Computer Slowing Down

Question

Level 1

6 points

Computer Slowing Down

I've had my Macbook about 18 months and I'm beginning to see a noticeable slow-down or lag in running applications, or switching between applications.

I was wondering if reinstalling the OS would help? Or are there other suggestions that would be helpful?

Thanks!

Macbook, MacBook 2.0 ghz, 4 meg ram, 320 gig hd 7200 rpm

Posted on Aug 17, 2010 7:29 AM

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Answer 1

Aug 17, 2010 9:33 AM in response to rwgleaves

Going to need more to go on, because there are several possibilities here.

The number of running programs can have a big impact on performance. If you have the full Adobe Creative Suite open on a system with 512MB of RAM, you can expect things to be a little slow, for example. It can also be the sign of a failing HDD.

So, first thing to do is restart the system using safe mode. Hold down shift as soon as you hear the boot chime. Run it for a bit like that. Do things seem improved? If yes, you probably just need to cut down on the number of things you have going or bump up your RAM.

If not, then run Apple Hardware Test, and see if it detects any issue with your HDD.

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Answer 2

rwgleaves Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 17, 2010 1:15 PM in response to Scott Billings

Thanks for the input - a few things to add.

1: This is not when there are multiple programs running. It would be having the mail program open and then opening Safari. I'm getting the little spinning wheel instead of Safari opening quickly.

2: Over the last month I've gotten error messages that have forced me to restart. This is new.

3: How do you run the hardware test?

Thanks again!

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Answer 3

iSMH

Level 5

4,310 points

Aug 20, 2010 1:40 PM in response to rwgleaves

You can run the Apple Hardware Test by passing the D key as your computer powers on. See more details in this support document.

You can also try running a Safe Boot. To do so, boot your machine with the Shift key held down. See this support document for more information.

To check the health of your internal hard drive, you can boot off of your original software discs and run Disk Utility.

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Answer 4

Lyssa

Level 8

41,327 points

Aug 20, 2010 1:58 PM in response to rwgleaves

Hi, rwgleaves,

How large is your hard drive & how much space is free? How much RAM is in this computer?
Have any part(s) been repaired or replaced?

~Lyssa

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Answer 5

rwgleaves Author

Level 1

6 points

Aug 20, 2010 9:18 PM in response to Lyssa

The HD is 320 gig with 141 gig free.
There is 4 meg of ram.
No parts have been repaired or replaced.

Thanks for everyone's help!

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Answer 6

Lyssa

Level 8

41,327 points

Aug 20, 2010 9:42 PM in response to rwgleaves

Could you define the noticeable slow down in time (seconds, minutes, etc)?

Have you tried working in a new user account? If not, create a brand new account, then log out of the current one & into the new and see if performance improves.

Also try booting in Safe Mode by holding the Shift key while starting up. This may take a few minutes, so be patient!

Do you have your install discs handy?

~Lyssa

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