wxyandz
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Temptation to reformat MBP hoping it will run smoother/quicker

So, I've developed the belief that my computer is not running as smoothly/quickly as it could be and I am tempted to reformat it to factory settings and then transfer only files and programs that I currently use. Right now, the system I'm using was copied over from Time Machine with stuff that I've imported over the past 8 years from computer, to replacement harddrive, to new computer, etc.

 

Is this something that people tend to do after a number of years of transferring? To kind of detangle gunky settings and programs, and the like?

 

For the programs I want to keep using, is it as easy as just tranferring the program from the Applications folder from a backup to the newly reformatted drive, or will I have to re-register everything again?

 

It's a bit of a weird question, I know...

 

Any comments appreciated.

 

Thanks!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Apr 8, 2014 5:43 PM

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wxyandz

Q: Temptation to reformat MBP hoping it will run smoother/quicker

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  • by CMCSK,

    CMCSK CMCSK Apr 8, 2014 5:46 PM in response to wxyandz
    Level 6 (10,875 points)
    Apr 8, 2014 5:46 PM in response to wxyandz

    Mac OS X (10.6.8)

    Disconnect all peripherals from your computer.

     

    Boot from your install disc & run Repair Disk from the utility menu. To use the Install Mac OS X disc, insert the disc, and restart your computer while holding down the C key as it starts up.

    Select your language.

    Once on the desktop, select Utility in the menu bar.

    Select Disk Utility.

     

    Select the disk or volume in the list of disks and volumes, and then click First Aid.

    Click Repair Disk.

    Restart your computer when done.

     

    Repair permissions after you reach the desktop-http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963 and restart your computer.

     

    How large is your hard drive?  How much space is left on it?

     


    Sluggish Finder - Bunch of icons on your desktop?  An overcrowded desktop slows down your Mac.

    Get rid of needless Finder calculations - Open a window in Finder/View/Show View Options:  ensure "Calculate All Sizes" option is unchecked.

     

    Internet related - It's likely that your broadband connection is the bottleneck.  You can check your speed on http://www.speedtest.net to see how fast your connection is.  If your web browser specifically performs slowly, quit and relaunch it.

       If browser remains sluggish, empty its cache.

    Safari/Empty Cache

    Firefox/Preferences - select the Network tab of the Advanced preferences and click the "Clear Now" button in the "Offline Storage" area.

     

    Application related - Launch "Activity Monitor" - Applications/Utilities - click the CPU heading and see what float to the top.  If an application takes up a large chunk of CPU and won't let it go, it could be dragging down your Mac's performance.  Quit it by clicking the Quit Process button at the top of the Activity Monitor window.

     

    Too little ram - max out your ram.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    dancingsmilie.gif

  • by clintonfrombirmingham,

    clintonfrombirmingham clintonfrombirmingham Apr 8, 2014 5:47 PM in response to wxyandz
    Level 7 (30,009 points)
    Mac OS X
    Apr 8, 2014 5:47 PM in response to wxyandz

    You can't just copy applications from your Applications folder and expect them to work - you'll have to manually install all applications anew if you truly want a 'new' machine - no copying over any bits from your old machine.

     

    It's been years since I went through the trouble of a completely new installation - my machine isn't sluggish for that but when I see preference folders that haven't changed since 2006, I just usually delete them.

     

    I actually envy those willing to go through the hassle of a clean installation - but I don't know that it will actually improve performance!

     

    Clinton