flashing (?) and mac face

When disconnecting fire wire from my old desktop and shutting down, on restarting my old desktop the screen has only a flashing (?) and mac face. Limbo dancing doesn't work. Any help will be appreciated. thanks

You have a corrupted system and the Mac can't startup.

You could try a restart with the Option Key down to see if it sees any System Drives.

Failing that it's back to the DVD and Restore in Place.

If you can go in via Target Mode and back up your files before doing anything else!!!

I restarted with held option key and have my mouse active and (C) arrow in a box and an arrow in a box. nothing else. Thanks for the help. dc

I restarted with held option key and have my mouse active and (C) arrow in a box and an arrow in a box. nothing else. I don't have a dvd for restore and replace. Thanks for the help. dc

it sounds like a corrupt system. hmm you may need to check out your local Mac shop or User Group for a DVD. What system were you on?

I'm pretty sure it's 10.3 or 10.5 I can't be certain. Thanks for your tips.