iMac mid 2017 running very slow (have EtreCheck report)

CleanMyMac is your problem. Remove this software with the uninstaller provided with the app or information they may provide on their website. Even with the uninstaller, some files may be left behind as MacPaw never wants you to remove their software completely. For assurance all files that launch on startup have been removed you can follow up with an updated EtreCheck report.

The VPN software should only be used if required by your work or you are using it for remote administration of work computers. They have been marketed as a security measure for browsing which is not true and if that is the purpose for using the software, it is giving you a false sense of security. Any information about web traffic or data entered on websites is sent to this VPN company and you may not know what they are doing with your data. If not required or used for remote administration, then that should be removed as well. VPN software has been the cause of many issues related to internet connectivity and slow system response.

If you are still experiencing problems after removing the software, post the updated EtreCheck report again.

Hey there!

Here are some things I noticed from your report.

CleanMyMac

Mac computers don't benefit from third-party maintenance or security utilities. In fact, they can even cause your Mac to run slowly and exhibit odd issues. CleanMyMac should be removed: How to uninstall CleanMyMac X.

Fusion Drive

Using DriveDx, please check the health of your Fusion Drive. This user tip explains how: How to use DriveDx - Apple Community.

Next, create a new EtreCheck report

After removing CleanMyMac and checking the health of your Fusion Drive, please run and upload a new EtreCheck report. However, this time when you upload it, use the built-in EtreCheck copy method. This helps ensure the report contains all relevant data. This user tip outlines this method: How to use the Add Text Feature When Post… - Apple Community.

-Jack

The VPN I was referring to is noted here:

VPNs:

WireguardTunnelProvider - /Applications/Hotspot Shield.app

HydraTunnelProvider - /Applications/Hotspot Shield.app

This app contains a login item that runs on startup of your computer that would be unnecessary if you have no particular use for it. Removing the Hotspot Shield app from your Application folder will also remove the login item. Restarting the computer after that is all that should be needed and it will no longer appear on the report.

jdmgt wrote:

Ok, I removed CleanMyMac and the HotSpot VPN software, allowed full disk access for EtreCheck and reran. Attached here is the report....

<EtreCheck Report.log>

As expected CleanMyMac was not completely removed even with the uninstaller. Go to Finder > Go > Go to Folder and put /Library/LaunchDaemons into the field there. Remove any files that say MacPaw or CleanMyMac in that folder.

Since the files are currently running on your computer, you may need to start up in Safe Mode in order to delete them.

Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support

Restart again and follow up with another EtreCheck report. There does not appear to be anything wrong with your drive.

Mac Jim ID wrote:

CleanMyMac is your problem.

👍

These things are toxic. It beggars belief how people continue to succumb to such scams.