Fix Your Stuff Community Store

Model A1502 / 2.4, 2.6, or 2.8 GHz dual-core Intel processor / Released October 2013

552 Questions View all

Options

Why does my mac freeze, then flash folder with question mark?

Often my mac freezes completely, and when I reboot it can’t find the startup drive (flashing question mark folder, disk utility does not see boot drive). After a few hours, it will boot normally. The problem comes and goes, but has been happening about every other day for a week. Running an Apple Diagnostics test gives error codes PPN001 and VDH002, but sometimes it gives no errors.

What is going on? I think the SSD works because other than the above issues, everything works well (runs fast, no problem opening/closing/saving files). Is this a cable issue? How can this be fixed?

Thanks!

Answer this question I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Yes No
Score 1
Add a comment

6 Answers

Filter by:
Most Helpful Newest Oldest
Most Helpful Answer

Options

That issue is to do with the storage drive not being detected via the system. It seems a bit odd that is only happening a part of the time. I’d recommend re-installing Mac OS and backing up all important data and see if this helps. If it doesn’t then it might be a physical problem with the drive itself, if this is the case open your laptop up with help from this guide: MacBook Pro 13" Retina Display Late 2013 Lower Case Replacement

Inspect everything and see if there is anything around the ssd and/or ram that should not be there (Dust, corrosion ect.) . If there is, remove the component, clean it with rubbing alcohol and remove what should not be there, then and re-install it. Boot it up and if it still doesn’t boot you may have to replace the drive altogether. You should also check any cables in the system to see if there are any tears in them.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 2
Add a comment

Options

I would give a new SSD a try. If it turns out that a new SSD does not solve the problem then you can return it back to iFixit quickly and easily.


[linked product missing or disabled: IF123-123]


Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1
Add a comment

Options

Once you have it booted, go under the Apple in the upper left hand corner to >

System Preferences >

Startup Disk >

unlock it > select your internal drive >

close lock and restart and see if your problem persists

UPDATE

It sure makes us look stupid when you change the question after an answer has been given instead of adding new information as an update to the post!

Apple says

VDH002

There may be an issue with a storage device.

PPM001

There may be an issue with a memory module.

I would reformat the drive after booting from an external USB drive and try reinstalling the system. That failing go to @ajcooke01 Aaron’s solution.

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 1

1 Comment:

Sorry about that! I just thought the edit might be more helpful, thanks for the answer

by

Add a comment

Options

In the event that you see a blazing question mark on your Mac's screen at startup, it implies your Mac ... On the off chance that your Mac shows a blazing question mark for a couple of minutes however then ... Your Mac should now start up without the blazing question mark (click here). ... things in your home organizer like your reports and things on your work area

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

Options

I am experiencing the same problem, did you manage to solve it?

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0
Add a comment

Options

Can some body answer if this problem was solved changing between ssd?

Was this answer helpful?

Yes No
Score 0

1 Comment:

Yes it was. Using a adata ssd with sintech adapter now. Works perfectly since.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Dimitri Coukos will be eternally grateful.
View Statistics:

Past 24 Hours: 0

Past 7 Days: 0

Past 30 Days: 9

All Time: 8,653