Help with my Macbook, getting a blinking folder and question mark!!

[shankis]

My macbook is about two years old and recently have encountered problems. When I turn on the computer all I see is a blinking folder and question mark. I have tried putting in the install cd but it does not work. I try to reinstall mac os x but it tells me it could not be done. I have tried repairing the disk and numerous other things. I did not have anything truly important on the computer so I am not worried if I lose it. Please any help would be great.

Thanks

 

[miles01110]

My macbook is about two years old and recently have encountered problems. When I turn on the computer all I see is a blinking folder and question mark. I have tried putting in the install cd but it does not work. I try to reinstall mac os x but it tells me it could not be done. I have tried repairing the disk and numerous other things. I did not have anything truly important on the computer so I am not worried if I lose it. Please any help would be great.

Thanks

There are many inconsistencies in your story.

- The blinking folder means your machine can't locate the boot drive.

-You claim you put in the install disc but it "does not work." What does this mean? Did you just insert it and expect it to boot off the disc? Insert the install disc and hold "C" on startup. What happens then? If it does not work, power off and then restart and hold "Option" on startup. Does the disc appear in the partition selection screen?

-If the install disc didn't work, how did you get to the screen where it allows you to reinstall OS X? What message specifically does it give you? What kind of disc is it? System restore discs need to be used with the exact model that they shipped with; i.e. you can't use iMac restore discs for a Macbook Pro and vv.

-If you can't get the disc to work, how did you "try repairing the disc" ?

-What are the "numerous other things" you speak of?