Help! Computer won't get past startup.

Hi! I'm having trouble with my G4 since yesterday. I bought a new battery and installed it on friday. The computer worked fine until yesterday when it suddenly restarted but it never got past the startup screen (apple logo). I tried repairing the disk but it said it couldn't finish repair.
I tried booting in safe mode to save some files before I erased everything from the hard drive but it just didn't respond. It remained stuck in the startup screen.
Any suggestions?
Thanks
Ana

Ana:
Welcome to Apple Discussions.
First, if you do not have a good backup and you have access to a Mac that supports Firewire, try backing up via Firewire Target Disk Mode
Next,try resetting the PRAM:
1. Shut down the computer.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously in step 4.
3. Turn on the computer.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys. You must press this key combination before the gray screen appears.
5. Hold the keys down until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for the second time.
6. Release the keys and allow to boot.
Third, boot from your install disk,
Go to Utilities menu
Launch Disk Utility
Select HDD (manufacturer ID) in sidebar
Select First Aid in main pane
Repair Disk Permissions.
If you are able to do that, then Repair Disk:
(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel, and report)
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
If DU reports errors it cannot repair you will need to use a utility like Tech Tool Pro or Disk Warrior
Please let me know if any of these worked for you.
Good luck.
cornelius

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