powerbook startup problem - folder with a question mark ???

[Mauro <mcepeda@ualberta.ca>]

"For the last week or so, when I start the machine instead of having
the yaboot screen appears I get a little folder with a question mark
inside...  This doesn't happen every time I start the machine."

You computer simply does not know from what to boot.  I've already sent
you a set in instructions on how to reset pram, etc.

Another thing, I did have this occur on another time when the hd was
failing.  So if there is a gnu app for testing smart status, run it.
Else reboot into Panther and go to disk utility/ high light drive abd
look at the drive smart status at bottom right.  If red and says
something like failing.  Back everything asap and replace hard drive.

So I've experience this problem being fixed in one of two ways,
resetting pram, and on another occasion it was a failing drive.

luck