Kernel panics during boot and other fun

Question

It started a few weeks ago when my iMac G5 wouldn't wake up from sleep (it had to be restarted). Last week I started getting random kernel panics, and yesterday after one such panic it would no longer boot.
Also last week the computer beeped three times instead of the normal boot sound, although that only happened once.
Usually it will get a kernel panic or simply freeze during the Apple logo/pinwheel screen. Sometimes it will crash before the screen even comes on (denoted by loud fans). A few times it froze on the blue screen.
I took out the RAM and reseated it, but that didn't solve anything. It is the original RAM that came with the computer, so that's probably not the problem. I zapped the PRAM, and that didn't help, nor did starting in Safe Mode. I guess I'll try booting from the Leopard disc next.
Any idea what this might be, and if I can fix it without bringing it in for service?
Message was edited by: Tyler Dykstra2

Answer 1

If you have not already done so, except for the keyboard & mouse disconnect all devices from your computer & check out the following:
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
G5 iMac Repair Programs
**WARNING: DUE TO SECURITY REASONS, PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR COMPUTER'S SERIAL NUMBER ON THESE MESSAGE BOARDS.**
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Which "model" & "generation" G5 iMac do you have?
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http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=301724-en How to identify your iMac
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=Mac/10.4/en/mh355.html Getting information about your computer
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Thank you