Blinking question mark, when i boot with external harddrive

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by Buma85, Jan 19, 2009.

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  1. Buma85, Jan 19, 2009

    Buma85 macrumors newbie

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2009
    #1
    Hi!

    I just bought a new macbook pro and a Seagate 1,5 TB external harddrive.

    When I start my mac I get the blinking question mark. This only happens when my external harddrive is conected. The external harddrive is set up to use Time Machine.

    When I plug the external harddrive out of the macbook, it starts up normally.
     
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  2. hughvane, Jan 19, 2009

    hughvane macrumors 6502

    hughvane

    Joined:
    Aug 25, 2008
    Location:
    Banks Peninsula, New Zealand
    #2
    The blinking ? means the OS is looking for a System folder on your external hd, and of course it isn't there. Go to SysPrefs > Startup Disk. Allow time to let the OS sort out what it's looking for, and then see what option is highlighted. If nothing, click the MBP MacOS X folder and then close SysPrefs.

    Is your external drive bus or mains powered; and is it firewire or USB?
     
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