Why is my MacBook popping up a file with a question mark?

The flashing file folder with a question mark icon is essentially saying “no boot device found”, meaning the Mac is not able to find its startup disk, therefore unable to boot. After re-selecting the startup disk, re-start your device and the issue should subside.

How do I fix the prohibitory symbol on my Mac?

Guide to Fix the Prohibitory Symbol on Mac

1. Force your Mac to shut down by holding the power button for 5 seconds around.
2. Restart the Mac and instantly hold Command + R key combinations.
3. Release these keys when you see the Apple logo or loading bar.

Why does my Mac have a globe with an exclamation mark?

A globe with an exclamation point means that your Mac tried to start up from macOS Recovery over the Internet, but couldn’t.

What do I do if I can’t reinstall OSX?

Can’t Reinstall OS X On Your Mac? Try Resetting The PRAM

1. First, completely shut down your Mac via the Apple Toolbar.
2. Then, hold down Command, Option, P, and R buttons on your keyboard as you restart your Mac.
3. After the second chime, let go of the buttons and let your Mac restart as normal.

How do I get rid of rainbow wheel?

Here’s how to combat the spinning rainbow wheel of death:

1. Stay Calm!
2. Wait at least 15 – 30 seconds to see if the wheel will disappear on it’s own.
3. If it doesn’t disappear, open your task manager by hitting Command + Option (alt) + Esc on your keyboard.
4. DO NOT force quit the application.

How do I fix my MacBook Air startup?

Try these suggestions.

1. Restart your Mac in safe mode.
2. Check your login items to learn if any of them are incompatible.
3. Use the Disk Utility app on your Mac to repair your startup disk.
4. Back up your disk, then reinstall macOS.
5. Use macOS Recovery, part of the built-in recovery system of your Mac.

How do I fix the spinning globe on my Mac?

The spinning globe of hope. Start up your Mac from a shut down state or restart it, then immediately hold down Command-R. The Mac should recognize that there’s no macOS Recovery partition installed, show a spinning globe. You should then be prompted to connect to a Wi-Fi network, and you enter a password.

How do I fix the GREY screen of death on my MacBook Pro?

Repair Gray Screen on MacBook, iMac, or Mac Pro

1. Disconnect All External Peripheral Devices.
2. Use Disk Utility to Repair the Storage Drive.
3. Start Up Mac by Using Safe Boot Mode.
4. Reset NVRAM and PRAM to Fix the Issue.
5. Use Recovery Drive to Salvage Mac Data.
6. Reinstall macOS.

Why is my computer stuck on a GREY screen?

Many startup errors and other problems can be resolved by a hard reset, which decreases the amount of power stored in hardware components. Shut down the computer, then disconnect the power cord from the rear of the computer. Press and hold down the power button for at least 10 seconds, then release it.

What does a question mark mean on a Mac?

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.

Why does my Mac have a flashing question mark on startup?

If your Mac displays a flashing question mark for a few moments but then continues to start up, you might need to reselect your startup disk in System Preferences. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu (), then click Startup Disk. Click the icon of the disk you normally use to start up your computer. It’s usually named Macintosh HD.

How do I get my Mac to start without a question mark?

Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu (), then click Startup Disk. Click the icon of the disk you normally use to start up your computer. It’s usually named Macintosh HD. Close the System Preferences window. Your Mac should now start up without the flashing question mark.

How do I fix a blinking question mark on my Mac?

If your Mac displays a flashing question mark for a few moments but then continues to start up, you might need to reselect your startup disk in System Preferences. Choose System Preferences from the Apple menu (), then click Startup Disk. Click the icon of the disk you normally use to start up your computer.