My computer won't start up after i tried to install updates

last night my computer told me there were 5 new updates available and i tried to install them, and my computer froze so i manually turned it off. now my computer won't start up. i get to the gray screen with the apple and the circular icon that swirls around which makes you think it's doing something but nothing happens. in the hopes that my computer was loading the updates, i let it run all night, and 8 hours later it was still doing the same thing. now my computer won't start at all, and i know there's power to it.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

chiae:
am i looking for the Leopard installer or the disc that came with my Powerbook all those years ago?
You are looking for the installer disk for the system which is currently installed on your computer, which is Leopard according to your profile.
Will doing these steps erase my hard drive?
No. Running Repair Disk will not in any way affect your data or any contents of your HDD. However, if there are serious directory issues your data might be jeopardized even without running Repair Disk.
Your question suggests that you may not have an up-to-date backup, if any backup at all. That is one of the most dangerous things you can do. I suggest that you take steps to secure your data even before you do much more. If you need ideas on how best to accomplish this, please post back and ask.
While you are waiting to locate your install disk, here is something you can do right now, and it will not in any way endanger the contents of your HDD:
• Shut down the computer.
• Locate the following keys: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously later.
• Turn on the computer.
• Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys immediately after the startup chime.
• Hold keys down until you hear the startup chime for the third time.
• Release the keys and immediately hold down Shift key to start up in Safe Mode.
• Log in and empty Trash.
• Restart normally and log in.
Please do post back with an update or with further questions or comments.
Good luck.
cornelius

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Message was edited by: adam_glazier

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