white screen with question mark folder when i start up my mac.

[theweber3]

When i start up my macbook i get a white screen with folder in the middle of the screen and the folder has a question mark on it. any ideas?

 

[bigrell486]

The computer cannot find the startup folder.

What did you do to your computer before your last shutdown/restart?

 

[theweber3]

it was in my lap and a strange sound happened.

 

[jaduffy108]

it was in my lap and a strange sound happened.

A strange sound is not a good sign, BUT...get DiskWarrior!

http://alsoft.com/

I've seen DiskWarrior solve this problem several times. Saved my butt once.
Can not recommend it enough.

Good luck!