[Wilse50]

Hey guys please help!

Had the problem of the question mark flashing on start up but eventually it would turn on. This happened for a while but just recently it started turning on fine but there is no mac os x folder on the desktop, so i cant access anything! i can get to all programms on the dock and safari works but only on certain web pages?? i tried going to go on finder but nothing happens when i click one of the target folders!!

I tried to repair the disk using the install disk and holding c but it says there is an error on an underlying task or something like that. A friend upgraded to tiger for me but i dont have the install disk so i'm sure that effects the disk repair as i'm using the old disk that came with the laptop.

As you can probably tell i dont know what i'm doing!! Any help well received. Thanks guys.

[JonoMarshall]

It's more than likely that your Hard Disk is failing, you should back up everything that's important to you RIGHT NOW and then think about replacing the drive.

(If it is failing, the more you use your Mac, the worse it will get...)

[Wilse50]

how do i back up stuff when i cant get to any of it?? all i have at the moment is a desktop and the dock, i cant access anything else!

This is bad!!

[Wilse50]

Oh one more thing, i did a the hardware test with the disk i had and held down c from start up but everything passed. Not sure if that has anything to do with a failing hard drive but may help with the diagnosis.

[Sherman Homan]

If it is straight forward directory errors on the hard drive, then the Hardware Test won't necessarily flag it. You really need the Tiger installation disk. Legally, morally, ethically and so that you can repair the hard drive.

[Wilse50]

Thanks for all the help guys. i'll get the tiger disk not only so i can try to repair the disk but so that i can sleep at night with a clear conscience!

Hopefully this will work otherwise i can feel a new laptop hitting the bank account hard!