MacBook Pro has a question mark on startup

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Level 1

15 points

MacBook Pro has a question mark on startup

I have tried starting in recovery mode and using disk utility to repair the disk but this isn’t working.

All I can see in disk utility are disk images, and most of the time my SSD (although I’ve tried it a few times and sometimes the SSD doesn’t appear or it disappears after a few minutes). The SSD drive is called “Apple SSD 0128G Media”.

Should I not he able to see something called “Macintosh HD” or similar?

I tried to run a hardware diagnostic and it said “there may be an issue with a storage device”. Reference code VDH002.

Many thanks in advance for any help/advice.

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 12.7

Posted on Jul 16, 2024 11:30 AM

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Answer 1

Jul 16, 2024 11:55 AM in response to MiniMum97

MiniMum97 wrote:

I have tried starting in recovery mode and using disk utility to repair the disk but this isn’t working.

All I can see in disk utility are disk images, and most of the time my SSD (although I’ve tried it a few times and sometimes the SSD doesn’t appear or it disappears after a few minutes). The SSD drive is called “Apple SSD 0128G Media”.

Should I not he able to see something called “Macintosh HD” or similar?

I tried to run a hardware diagnostic and it said “there may be an issue with a storage device”. Reference code VDH002.

Many thanks in advance for any help/advice.

If your Mac starts up to a question mark

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

For hardware issues take it in—

In or out of warranty you can get a free over the counter 'Apple Service Diagnostics' test /assessment

Make an appointment for a "hardware issue"

Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple

Outside the USA

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Check your warranty coverage

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Answer 2

MiniMum97 Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 16, 2024 2:19 PM in response to leroydouglas

Do you mean you won’t see it if the drive is corrupt, but it should be there if it wasn’t? What other issues could cause this? For example, I read somewhere online that here is a known issue with a cable that feeds into the hard drive in a MacBook of about this age?

I think I want to know the answers to these questions:

Should I be able to see a drive called Macintosh HD in disk utility?
Is it worth trying reinstalling the OS? Or because I can’t see Macintosh HD drive and/or because of the hardware diagnostic result this is definitely a hardware issue and so reinstalling the OS is pointless/could do more harm.
Could there be a cable issue that I might be able to fix myself?

I am in the process of buying a new MacBook, so I just need to know how to get any data off this one really. I tried trying to use my Mac as a drive but I don’t have the correct cables at home to connect to my husband’s MBA as I have thunderbolt 1/2 and he has thunderbolt 3. Not really sure if this will work so don’t want spend the moment on the cables/adapters, if it’s pointless.

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Answer 3

MiniMum97 Author

Level 1

15 points

Jul 16, 2024 11:59 AM in response to leroydouglas

Thanks. Should I be able to see “Macintosh HD” in my list of drives in disk utility?

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Answer 4

Jul 16, 2024 12:07 PM in response to MiniMum97

MiniMum97 wrote:

Thanks. Should I be able to see “Macintosh HD” in my list of drives in disk utility?

If it is corrupt— I would doubt it.

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