I recently took a trip about 2 weeks ago and when I returned, I turned my computer back on. Ever since, it's been running REALLY slow! I checked my disk space, thinking that my drive was packed full, but it turns out I have a little over 610 GB of free space! Any ideas as to why it's acting so slow especially since it wasn't acting this way before I left for my trip?
Mac Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)
Resetting SMC could solve your problem.
-- kaz-k
over the 6+ yrs there have been issues with Mac Pro when left alone for 1-2 weeks.
There is no clear cause or cure. Having it on UPS is best. Unplugged for that time has been blamed but hey, mine is unplugged for weeks and months at times during these 6.75 yrs.
The methods for resetting SMC have changed. And it partially depends on WHICH Mac Pro model you even have.
Ideally everyone has a bootable copy (clone) of their system that they keep on shelf - off line and safe - at all and any given time.
Free space alone is not an indication of bad sectors, bad directory, electrical "event" or not.
Having a 900W UPS / 1500VA is as good as weakest link, not everyone puts modem and router and EJ45 through surge filter, the CyberPower SMART 1500VA works best I've had after using APC for over decade.
Check is system profile showing all the RAM or not? parity issue? other?
Are you on Snow Leopard? Mountain? use Disk Utility Repair Disk from another boot device.
Remove ALL cables and power and hit power on for 10 seconds and then connect only the kb/mouse and dispaly.
If your computer won't turn on, try each of these steps:
Note: It is possible that the SMC could encounter an issue that may cause unusual system behavior typically related to the symptoms described below. In some cases, resetting the SMC may be the only correct method to resolve the issue,
General purpose Mac troubleshooting guide:
Creating a temporary user to isolate user-specific problems:
Isolating an issue by using another user account
Identifying resource hogs and other tips:
Using Activity Monitor to read System Memory and determine how much RAM is being used
Starting the computer in "safe mode":
Mac OS X: What is Safe Boot, Safe Mode?
To identify potential hardware problems:
General Mac maintenance:
@The hatter- UPS? SMC? APC??? I appreciate the detailed info on how I might solve this issue but I didn't understand HALF of what you wrote. lol. I'm no dummy but no expert either. Maybe bumb it down a bit so I can understand what to do?
UPS = Un-Interruptible Power Source, a device with large-ish batteries that conditions the power being sent to your computer and keeps it alive for a few minutes if the power fails.
SMC = System Management Controller, the simple computer that handles Power ON/Off, Bus speed settings, fan speeds, recharging for notebooks, and similar items for the computer system. PMU = Power Management Unit, was the previous-generation of the same type of controller for the same items.
PRAM = Parameter RAM, a battery-backed store for parameters and panic reports.
APC = a Brand of UPS
TLA = Three Letter Acronyms, the things that are driving you crazy.
TILs too. Technical Information Library - those old 3-ring binder manuals. The stuff IBM and military were fond of.
There are dictionaries and search engines that even specialize in technology terms.
Why is my computer running sooo slow??
