• Hardware incompatibility. Check the hardware attached to the computer.
• Firmware incompatibility. Check the firmware versions of the hardware attached to the computer for compatibility with your Mac.

When I turn on my Mac I get a folder with a question-mark in the middle.

• Startup device is not set. Wait a few seconds and your Mac will find a startup device. Set the startup device in your System Preferences.
• File system corruption. The file system is in need of recovery.
• Hard drive malfunction. The hard drive requires physical data recovery.

When I turn on my Mac I get a "broken folder" or "prohibitory sign."

• NVRAM reset required. Reset the NVRAM and setup the startup drive.
• File system corruption. The file system is in need of recovery and reinstallation.

When I turn on my Mac I get an empty blue screen with or without a progress indicator.

• Hardware incompatibility. Check the hardware attached to the computer.
• Corrupt or missing software. The corrupt or missing software must be repaired or reinstalled.
• File system corruption. The file system is in need of recovery and reinstallation.

When I turn on my Mac I get a "kernel panic."

• NVRAM reset required. Reset the NVRAM and setup the startup drive.
• File system corruption. The file system is in need of recovery and reinstallation.
• Hardware incompatibility. Check the hardware attached to the computer.

When I turn on my Mac it boots into Unix.

• File system corruption. The file system is in need of recovery and reinstallation.

I can no longer see a hard drive attached to my computer. It does not mount on my desktop, but it does appear in the System Profiler or Disk Utility.

• File system corruption. The file system is in need of recovery and reinstallation.
• Hard drive overwritten. The hard drive has been overwritten with another file system. The original data must be recovered.

I can no longer see a hard drive attached to my computer. It does not mount on my desktop, nor does it appear in the System Profiler or Disk Utility.

• Hard drive malfunction. The hard drive requires physical data recovery.
• Hardware incompatibility or malfunction. The hard drive is connected to a malfuncting port or device.

I can no longer see a hard drive attached to my computer. The hard drive is making a clicking or grinding noise.

• Hard drive malfunction. The hard drive requires physical data recovery.

The list above contains examples of Macintosh problems and possible solutions. This list of problems, possible causes, and potential solutions is not exhaustive. The potential solutions are for informational purposes only and should not be used without thoroughly and completely investigating the problem. Please consult the Apple Support website for up-to-date and more complete information. Sassinsky Data Services is not responsible for the results of any actions taken based on the information presented on this website or in any other material.