Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010) - Manual (Page 52)

52 Chapter 4 Problem, Meet Solution
If your MacBook Pro freezes during startup, or you see a flashing question mark, or
the screen is dark and the sleep indicator light is glowing steadily (not in sleep)
The flashing question mark usually means that the computer can’t find the system
software on the hard disk or any disks attached to the computer.
 Wait a few seconds. If the computer doesn’t start up, shut it down by holding down
the power (®) button for about 8 to 10 seconds. Disconnect all external peripherals
and try restarting by pressing the power (®) button while holding down the Option
key. When your computer starts up, click the hard disk icon, and then click the right
arrow. After the computer starts up, open System Preferences and click Startup Disk.
Select a local Mac OS X System folder.
 If that doesn’t work, try using Disk Utility to repair the disk:
• Insert the Mac OS X Install DVD into your computer.
• Restart your computer and hold down the C key as it starts up.
• When prompted, choose your preferred language.
• When the next screen appears, choose Disk Utility from the Utilities menu in the
menu bar. When Disk Utility opens, follow the instructions in the First Aid pane to
see if Disk Utility can repair the disk.
If using Disk Utility doesn’t help, you might need to reinstall your computer’s system
software. See “Installing Mac OS X” on page 62.