Imac stays in blue screen or grey apple screen at launch

This entire week my Imac won't start up normal.
When I turn it on eith the power button it won't get past the grey apple screen or when it does it wil stay in the blue screen.
When I turn the Mac off with the power button and then turn it on again it works normal.
What can I do?

You might first want to check the SMART status of your hard drive:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.5/en/8733.html
Considering the age of your Mac, you could also have a failing PRAM battery. The process of replacing that is considerably more challenging.
http://www.ifixit.com/Guide/Repair/Installing-iMac-Intel-20-Inch-EMC-2133-and-22 10-PRAM-Battery/994/1

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