I'm getting the question-mark/smilie-face blinking folder on startup. All of the OS software and everything that came with the box was lost in transit. Truth be told, I don't even know the OS version. Can one get the Disk First Aid or some such utility (.bin --> .smi) onto a CD-ROM using nothing but Windows boxes? Is there any kind of resource short of re-purchasing the OS materials? Thanks for any help y'all can offer. - Nick

you get the aforementioned symptom if the system folder is corrupt or not present on the computer. Norton Disk doctor CD will let you know if there is indeed a system present as well as try to repair it. That would be your best purchase since you'll probably need it again if you plan to keep the system...system software can be ordered from www.apple.com. You'll definitely need a system and the new OS X looks promising but it is so new and so vastly different that there may still be some bugs and all software may not be compatible.

While the system starts up, Hold the the Control Key. This will bring up a menu of devices that CAN be booted. If you see the Hard Drive there, you know that it is connected, but no OS is present. Hope that helps a bit.

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