Computer won't start after lightning storm, makes beeping noise

After a surprise lightning storm the other night I noticed my computer was making a weird noise. I shut it off and unplugged it for a minute or so. Now, when I try to turn it back on I hear the familiar startup chime, then the screen turns white and in about one second this same noise starts: beep, beep, beep in groups of 3 like a back up warning sound on a truck. I can't get any further than this. I've tried pushing the button to shut down and restart, held the button for several seconds, and also tried the keyboard keys for a forcequit. Can't think of anything else to do to get past the beeps and try to turn the computer on. (iMac intel with Mtn. Lion upgrade) Other computers and equipment in my house do not seem to have been affected, but the power did go off for about a minute and we had to reset some clocks.
Has anyone heard this noise before? It doesn't sound friendly!

Hello,
Sounds like the RAM went bad...
The following table lists the new tones and their meaning:
Tone(s)    Description
1 tone, a 5-second pause, repeat    No RAM installed
3 successive tones, a 5-second pause, 3 successive tones    RAM does not pass data integrity check
1 long tone when holding down the power button    Firmware upgrade in process. See About firmware updates for Intel-based Macs for more details.
3 long tones, 3 short tones, 3 long tones    Firmware restoration from CD in process. See About the Firmware Restoration CD (Intel-based Macs) for more details.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2538
http://eshop.macsales.com/MyOWC/Upgrades.cfm?sort=pop&model=272&type=Memory

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Typically what happens during a power outage is not good. It can do strange things. If it took using a hair dryer to get the green light on the back to come on, that is a bad sign. HERE is a troubleshooting guide for power supplies. Start with that.
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http://www.faqforge.com/macosx/how-to-eject-a-cd-in-a-mac-mini-with-pc-keyboard- and-mouse/
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Hi,
RAM sticks are not the same even same size, same specs. Can machine get back to normal with old RAM ? Please try the following RAM, they guarantee their RAM will work:
http://www.crucial.com/upgrade/HP+-+Compaq-memory/HP+2000+Series/HP+2000-299WM-upgrades.html
Regards.
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Make it easier for other people to find solutions by marking a Reply 'Accept as Solution' if it solves your problem.

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Help Please!
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Try booting from your system CD, run Disk First Aid from your Disk Utility and repair your permissions.
-Bmer
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Computer won't start after lightning storm, makes beeping noise

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