'18 Intel Mini will not boot. Shows a folder icon with a ? Research indicates no OS installed or failed ssd. Any suggestions?

[QuietGamer]

It was operating normally then this showed upon a restart. I do have a Genius apt tomorrow just looking for some insight on what the news may be. i5, 16 Apl Ram, 1TB. What say the MR collective minds?

 

[0128672]

Here's a support article about that issue:

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

A folder with a flashing question mark means that your computer's startup disk is no longer available or doesn't contain a working Mac operating system.

support.apple.com

Hope you'll post back after the Genius appointment. What you find out could help someone else too.

 

[QuietGamer]

Thanks WildSky. I tried those suggestions along with a NRAM reset, Different power button combinations, Command - R restarts. I think? it may be a T2 issue based on past posts over the years but a search was unfruitful.

AIR it takes a Apl tech to reset the T2 but not completely sure.

 

[pshufd]

My usual approach to this problems is to hook up a bootable SSD via USB 3 and try to boot from the external drive so that I can then take a look at the system and the internal drive.

We bought one of these in 2018 for my wife and it's been running fine since then.

 

[Fishrrman]

pshufd's reply above is just what I'd do, too.

BUT...
Unless the OP took care to DISABLE the "startup security" settings previously (you have to boot to recovery to access these), this probably won't work. The t2 chip will prevent you from booting "externally".

That's why I recommend to all Mac owners to DISABLE all "startup security" features, at least if they want their Mac to be "easier to get at" in a "moment of need"...

OP:
The "?" is telling you that the Mac can't find a "bootable copy" of the OS, from which to boot.

Have you tried booting to internet recovery? (command-OPTION-R)
And then, perhaps re-installing the OS?

 

[QuietGamer]

command-OPTION-R instead of command-R. This is what the Genius did at the bar today. Reinstalled the OS and all is well. Setting the up the Mini connected to the 24" 4k Ultrafine as my Wifeys desktop as we speak.

Thanks all whom offered their advice.

Now what to do with the BlackMagic 580 EGPU I have sitting idle ...