My imac won't start even while holding the options key

Can some one direct me to something to do.  My iMac, about 3 years old using the latest operating system won't bot up.  Initially I was geting the ?. but after tryint to restart while holding the "option" key, it just went to a bleank. but lit screen.

It sounds like your HD or main logic board has failed. Try running Apple Hardware Test in Extended Mode. If no errors are reported on the first pass run it 2-3x to be sure. Running in Extended Mode is the most thorough however it is time consuming, don't be surprised if each pass takes 40-60 minutes. 

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    Is the key(s) stuck, or sticky or not very responsive?
    try another keyboard, any usb keyboard for windows or another mac should work.
    try flipping your keyboard over and letting it bang on the desktop, your r key could be gunked up and the contact might have failed. Depending on the model keyboard liquid or food or something else could be trapped, the older bondi-plastic ones do this more than the aluminum-plastic ones but the key could need a good smacking,.

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    Try a Skype reset:
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    Contact Apple, or if you bought the computer secondhand, the previous owner.
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    PS you also need to update your profile - it states that you have OS X 10.6.8

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