Crash?

HELP! I don't know what I did while backing up my files but it said I had over 45K photos and then it started to back up again. Then it said it was indexing files which was going to take 35 more hours. I shut it off and when I turned it back on the screen is lit but blank and there is a file in the center with a question mark in the center of it. Please tell me it didn't just crash and burn.

Any way to get out/in ?

Yes, you have corrupted your System.

Just reinstall In Place

Not sure what you mean?

Your Mac can't find a valid System to boot up so you'll need to re-install from your DVD.

When you do an Install (holding down the C key to boot from the DVD) it will give you install options, one of those is Install In Place, select that and your files will be retained.

It's always good to have a backup before you do any install.