My Macbook Pro is running slowly

Question

Level 1

0 points

My Macbook Pro is running slowly

Hi all

My Macbook Pro has slowed down drastically. I have switched it off and on again, and freed up hard drive space but while it may run quickly for a few hours, eventually it slows down again (while maintaining hard drive space).

I have done an etrecheck as per a previous thread I read. Details are below:

Hardware Information:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)

MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro7,1

1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores

4 GB RAM

Video Information:

NVIDIA GeForce 320M - VRAM: 256 MB

System Software:

OS X 10.9.3 (13D65) - Uptime: 0 days 0:47:15

Disk Information:

Hitachi HTS545025B9SA02 disk0 : (250.06 GB)

EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 249.2 GB (26.25 GB free)

Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898

USB Information:

Apple Inc. Built-in iSight

Western Digital My Book 1110 999.5 GB

EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

MyBook (disk1s2) /Volumes/MyBook: 999.16 GB (98.61 GB free)

Apple Internal Memory Card Reader

Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub

Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver

Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad

Thunderbolt Information:

Configuration files:

/etc/sysctl.conf - Exists

/etc/hosts - Count: 3

Gatekeeper:

Mac App Store and identified developers

Kernel Extensions:

[kext loaded] com.AmbrosiaSW.AudioSupport (4.1.2 - SDK 10.7) Support

[kext loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxDrv (4.1.2) Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetAdp (4.1.2) Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetFlt (4.1.2) Support

[kext loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxUSB (4.1.2) Support

[kext loaded] rabb.it.driver.RabbitEars (2.1.4 - SDK 10.7) Support

Startup Items:

VirtualBox: Path: /Library/StartupItems/VirtualBox

Launch Daemons:

[loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist Support

[loaded] com.ambrosiasw.ambrosiaaudiosupporthelper.daemon.plist Support

[running] com.eset.esets_daemon.plist Support

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Support

[running] com.trusteer.rooks.rooksd.plist Support

[failed] com.zeobit.MacKeeper.plugin.AntiTheft.daemon.plist Support

Launch Agents:

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support

[loaded] com.hp.messagecenter.launcher.plist Support

[failed] com.trusteer.rapport.rapportd.plist Support

User Launch Agents:

[loaded] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist Support

[failed] com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-[...]@me.com-SharedServices.Agent.plist

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.vboxwebsrv.plist Support

User Login Items:

ESET Cyber Security

StatusMenu

Internet Plug-ins:

Flip4Mac WMV Plugin: Version: 2.3.6.5 Support

JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Check version

Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 10.1.10 Support

AdobePDFViewer: Version: 10.1.10 Support

QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin: Version: 12.2.5 Support

Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.0 Support

SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.1 - SDK 10.6 Support

Silverlight: Version: 4.0.50917.0 Support

iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0

Audio Plug-ins:

BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9

AirPlay: Version: 2.0 - SDK 10.9

AppleAVBAudio: Version: 203.2 - SDK 10.9

iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9

iTunes Plug-ins:

Quartz Composer Visualizer: Version: 1.4 - SDK 10.9

3rd Party Preference Panes:

Flip4Mac WMV Support

Rapport Support

VLC Streamer Support

Time Machine:

Skip System Files: NO

Mobile backups: ON

Auto backup: YES

Volumes being backed up:

Macintosh HD: Disk size: 232.09 GB Disk used: 207.64 GB

Destinations:

MyBook [Local] (Last used)

Total size: 930.54 GB

Total number of backups: 8

Oldest backup: 2011-07-26 06:06:39 +0000

Last backup: 2014-05-18 19:11:46 +0000

Size of backup disk: Excellent

Backup size 930.54 GB > (Disk size 232.09 GB X 3)

Time Machine details may not be accurate.

All volumes being backed up may not be listed.

