Q&A for How to Reset a MacBook Pro

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After turning on my MacBook Pro, the display shows a flashing folder icon with a question mark on it. and I cannot do anything. How can I fix it?

Community Answer

The flashing folder icon shows that your MacBook can't find the essential drivers and files it needs to load. Pressing the Command and R keys would normally launch local recovery via the recovery partition on the Mac. Since this isn't possible, you need to recover via the Internet. Instead of holding just the command and R keys when you switch on, hold the option key down as well. An animated globe will appear while Internet Recovery initializes. Once that's done, you'll need to select a WiFi network. The animated globe will reappear while the Mac downloads recovery files from Apple servers. When complete, macOS Utilities will appear so you can recover.

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Question

When turning on it just displays the Apple icon and the thinker just spins. I tried all four reboot options and nothing?

Community Answer

Hold V on boot up to get a log and look for any "errors" or warnings in the log. Then look up whatever the errors were. It will look overwhelming as it shows the whole bootup console, but look for wherever it stops. For example, eventually it may stop having messages. Look into that to see where the problem may lie, then consider getting some professional assistance if you're unsure.

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Question

My computer doesn't allow me to log in to my account. It starts to log in, but after the loading bar is more than 60%, it stops. What could be the problem?

Carmello Bilotti

Community Answer

Restart your Mac, and while it is restarting, hold Command-R until the OS Utilities screen comes up. Click Restore from Time Machine backup, then restore your computer to an earlier point.

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Question

I forgot my Macbook Pro password -- can I reset and use my Apple ID to login?

Community Answer

You have to be logged into the Macbook in order to change the password. So if you don't know the password, you're out of luck.

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Question

What do I do if my Macbook mouse clicker isn't working?

Community Answer

Check to see if battery is swollen under the mouse pad, restricting it from the normal pressure. You may need to replace the battery if it is swelling.

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Question

How do I reset a MacBook Pro if my keyboard doesn't work?

Community Answer

Try an external keyboard if your computer has a USB port. Plug it into your computer, and it should be an easy fix.

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Question

What do I do if my Macbook won't power on?

Carmello Bilotti

Community Answer

Plug it into the charging outlet, wait about an hour, then turn it on.

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Question

How do I restore my start up disc when it us full for a Macbook pro?

Community Answer

Buy a terabyte system in order to store up everything that you have on the MacBook Pro, then reset it. Then replace the storage disc, which allows you to store additional stuff onto your MacBook Pro.

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Question

I can't get far enough to even open anything before I get a blue screen of death. What can I do?

Community Answer

Macs don't BSOD, they kernel panic. However, if your computer crashes, take it to the Apple Store for support.

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Question

I want to factory reset my Macbook Pro w/Retina Display (15 inch, 2014), because it is acting up badly. It will not let me erase the disc conventionally. What can I do?

Carmello Bilotti

Community Answer

Restart your Mac, and while it is restarting, hold Command-R until a screen with OS X/MacOS utilities comes up. In the menu bar, click Utilities, then Click Wifi. Then, connect to your network. Once connected, close that window. Click reinstall MacOS/OS X. Everything will be erased, and your OS will be reinstalled.

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Question

How do I power on my MacBook Pro when the power button won't work?

Community Answer

Hold down Command while pressing the O key. When you see the Apple logo, release the keys.

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Question

How do I get rid of a notification that I need to enter my Facebook password in Internet Accounts when I am already logged into the app?

Carmello Bilotti

Community Answer

You can open your System Preferences, click Internet Accounts, and then type in your Facebook password.

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Question

How do I reset a Macbook to one week back?

Community Answer

Follow the instructions listed in the article above.

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Question

What does it mean if I have a flashing folder with a question mark?

Community Answer

That means a OS can't be found. The blinking folder means two things: one, the hard drive is dead and has to be replaced or two, there is just no OS installed and it has to be a compatible macOS system. Say, for example, if your MacBook is from 2006 and you try to install macOS Catalina, then it won't be compatible. Also to reinstall the OS, you can hold on bootup CMD+OPTION+R to boot in to Internet Recovery and you can install macOS. If your Mac doesn't have CMD but instead has Command, that just means your Mac doesn't have directional keys. CMD and Command are the same keys.

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Question

If I reset my Macbook to factory settings, will it change my synced settings?

Community Answer

Yes it will restart it like new, so it will be like it was when you first bought it.

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