted in some way. Often the drive was still fine, just the file system on the disk was a bit jumbled. I assume it is still the same deal with OS X as no file system is completely immune from damage.

[HodgeHi]

the icon your user is seeing is more than likely a folder on the boot up (grey) screen with a question mark in the middle flashing. This as someone has said is usually down to the fact that the system cannot find an os that is bootable. It could be a issue with files/folders or a hardware failure. The disk util should be able to provide more information. You could try the alt key whil booting. If there is a problem with the drive or os it should not bring up the icon for that drive.

Just information really this post.

[FN-GM]

OK thanks, so it wont be any major hardware problem?

[DMcCoy]

OK thanks, so it wont be any major hardware problem?

It's quite possible that it's a dead drive, both that and filesystem corruption will cause the same symptoms, not forgetting that corruption is often caused by a failing disk, but not always - which is why recovery/repair and testing is done first.

[FN-GM]

ok thanks, after i run the checks and attempt to repair it and it doesn't work it will post probably be the hard disk. If so can you replace a hard disk in a macbook with a normal 2.5" one ?

Thanks

[DMcCoy]

As long as it's the right type (I assume they are sata). Getting to it may be another matter, I've not opened a macbook before, but it's a huge pain with a macbook pro

Just looking at some instructions, seems easier than the pro and you don't have to take too much apart

[FN-GM]

cheers mate

[kingswood]

If the Mac is powering on and you get both the power on lights, chime, and initial screen then it's possible that what you are seeing are file system errors rather than a hardware issue.

A dark grey question mark that flashes on a grey folder background means that the firmware cannot locate a valid system volume or boot file. You can *almost* be safe and assume that the Mac's main processor and components are OK in this case and that it is *probably* a software issue.

Try holding down the *option key* at startup and see if you can locate system volumes. If the system volume appears try selecting it and see if you can boot from there, and if you can open System Preferences when you get in and Startup Disk Preferences, resetting the volume as the startup disk (you can also use the installation CD/DVD for this).

If the volume shows up but you can't boot to it, you will probably have to re-install OS X on the volume.

If the volume doesn't appear then it *is* probably your storage device. Boot up from your CD/DVD and choose Disk Utility from the utilities menu. Select the volume you want to repair and then click "first aid" (button along the top). If the text that flies by in the lower window is green then you are OK. If the text shows up red...well...that should be obvious!

You could rescue any files you need by using Firewire Target Disk mode- do this by holding down the "T" key when you boot up until you get a nice firewire icon on your screen; then connect a firewire cable to your Mac and a second Mac so that you can access the drive from there. You might be able to drag and drop folders and files (all being well) to your working Mac desktop/storage device. You can also try and repair the Mac's errant volume from there in your working Finder!

Hope that helps?

Good luck!

Paul

[FN-GM]

Thanks for the help, i will let you know how i got on

zak