? on Macintosh startup

? on startup

Seeing the question mark icon for a few seconds at start-up is considered normal, but more than 10 seconds is definitely not normal.

First, verify if all of the following has been done:

* Set Extensions Manager to the Mac OS All set.

* Reset the computer's Parameter RAM (PRAM). Start up your computer while

holding down the Command (Apple), Option, P, and R keys. Wait for the

computer to make its startup chime four times. You may then release the keys.

* Insert the system software CD-ROM disc and select it in the Startup Disk control

panel.

* Restart the computer and note if the symptoms recur or not.

* Run the Disk First Aid utility. Make sure it says there are no problems with the

directory.

* Update the hard disk driver using the version of Drive Setup from the system

software CD-ROM disc.

* Set the Startup Disk control panel back to the hard drive while started from the

system software CD-ROM disc.

* Restart the computer and test.

If the issue continues, then remove all additional hardware (USB, FireWire,

network cables, and PCI cards). Go through the above steps again with these

devices disconnected.

If the issue continues with a stock configuration, the last step is to back up and

initialize the Hard Disk. If the issue continues here, then contact the CIS Help Desk, x2439.