iMac 5k 2015 incredibly slow since Monteray update - Fix info

This is in follow up to a previous thread under this link: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/250576223

One of the first suggestions was to download EtreCheckPro, run a diagnosis and start fixing the issues raised. I couldn't continue on from that thread but I wanted to share my own personal experience should anyone else want to try this route.

This seemed to work for me - and very noticeably so! Before I was waiting a good 5-7 mins for booting to the main apple desktop, then a further 20 mins before I could start using it, whilst every app I opened crashed at least once. I would open InDesign 2022 and this would take about 5 mins to load on the splash screen, then a further 17 - yes 17 minutes (I timed it...) to open for use! Anyway I digress.

The fix for me was to download the EtreCheckPro app and run the diagnostics. For me I had 2 versions of CleanmyMac installed so that all got removed. Aside from that I also had Bitdefender, MacPaw and some other virus scanning app that had a sheep with a sword as the logo... you'll know it if you have it. I removed them all.

Then I removed all other suggestions for things like Virtual Box, outdated installer stuff for Mic***oft apps and various other areas of concern. Then after this I ran 2 more system tests to make sure I got everything. There were still some parts coming up that I had removed, but I was unable to remove these...as they had, erm... been removed. So that was that.

I then cleared all my browser history, cookies and caches in Chrome as this was astronomical - over 2300 sites visited! Had to be cleaned.

I also removed all the startup programs to aid speed of booting the mac. It takes no time now to just click and open the apps manually, which took 5 mins before JUST getting to the desktop!

Finally then I rebooted my mac and its a huge improvement!

So I thought I would share this in case anyone has the same issue, as it was driving me mad and I too was losing income from the time it took to complete even the smallest of jobs