Boot up error prohibitory sign flashing folder with question mark 3 weeks ago my hard drive failed so I bought a new one. (Macbook pro late 2011)
5 days ago, the new one flashed prohibitory sign, flashing folder with question mark. Every once in a while I could get it to desktop, but I would reboot, and back into the error. I reinstalled the OS through a USB, but still get the error. Is there a good chance it's the sata cable that needs to be replaced?
Try an erase and install, instead of just reinstalling OS X.


Back up your files and boot into an external install media (not the Recovery HD).
Open Disk Utility, select the internal disk and repartition it to 1 partition.
Install OS X normally, then restore your files.