Help! imac won't start up properly

I recently purchased a new macbook and yesterday I transfered all my data from my old imac g5 to my new macbook using the migration manager program. I have been using my macbook sucesfully ever since, but now whenever i try to turn on the g5 I get an error message along with a power symbol that says "you need to restart your computer. Hold down the power button for several seconds or press the restart button" I'm very concerned and really can't loose data from this old computer. I've tried restarting the computer many times, and unplugging it as well as unplugging all the attached cords. Nothing works. Please help.
I'm worried that if i restart it using the startup disk i will loose information and i really can't have this happen.
Thanks so much for your help!
Message was edited by: allyp

To Apple Discussions!
"I get an error message along with a power symbol that says "you need to restart your computer."
Is this what you are seeing?
If so, you are having what is known as a kernel panic - What is a kernel panic? (Mac OS X)
Other info to review:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106805 Mac OS X: "Broken folder" icon, prohibitory sign, or *kernel panic* when computer starts
User Tips: Kernel Panics
You won't lose any info from starting from your System Install DVD. However, most people here recommend that you always have a backup.

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Quote
J.C posted "Re: G5 iMac won't start! Help needed." on Feb 4, 2008 4:53:20 PM.
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UNQUOTE
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Message was edited by: ChrisRR

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Judging by your name I'm guessing I could've anwered this in Dutch.

Help! imac won't start up properly

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