Question mark on startup

[hkriffraff]

Some time ago, I used boot camp to try to install XP, but couldn't get the windows installation to work. I gave up and deleted the second partition. But ever since then, I notice that a question mark briefly flashes over a folder before the apple logo appears at startup. What does this mean and how do I resolve it?

[Lixivial]

What does this mean and how do I resolve it?

Guesstimate here, but I'll post because it seems reasonable. It could still be looking for the Windows partition, not finding it jumping straight to the OS X partition. Try resetting your Startup Disk in System Preferences -> Startup Disk (click Mac OS X even if it is already selected).

Then do a restart and see if it fixes it. If not then, well, feel free to slap me around a bit with a solidified jellyfish.

[beatsme]

Some time ago, I used boot camp to try to install XP, but couldn't get the windows installation to work. I gave up and deleted the second partition. But ever since then, I notice that a question mark briefly flashes over a folder before the apple logo appears at startup. What does this mean and how do I resolve it?

it means the system can't find the startup disk. It's not an issue so long as it eventually finds it.

but do what lixivial says and that ought to take care of it.