HT201516: Mac OS X: How to troubleshoot a software issue

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civilwarnut

Q: Lately my 27 inch iMac running OSX 10.9.5 sr

Lately my 27 inch iMac running OSX 10.9.5 sr# D25GW03HDHJW that I’ve had since 2011 opens programs and files very slow. Nothing was found to be wrong when it was checked out at my local Apple store. Since then I ran all TechTool 8 tests etc and found that the Directory had to be rebuilt. As soon as that was done the Mac quickly opened programs and files. However; within a few days the Mac ran slow again so I rebuilt the directory with TechTool Pro 8. This has been going on now for more then a month.

Please help with any ideas that would solve the need to frequently rebuild the directory.

Thank you, Henry

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2), Tech Tool Pro 6

Posted on Jun 13, 2016 12:25 PM

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Q: Lately my 27 inch iMac running OSX 10.9.5 sr

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  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Jun 13, 2016 1:40 PM in response to civilwarnut
    Level 6 (19,272 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 13, 2016 1:40 PM in response to civilwarnut

    It is possible the disk is failing.

     

    Is this the original disk?  If so, yours has lasted longer then mine.  I'm on the 3rd replacement for my Late 2009 27" iMac (great machine, lousy disk).

     

    Note:  If you decide to replace this disk yourself, or via a 3rd party, you need to know that those disks in that specific model iMac have special Apple firmware in them that reports disk temperature.  A generic disk replacement needs to either run something like "SSD Fan Control" app, or get a special adapter from OWC <http://macsales.com> that will compensate for the special firmware.  Either of which are much cheaper than paying Apple for the replacement disk with the special firmware.

     

    Or install an SSD for better performance overall (still need the work around for the Apple firmware).