Top Processes by CPU:

9% Google Chrome

5% WindowServer

2% hidd

1% mds_stores

0% esets_gui

Top Processes by Memory:

160 MB com.apple.IconServicesAgent

143 MB mds_stores

123 MB Mail

98 MB Google Chrome

83 MB Google Chrome Helper

Virtual Memory Information:

1.22 GB Free RAM

1.66 GB Active RAM

347 MB Inactive RAM

548 MB Wired RAM

690 MB Page-ins

0 B Page-outs

Thanks for your help.

Tom

MacBook Pro, iOS 5

Posted on May 25, 2014 6:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 7:44 AM in response to coopapp

You have THREE softwares that you should not have !

MacKeeper from Zeobit, Trusteer Rapport, and Eset antivirus. I suspect that the issues were coming up after the install of these softwares.

Then you have maybe unknowingly installed hacked software. I don't know what, maybe you can tell me.

1. Uninstall MacKeeper, according to the instructions on the Zeobit site. And let it never come back.

There are probably leftovers. Important: open KeychainAccess and delte all entries with zeobit.

2. Uninstall Eset Cyber Security, on this site you can see how to uninstall manually:

http://kb.eset.com/esetkb/index?page=content&id=SOLN3244

make sure that it is gone from the SystemPreferences/Users&Groups/LoginItems.

3. Uninstall Trusteer Rapport, whatever your bank account manager says: it has to go and is NOT necessary for the internet banking, on the contrary, read this page:

http://www.trusteer.com/support/uninstalling-rapport-mac-os-x

make sure that it is gone from the SystemsPreferences.

4. Restart, empty the Trash bin.

5. If you do not use Virtualbox (anymore) uninstall it, otherwise set it to not start automatically at startup.

6. Do not use Chrome, if you do not want to use Safari, use Firefox or Opera.

7. Think about removing some data files that you do not need anymore and delete or move them to a backup disk. Prefereably have 30-50 GB free on your disk, but you are still 'safe' now.

8. I am not familiar with Ambrosias Software and about Rabbit. Also we have to check the hosts file afterwards to see what is 'wrong' with it.

Now make a new etrecheck list.

Lex

Reply

Answer 2

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 7:57 AM in response to Lexiepex

Thank you for the star, but you make me (and yourself) really happy by doing the cleaning that I proposed. 😀

Lex

Reply

Answer 3

May 25, 2014 10:12 AM in response to Lexiepex

Lex,

Ambrosia launch items are usually for SnapzPro (one of the few screen-grabbers that I actually use). It works with few glitches on my System (the plug-in but not always the app itself). If the OP isn't using SnapzPro, they should delete that item as well.

Clinton

Reply

Answer 4

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 12:23 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Hi Clinton, thanks. This is good information, now I don't have to spend more time investigating..

Between you and me: A friend of mine talked me out of my 980GB Crucial (he took it), so now I have three 480's in test. Wonderful. Yours still going great suppose. Any change in the write speed?.

Have a wonderful evening...

Lex

Reply

Answer 5

May 25, 2014 12:37 PM in response to Lexiepex

Lex,

Yep, mine's still just chuggin along! Haven't run any more tests on it since I first installed it - I knid of wish that I'd known about the M550 1TB drive coming out - I bought the M500 just a few months before it was introduced!

960GB is fine with me... just could have used that extra 54 GB!!!

Clinton

Reply

Answer 6

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 12:44 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Don't fret Clinton. The M550 is not compatible.

Lex 😎

Reply

Answer 7

coopapp Author

Level 1

0 points

May 25, 2014 12:49 PM in response to coopapp

Hi Lex and Clinton

Apologies for the delay. I have been uninstalling/deleting the various bits of software, searching for uninstallers etc. (Also got distrated a couple of times...). Main issues have been that I thought I had uninstalled Trusteer Rapport before! Same for Zeobit's Mackeeper (I tried to uninstall that years ago, only had it installed for a few minutes before realising it was rubbish).

Yes, the ambrosia software was there as I had been running the Trial version of SnapzPro on my system, removed it this morning (apparently not all of it though).

