iMac displayed a black screen with a flashing file folder with a question mark

iMac displayed a black screen with a flashing icon of file folder with a question mark inside.


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: flashing file folder with question mark

iMac 27″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Aug 5, 2025 12:21 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 5, 2025 12:22 PM

That means it can't find a bootable operating system.


If your Mac starts up to a question mark - Apple Support


4 replies

Aug 5, 2025 2:05 PM in response to gmslaymaker

Guessing by your login info you have an old 27" iMac running Mac OS 12.7. Chances are the internal HD has died which means it's not coming back to life. If the computer is a 2019 or older, then simply replace the computer as it is now obsolete. When you get the replacement Mac you can use Setup Assistant and Migration Assistant to get back up and running assuming you have been using Time Machine or a bootable clone system to backup the old computer.

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iMac displayed a black screen with a flashing file folder with a question mark

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