mlbjackson

I'm new here, so my apologies if posting in the wrong area.

Yes, I have an ancient Mac with OS 9. (Yes I need a new computer, but that's not realistic at the moment). When I turn the computer on, the only thing on the screen is the image of a file folder, with a blinking question mark/alternating with the Mac logo.

My guess is, it can't find the system folder? Any ideas?

I have Norton Utilities on CD, but can't get the computer to read the CD.

Thanks for any help!
Lauree

sinclair_tm

You are correct, it can not find the system folder. This could be because it is bad, or the hard drive is bad. The best way to tell for sure is to boot it from the OS install CD that came with the Mac and see if the hard drive shows up, if not, the drive is bad. If it does, then you will need to reinstall the OS.

mlbjackson

Thanks very much. I'll try that next. Do you happen to know what the combination of keys is, to hold down while restarting, to get it to read the CD?
Thanks again,
Lauree

wchen64572

i think you hold down c but it should be on the disk

mlbjackson

Thanks!
Lauree