I think I've removed all the necessary items, manually hunting for the files. I have also installed Opera in place of Chrome (and adobe flash plug-in to play vids). How do I go about removing the virtualbox files please? Also, is there an effective anti-virus software other than ESET for the Mac? Is it even necessary?

Here is my current Etrecheck:

EtreCheck version: 1.9.11 (43) - report generated 25 May 2014 20:45:13 BST

Hardware Information:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)

MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro7,1

1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores

4 GB RAM

Video Information:

NVIDIA GeForce 320M - VRAM: 256 MB

System Software:

OS X 10.9.3 (13D65) - Uptime: 0 days 2:47:53

Disk Information:

Hitachi HTS545025B9SA02 disk0 : (250.06 GB)

EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 249.2 GB (25.96 GB free)

Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898

USB Information:

Western Digital My Passport 070A 499.41 GB

EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

external (disk1s2) /Volumes/external: 499.06 GB (122.67 GB free)

Apple Inc. Built-in iSight

Western Digital My Book 1110 999.5 GB

EFI (disk3s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

MyBook (disk3s2) /Volumes/MyBook: 999.16 GB (123.75 GB free)

Apple Internal Memory Card Reader

Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub

Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver

Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad

Configuration files:

/etc/sysctl.conf - Exists

/etc/hosts - Count: 3

Gatekeeper:

Mac App Store and identified developers

Kernel Extensions:

[kext loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxDrv (4.1.2) Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetAdp (4.1.2) Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetFlt (4.1.2) Support

[kext loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxUSB (4.1.2) Support

Launch Daemons:

[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist Support

[loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist Support

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Support

Launch Agents:

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support

[loaded] com.hp.messagecenter.launcher.plist Support

User Launch Agents:

[loaded] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist Support

[failed] com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-[...]@me.com-SharedServices.Agent.plist

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist Support

User Login Items:

StatusMenu

Internet Plug-ins:

Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.0 Support

Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin: Version: 12.2.5 Support

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 10.1.10 Support

FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 13.0.0.214 - SDK 10.6 Support

Silverlight: Version: 4.0.50917.0 Support

Flash Player: Version: 13.0.0.214 - SDK 10.6 Support

QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3

iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0

SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.1 - SDK 10.6 Support

AdobePDFViewer: Version: 10.1.10 Support

JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Check version

Audio Plug-ins:

BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9

AirPlay: Version: 2.0 - SDK 10.9

AppleAVBAudio: Version: 203.2 - SDK 10.9

iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9

iTunes Plug-ins:

Quartz Composer Visualizer: Version: 1.4 - SDK 10.9

3rd Party Preference Panes:

Flash Player Support

VLC Streamer Support

Time Machine:

Skip System Files: NO

Mobile backups: ON

Auto backup: YES

Volumes being backed up:

Macintosh HD: Disk size: 232.09 GB Disk used: 207.91 GB

Destinations:

MyBook [Local] (Last used)

Total size: 930.54 GB

Total number of backups: 8

Oldest backup: 2011-07-26 06:06:39 +0000

Last backup: 2014-05-18 19:11:46 +0000

Size of backup disk: Excellent

Backup size 930.54 GB > (Disk size 232.09 GB X 3)

Time Machine details may not be accurate.

All volumes being backed up may not be listed.

Top Processes by CPU:

11% Finder

8% WindowServer

4% iTunes

1% coreaudiod

1% mds

Top Processes by Memory:

193 MB com.apple.IconServicesAgent

163 MB Finder

135 MB mds_stores

131 MB iTunes

123 MB Mail

Virtual Memory Information:

657 MB Free RAM

2.00 GB Active RAM

520 MB Inactive RAM

605 MB Wired RAM

1.54 GB Page-ins

1 MB Page-outs

Thanks again!

Tom

Reply

Answer 8

May 25, 2014 12:50 PM in response to Lexiepex

I've not been reading the Crucial community boards lately, but when I plug my computer specs in, the M550 says that it's compatible with my machine?

