Mac book start up
When I start my Mac book I have a file with a question mark in it. How do I get this
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..Nigelhaywood:
Perhaps should you mention where, at what point in above 'reference
Article' failed, that may be a good place someone to offer more ideas?
[IF your Mac has an Apple silicon M1 'system on chip' some aspects
in this article, would not be used with the newest Apple hardware.]
•If your Mac starts up to a Question mark
"A folder with a flashing question mark, means that your startup disk is
no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system."
- If the question mark appears only momentarily before your Mac starts up normally: Reset NVRAM.
- Make sure that your preferred Startup disk is Selected in Startup Disk preferences.
[The article has a few things going forward; & where it goes beyond, is better.
Should the First part not prove viable or without result, see the Second part.]
• If the question mark persists, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the power button on your Mac for up to 10 seconds, until your Mac turns off.
- Turn on your Mac and immediately press and hold Command (⌘) and R to start up from macOS Recovery.
- While in macOS Recovery, use Disk Utility to repair your startup disk.
- If Disk Utility found no errors or repaired all errors, reinstall macOS.
- If you still need help, please contact Apple Support.
Keys are these steps, going forward. The blue text, access additional support
articles from Apple Support. Each can be a bit much. Figure out what you can
& get back to ask anyone here (mostly 'Volunteers' help, in ASC) for more info.
[Try to post a inquiry to just one thread or entry; keep duplicates to minimum.]
And at some point, you may have a need to contact Apple for more help.
That may mean an 'authorized Apple service provider' &/or Apple Genius.
• Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
https://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/
If either one presents itself in your region (some are under-represented)
realize Apple retail genius, with an appointment, can do more for free.
You could use Apple - Find Locations https://locate.apple.com/ to find
nearest Apple sales, service/support, AASP, etc. Or see if others in general
regions, choose what may be available. Find Locations - Location Selector.
An authorized Apple service provider (AASP) is an independent business
as such, may levy a Fee for their time. Better if you can, go as far as possible
toward solving an issue; maybe you can. Or, tell a good story to Service rep.