Question mark folder, can I install from usb?

[fkhuk]

I dropped my computer and got the awful flashing question mark folder. I can still hear the hard drive spinning and it doesn't sound like anything is off. I lost all of my install disks so I downloaded Snow Leopard to a flash drive, and I know you can update this way. But I was wondering if its possible to re install OS with a flash drive and not an actual disk?

 

[chibiterasu]

MacBooks don't like booting from usb sticks (you can give it a try though) although they are more happy about booting from firewire (if your mac has one) even with a usb to firewire adaptor. You could always look into burning a disc as well. Hope this helps

 

[fkhuk]

When you say firewire, do you mean boot it with the "start up disk" file I have on my other mac through the firewire cable?

 

[chibiterasu]

I didn't quite mean that but yes you can do that and reinstall through 'target disc mode' when both Mac's are connected with a firewire cable.