Clinton

Reply

Answer 9

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 12:55 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

I did that a few weeks ago, and it said that it was not compatible ! (MBP 2010, 2011, 2012). Maybe they still had some M500 left ? I will check again tomorrow: Not tonight, I had a wonderful Thai dinner tonight with friends....

Lex

Reply

Answer 10

May 25, 2014 12:56 PM in response to coopapp

The only things that I see suspicious is:

Kernel Extensions:

[kext loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxDrv (4.1.2) Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetAdp (4.1.2) Support

[not loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxNetFlt (4.1.2) Support

[kext loaded] org.virtualbox.kext.VBoxUSB (4.1.2) Support

Odd that some of the VirtualBox kexts would load and other's not load... do you have the latest version of VirtualBox? It looks as if 4.3.12 is the latest version and you have 4.1.2 - an update may help.

Clinton

Reply

Answer 11

May 25, 2014 1:00 PM in response to Lexiepex

@Lex,

Back when I lived in a true 'city' we used to go for Thai (or a curry) almost daily. Here, you can barely get any decent Chinese/Asian food at all.

I'll check again, too - just savor your meal now!

Clinton

Reply

Answer 12

coopapp Author

Level 1

0 points

May 25, 2014 1:06 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Ok, Finally managed to locate the VirtualBox data. I think I've managed to delete all of the relevant files. Wondering (after removing ESET) if there is any anti-virus software that can be used with Macs? Is it necessary?

Etrecheck:

EtreCheck version: 1.9.11 (43) - report generated 25 May 2014 21:02:01 BST

Hardware Information:

MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid 2010)

MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro7,1

1 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo CPU: 2 cores

4 GB RAM

Video Information:

NVIDIA GeForce 320M - VRAM: 256 MB

System Software:

OS X 10.9.3 (13D65) - Uptime: 0 days 3:4:41

Disk Information:

Hitachi HTS545025B9SA02 disk0 : (250.06 GB)

EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / [Startup]: 249.2 GB (25.95 GB free)

Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted>: 650 MB

MATSHITADVD-R UJ-898

USB Information:

Western Digital My Passport 070A 499.41 GB

EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

external (disk1s2) /Volumes/external: 499.06 GB (122.67 GB free)

Apple Inc. Built-in iSight

Western Digital My Book 1110 999.5 GB

EFI (disk3s1) <not mounted>: 209.7 MB

MyBook (disk3s2) /Volumes/MyBook: 999.16 GB (122.53 GB free)

Apple Internal Memory Card Reader

Apple Inc. BRCM2046 Hub

Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller

Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver

Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad

Configuration files:

/etc/sysctl.conf - Exists

/etc/hosts - Count: 3

Gatekeeper:

Mac App Store and identified developers

Launch Daemons:

[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist Support

[loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist Support

[loaded] com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist Support

Launch Agents:

[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist Support

[loaded] com.hp.messagecenter.launcher.plist Support

User Launch Agents:

[loaded] com.adobe.ARM.[...].plist Support

[failed] com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-[...]@me.com-SharedServices.Agent.plist

[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist Support

User Login Items:

StatusMenu

Internet Plug-ins:

Google Earth Web Plug-in: Version: 6.0 Support

Default Browser: Version: 537 - SDK 10.9

OfficeLiveBrowserPlugin: Version: 12.2.5 Support

AdobePDFViewerNPAPI: Version: 10.1.10 Support

FlashPlayer-10.6: Version: 13.0.0.214 - SDK 10.6 Support

Silverlight: Version: 4.0.50917.0 Support

Flash Player: Version: 13.0.0.214 - SDK 10.6 Support

QuickTime Plugin: Version: 7.7.3

iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0

SharePointBrowserPlugin: Version: 14.4.1 - SDK 10.6 Support

AdobePDFViewer: Version: 10.1.10 Support

JavaAppletPlugin: Version: 14.9.0 - SDK 10.7 Check version

Audio Plug-ins:

