Chosen Solution
Hi all, My macbook air stopped working this morning, on startup it shows a file folder with a question mark flashing. I’ve tried command R but I then get a lock symbol and a password prompt. I’ve tried my log in password but that’s not working, could this be an admin password? I’ve never set up an admin password (at least I don’t think i have) so I have no idea what this could be, is there a way around this? It should be noted that the Air is an ex work laptop which I bought from the crowd I was working for a couple of years ago when they upgraded all their work units, I’ve never had an issue with it before now and the company I worked for was bought over so I have no contacts in IT anymore. Is it buggered or will I be able to fix it? Thanks in advance. Update (05/23/2018) Hi Mayer, thanks very much for getting back to me. Here’s a shot of what I’m getting, could it be icloud locked? I’ve never used icloud on it, I only do that with my iphone as the macbook is used for working. I have no idea how to fix that if it is?!
The lock with a password prompt means that the machine is firmware locked. What that means is someone loaded the firmware utility and added a password. If you do not know what the password is you will have to go to an apple store with the receipt from when you purchased it so they can remove the lock. Also it will take about 48 hours to have this done. They can also scan the hardware of the computer to see if the folder with a question mark is due to a faulty hard drive, or just needs a reinstall.
Sounds like it has been iCloud locked. Please post a folder of the screen you are getting.
