Blank screen w/"folder?" on reboot. HELP!

[hjkapl]

The folder flashes in the middle of the screen and I am useless. OS X.

Would appreciate any/all suggestions!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Have you tried any of these steps?

Mac doesn't boot

Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck

Troubleshooting: My computer won't turn on

A flashing question mark appears when you start your Mac​

 

[hjkapl]

THANK YOU!

I did the SMC reset followed by the PRAM reset as described AND IT WORKED!

Now all I need is to figure out how to avoid it happening in the future and it's a done deal

THANKS, AGAIN for taking the time to point the way.