BluetoothAudioPlugIn: Version: 1.0 - SDK 10.9

AirPlay: Version: 2.0 - SDK 10.9

AppleAVBAudio: Version: 203.2 - SDK 10.9

iSightAudio: Version: 7.7.3 - SDK 10.9

iTunes Plug-ins:

Quartz Composer Visualizer: Version: 1.4 - SDK 10.9

3rd Party Preference Panes:

Flash Player Support

VLC Streamer Support

Time Machine:

Skip System Files: NO

Mobile backups: ON

Auto backup: YES

Volumes being backed up:

Macintosh HD: Disk size: 232.09 GB Disk used: 207.92 GB

Destinations:

MyBook [Local] (Last used)

Total size: 930.54 GB

Total number of backups: 8

Oldest backup: 2011-07-26 06:06:39 +0000

Last backup: 2014-05-18 19:11:46 +0000

Size of backup disk: Excellent

Backup size 930.54 GB > (Disk size 232.09 GB X 3)

Time Machine details may not be accurate.

All volumes being backed up may not be listed.

Top Processes by CPU:

37% Mail

6% WindowServer

1% iTunes

1% ocspd

1% coreaudiod

Top Processes by Memory:

197 MB com.apple.IconServicesAgent

131 MB softwareupdated

131 MB iTunes

125 MB Mail

123 MB mds_stores

Virtual Memory Information:

723 MB Free RAM

1.92 GB Active RAM

522 MB Inactive RAM

623 MB Wired RAM

1.57 GB Page-ins

1 MB Page-outs

Cheers!

Reply

Answer 13

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 1:19 PM in response to coopapp

Hi Tom,

-- Virtualbox: nothing wrong with it, but if you do not use it, uninstall (look at all the kext and launchers it installs...):

Open the DMG file, there is an uninstaller in it.

-- Looks good now.

Cleaning some leftovers:

a. Go to MacintoshHD->Library->LaunchDaemons folder, in there delete

adobe Switchboard plist

b. Go to MacintoshHD->Library->LaunchAgents folder, in there delete

adobe.AAM.Updater....... and the

hp messagecenter entry when you don't use a hp machine.

c. In finder go to the GO menu, hold the alt(option) key and choose Library, in there open the LaunchAgents folder and in there delete

...apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-.....

(this is a remnant of SnowLeopard, can be deleted).

---

Restart, empty the trash, use it for a few days and see if you are satisfied.

---

In Finder via the GO menu, 'GoToFolder' enter

/etc/

there you find a file called 'hosts' (just that, nothing else), open it with Textedit, copy the text, don't do anything else, Quit Textedit. Paste the text here in your post.

then find the file

sysctl.conf

and delete that file.

Go out of the /etc/ folder.

Empty the Trash.

Restart. Then in DiskUtilities, 'repair permissions'.

Post the hosts file text.; and other comments, if you have them.

Lex

Reply

Answer 14

Lexiepex

Level 6

14,102 points

May 25, 2014 1:21 PM in response to clintonfrombirmingham

Virtualbox:

Some are only loaded when the VB is really started.

Reply

Answer 15

May 25, 2014 1:26 PM in response to coopapp

That looks like a pretty clean and lean system, now. Did you reboot after getting rid of VirtualBox? Any speed increases?

If there are no notable speed differences, you may want to check out the 'health' of your internal hard drive. Boot into your Recovery Partition (hold down the command and R keys whilst booting) and, once at your Recovery screen:

...select Disk Utility and then highlight the name of your boot volume (Macintosh HD) and click on the Verify button at the bottom left. If the output text is green and telling you that everything appears to be OK, then your hard drive should be fine. If, however, you get red text telling you that the drive needs to be repaired, select Macintosh HD again and click on the Repair button. You'll either get a message in green text telling you that the drive has been repaired or red text telling you that the drive cannot be repaired.

Call back with results. You can access Safari from the Recovery screen (just remember or write down your Apple ID and password!).

Good luck,

Clinton

Reply