Flashing folder with question mark, Fix Macbook not booting up. (1 of 2)

Fix a MacBook that is not booting up, test to see if the Hard Drive is at fault or if it is the connector.

In this case the problem turned out to be the hard drive ribbon conector. It is easy to replace and not too expensive.

Usually there is a number printed on the actual cable and it tells you the model number.

starts with a number like "821" followed by a dash and another number and it ends with a dash and an "A".

[nicolemoore]

This video is great! In 2016, my 2011 laptop had this problem. When I took it to the Apple store they told me it would cost hundreds of dollars because it most likely was the hard drive and that the parts are considered ancient (five year old laptop) and it could be the connector but most likely was not and would still cost quite a bit of money to even take a look. They also told me it could cost upwards of $800 to get my information off of this computer. Instead I put the money into a new MacBook. Coming across this video I decided to give this a try and it was the exact thing that my laptop was doing. My ancient laptop started right up and it only cost me $6 dollars for a screwdriver and $15 for a new connector. Thank you so much, I know have access to thousands and thousands of files that I thought were lost forever.

[DNNELLY]

Absolute legend! Had the flashing question mark folder and followed this video to get my laptop to start up again. Thanks!

[eduardomariscal]

Hi. Thx for posting this. Followed all steps. Got to the part where you choose the drive. However, it just shows the apple logo but will not budge. Guess this is a hard drive prob? Am I right?

[ricdaguiar]

Thanks so very much! I opened it, disconnected and reconnected the cables and the computer came back to life! I would never have dared to open it without such careful instructions. Thanks!

[matubaM]

This is much appreciated! My macbook broke down a day before a computer workshop i had to attend and I was panicking...you really helped me tons, you're the best!

[newfie-dean]

It’s COMMAND-OPTION-R for internet recovery mode. You hold those 3 keys down while you power the laptop on and you continue pressing those 3 keys until the spinning globe appears with the option to select your internet network. You could have to hold those 3 keys down for a few minutes before that globe screen appears. It’s not instantaneously and sometimes for me it would appear pretty fast and other times it would take a few minutes.

[godfather]

Same problem happen just now, exactly like this. I just had the cable replaced a few years ago on the hard drive. All I did was unplug the cable, and hard drive, then tried re-plug it in. Turned it on the apple logo came back and everything was fine. Before replacing the cable (which is pretty tricky to re-install). Just try unplugging it and the plugging it back.

[Ladybeast]

Omg! Thank you for this video. My computer has been sitting around forever, didn't want to spend and arm and a leg. Was quoted over 200, yikes! Didn't do the drive cover but i order the part for $8 on EBay and bam, fixed! Thanks again.

[escorpikon]

I have a problem after putting the password of the wifi does not connect and the password is correct

[cavinny]

I was just able to complete after watching you one time. Good job.

[trentonschmale]

I would like to thank you for doing a tutorial like this! Saved me from having to get a new computer! Now I just have to find the new parts.

[laurinecouk]

I just came back to this video to say THANKS! You have no idea the amount of stress and money you saved me making this so thanks thanks thanks :)

[luisquintana]

SIR! TUSEN TAKK! You are the Best thank you so much! 2020 - April I'm trying to fix an old Macbook and you turned out to be the solution! thanks a so little step like your tutorial was never to be found on google around... again Tusen takk!

[nickwhite]

Thank You! Thank You! This saved me a lot of money! Great video and very helpful. For me the hardest part was getting the tiny screws in place -- eyesight isn't what it used to be! Again, thank you!!!!

[tallalmoshrif]

Hi man, so after the internet recovery I have the apple logo with a loading bar but it get stuck by 50 per cent of the bar any thought thx

[keithrodgers]

I suspect the problem relates to static electricity building up in the metal casing. Dismantling the ribbon cable discharges the static charge. Good idea to remove the drive.

[sarahgarbett]

Thank you Carpio! It took a couple of reboots but I am now back up and working, after a few frustrating weeks not getting help from service centres - this help has been invaluable. Thanks again :)

[piratehussam]

I have macbook pro early 2011 and also has the same problem, it seems that these hard drive's longevity are about 3 years

[MegaJigante]

Howe sure are you absolut its hard drive cable is the problem? I had this problem but i didnt do nothing with the drive, i started the terminal and did some commands and After That my MacBook Pro Work great 👍😊

[justincase]

Well brother this is the only vid i found with the riddle folder hope this works bud