flashing folder with question mark on startup.

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hi my 2007 imac will only show a folder icon with a question mark when i start it up. i cant get off this screen. can someone help me to fix this? and if i bought another copy of mountain lion would this fix the problem. thanks.
 

Raz0rEdge

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Threads merged - please don't post the same question multiple times.

A question mark icon means that you don't have OS X installed. What were you doing right before this happening?

What version of OS X was on there? Do you have your data all backed up? If you had Mountain Lion installed on there, you could try getting into the recovery console with CMD+r during booting and then download ML and install it..
 
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i had mountain lion on it. i dont really care about the data that is on it. i think i was just on the internet when it happened but im not sure. i tried command r but it still went to the same screen. could i buy snow leopard and try installing it?
 

Raz0rEdge

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If things just went kaput without you doing anything interesting, it might be foreshadowing a pending demise of your hard drive..

If you can't get into the recovery console (since the HD is entirely empty) then you can go the Snow Leopard route or if you have a friend with a Mac, you can download ML on their machine and make a USB flash drive installer from it and then use it to re-install..
 
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It also means that thecomputer can't find the startup disc. Try powering on with the Alt key held down. It should eventually show a screen known discs. If it shows your MacHD choose it, and continue.
 

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