Troubleshooting Symptom/Cure Tables:Startup Problems Before the Finder Appears
Flashing Question Mark
This problem refers to a flashing question mark that appears on the screen during star-
tup.
Possible Cause Possible Fix
Corrupted system software
or software drivers.
Boot from the system CD that came with the unit. Can you
see the hard drive on the desktop?
Yes: The system software is most likely the problem.
Reinstall system software. (You must use the system
software CD that came with the unit to get the correct
version of Mac OS with the appropriate iMac
enablers.)
No: The hard drive or its software drivers are most
likely the problem. Can you see the hard drive using
Drive Setup?
Yes: Use Drive Setup to reinstall the software
drivers for the hard drive. If the problem persists,
use Drive Setup to reinitialize the hard drive (See TIL
article #22206 for Drive Setup information.)
Warning: You will lose all data on the hard drive
when you reinitialize it. Backup the data first if
possible.
No: Go to next step.
Bad cable connections, or
bad hard drive.
If you don’t see the hard drive using Drive Setup:
1. Check all cable connections to and from the hard drive.
2. Replace the HD/CD/DVD data cable.
3. Replace the hard drive.
4. Replace the hard drive power cable.
5. Replace the logic board.