My macbook is stuck at the screen with the folder with a question mark on it. I have tried a few things like the ones I found on google and so far no go. I tried pressing the command + p +r keys and it didn't work. I also tried to eject a cd and nothing. finally i tried pressing the command + option + p + r and nothing. Guys please help me. I really need this laptop.
Usually that means the computer cannot find the OS to boot to. Could be a bad drive or a corrupted OS install (less likely unless you did something to cause it). Do you have Lion or Mountain Lion? If you do, try holding command-r when you boot to get to the recovery screen. Then run Disk Utility and try to repair the disk. If you are on a previous OS version, put in the OS install DVD and hold C while you boot, then try the same thing with Disk Util.
actually, to be honest with you. It's my friend's laptop and he doesn't know much about computers. But I will try your suggestion sir. Thanks
Tried what Weaselboy recommended yet? "How to maximise your MacRumors troubleshooting experience" created by mad jew in 2006
What exactly did you try? Were you able to boot from a DVD and run Disk Utility. Did Disk Utility even see the disk? If you were able to run Disk Utility and could not even see the disk, you likely have a bad hard drive. It also could be a bad drive connection cable or bad logic board, but this is less likely.
I tried everything I said and what you suggested. The dvd drive is broken. The disc needs to be put in manually.