Startup question mark - reinstall OS

When starting up my iMac, I run into a persistent flashing question mark. I've followed the steps on this page, but I'm unable to reinstall the OS since MacintoshHD isn't appearing. Here's disk utility:

Where should I go from here? There was some data on the computer from before this issue that ideally would be recovered.

Thanks!

Posted on Jul 14, 2022 7:17 PM

Similar questions

Startup Disk for 2011 iMac 27" A1312 I was just given an iMac 27" A1312, which turns on but only to the flashing folder with a question mark. I'm pretty green on this stuff and was wondering what the best way to obtain a startup disk would be so that I might get this thing working.
2594 7
Question mark screen on startup I have been trying to set my old MacBook up for my daughter to use. After following instructions on how to delete my information it now won’t start up. I have followed tutorials but disk utility doesn’t seem to be able to fix it. I can’t download Mac OS as it won’t show a file to download it to. I think I may have deleted the wrong thing! Is this fixable?
974 1
Can't get past question mark on startup I am trying to rest the iMac to factory settings and followed the instructions in Support of items to do before you sell your Mac. After the erase disk Step 6, it froze. Now when I try to start it in Recovery Mode on the Internet (cmd,opt, R), all I get is the question mark. I have tried other start up combination to no avail. Aternatively, I do have a clone on an external drive that starts up fine. Is there any way to recover the MacOS for the internal drive from there?
923 1

1 reply

Niel

Community+ 2025

Level 10

739,955 points

Jul 14, 2022 7:26 PM in response to CabbageMerchant_

Restore it from a backup, or run a data recovery utility, or contact a professional service.

(221400)

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Startup question mark - reinstall OS

Welcome to Apple Support Community

A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.

Learn more Sign up