imac wont start. Reinstall leopard?

[Hurd111]

Im in desperate need of help. Not too long ago I installed the latest apple security update, and I've notice some strange behavior from my imac ( 17" g5 with isight intel core2 duo) shortly afterward.

I can't get my imac to start up, and I dont know what to do. I NEED to access the files on my HD.

do I need to reinstall leopard? if so, how?

 

[techfreak85]

where is it getting tripped up? where the apple should show up on the screne, or no power at all? details.

 

[Hurd111]

It shows the grey screen with the apple and the loading circle, and then I hear a noise that sounds almost like a fan or hard drive stopping (like a "sieeerrwwww......") but I can't tell (im no expert).

 

[techfreak85]

then sure try a reinstall.

 

[Hurd111]

then sure try a reinstall.

Is there anything i should know when doing this?

 

[allan.nyholm]

Try resetting your PRAM first http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1379

If that does nothing then use the Leopard disc to Archive & Install so that you keep your files but gets a fresh OS X installed. Look out for an "Options" button on the installation window - it should come right after "Customize" and if I remember correctly it's located in the lower left. I'm not sure if the installation defaults to Archive & Install.