No problem. Jim decided to take your advice and not hot-wire it. Tried to get screen out but need Torx screwdrivers. Searched the Town - nothing! So ordered over the Net so await delivery. Thanks for your patience.
Well, finally got the HD out, took to local repair shop, formatted in minutes, installed and works fine. Thanks to All especially Jim who made it so easy. Thanks.
Alright, I love it when a plan comes together. Glad you didn't have to trash the iMac and can get some use out of it.
It must have been something corrupt in the boot sectors of the HD. It's rare that a bad format causes a panic but I have seen it, at least twice now. You're lucky that's all that it was. Happy to help.