MacBook Pro Slow Booting and Operating

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MacBook Pro Slow Booting and Operating

Hi all, I've been searching around the forum all day reading similar entries and trying some of the proposed fixes, but unfortunately none of them have helped my situation.

Last night I was working on my machine as normal, running a program called Pro Tools for audio work, and it froze up on me. Eventually I had to force the program to quit and was able to restart and run with success. However, this morning when I started up the machine for a session I was taken back by how slowly it booted up. I was even more taken back by how slow the machine was operating once booted. This has never happened. It is even freezing momentarily as I type this with the colored wheel spinning.

So far I've made a backup with Time Machine, put preferences in another folder temporarily, repaired disk permissions, checked SMART status is GOOD, reset SMC, and I'm sure some other things I can't remember.

Activity monitor is good - shows CPU @ 80% idle, and RAM is 5.53GB Free of 8 GB.

Here is a log of my last boot. As I understand it this may help some of you more advanced users in identifying any causes. THANKS in advance for any advice!!!

Jul 6 17:52:27 localhost bootlog[44]: BOOT_TIME: 1404683531 0

Jul 6 17:52:33 localhost blued[17]: Apple Bluetooth daemon started

Jul 6 17:53:11 localhost /System/Library/CoreServices/loginwindow.app/Contents/MacOS/loginwindow[32]: Login Window Application Started

Jul 6 17:53:12 localhost configd[13]: bootp_session_transmit: bpf_write(en1) failed: Network is down (50)

Jul 6 17:53:12 localhost configd[13]: DHCP en1: INIT-REBOOT transmit failed

Jul 6 17:53:13 localhost configd[13]: network configuration changed.

Jul 6 17:53:13 localhost mDNSResponder[31]: mDNSResponder mDNSResponder-258.21 (May 26 2011 14:40:13) starting

Jul 6 17:53:18 localhost com.apple.usbmuxd[23]: usbmuxd-323.1 on Oct 3 2013 at 12:43:24, running 64 bit

Jul 6 17:53:19 localhost com.apple.SystemStarter[24]: PACESupport - launchd already started us

Jul 6 17:53:23 localhost configd[13]: network configuration changed.

Jul 6 17:53:44: --- last message repeated 1 time ---

Jul 6 17:53:44 localhost root[100]: /usr/libexec/ntpd-wrapper: scutil key State:/Network/Global/DNS not present after 30 seconds

Jul 6 17:53:46 localhost root[104]: sntp options: a=2 v=1 e=0.100 E=5.000 P=2147483647.000

Jul 6 17:53:46 localhost root[104]: d=15 c=5 x=0 op=1 l=/var/run/sntp.pid f= time.apple.com

Jul 6 17:53:46 localhost root[104]: sntp: getaddrinfo(hostname, ntp) failed with nodename nor servname provided, or not known

Jul 6 17:53:56 localhost loginwindow[32]: Login Window Started Security Agent

Jul 6 17:53:57 localhost WindowServer[83]: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.

Jul 6 17:53:57 localhost com.apple.WindowServer[83]: Sun Jul 6 17:53:57 localhost WindowServer[83] <Error>: kCGErrorFailure: Set a breakpoint @ CGErrorBreakpoint() to catch errors as they are logged.

Jul 6 17:54:02 localhost warmd[22]: [fetcher_open_file:936] open("/var/db/dyld/dyld_shared_cache_x86_64") => -1 (errno: 2)

Jul 6 17:54:02 localhost warmd[22]: [fetcher_open_file:936] open("/var/db/dyld/dyld_shared_cache_i386") => -1 (errno: 2)

Jul 6 17:54:04 localhost SecurityAgent[128]: NSSecureTextFieldCell detected a field editor ((null)) that is not a NSTextView subclass designed to work with the cell. Ignoring...

Jul 6 17:54:04 localhost loginwindow[32]: Login Window - Returned from Security Agent

Jul 6 17:54:04 localhost loginwindow[32]: USER_PROCESS: 32 console

Jul 6 17:54:04 localhost com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[137] (com.spotify.webhelper): Unknown key: SpotifyPath

Jul 6 17:54:04 localhost com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[137] (com.apple.ReportCrash): Falling back to default Mach exception handler. Could not find: com.apple.ReportCrash.Self

Jul 6 17:55:38 localhost XProtectUpdater[21]: NSURLConnection error: Error Domain=NSURLErrorDomain Code=-1009 UserInfo=0x101f20420 "This computer’s Internet connection appears to be offline." Underlying Error=(Error Domain=kCFErrorDomainCFNetwork Code=-1009 UserInfo=0x101f7ad00 "This computer’s Internet connection appears to be offline.")

Jul 6 17:55:38 localhost com.apple.launchd[1] (com.apple.xprotectupdater[21]): Exited with exit code: 255

Jul 6 17:56:38 localhost com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[137] (com.apple.Kerberos.renew.plist[155]): Exited with exit code: 1

Jul 6 17:56:38 localhost com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[137] (com.apple.mrt.uiagent[154]): Exited with exit code: 255

Jul 6 17:56:48 localhost com.apple.launchd.peruser.501[137] (com.apple.CSConfigDotMacCert-MYEMAIL@me.com-SharedServices[158]): Exited with exit code: 1

Jul 6 17:57:54 localhost mdworker[147]: (Error) SyncInfo: Catalog changed during searchfs too many times -- falling back to fsw search /

Posted on Jul 6, 2014 3:15 PM

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Answer 1

Jul 7, 2014 5:30 PM in response to clyder67

Your report shows you are off line. It looks like Spotify is trying to connect.

Open Spotify

Edit -> Preferences -> [untick] Allow Spotify to be started from the Web

If you still have problems, download EtreCheck and paste results here for help troubleshooting.

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

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Answer 2

clyder67 Author

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Jul 7, 2014 5:54 PM in response to dianeoforegon

Thanks for the reply. I actually conpletely removed all spotify files and the problem persisted. After many other unsuccessful attempts I decided to try to reinstall the OS from the disc. Unfortunately after 4 or 5 attempts that still won't complete the install and now I have no OS at all! I just did a complete HD erase and I am attempting to reinstall once again. Wish me luck!

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Answer 3

Jul 7, 2014 7:30 PM in response to clyder67

Do you qualify for Mavericks?

Check your applications for Mavericks compatibility here: http://roaringapps.com/

For example, Microsoft Office 2004 and AppleWorks do not run under Lion and newer.

Lion and newer do not support PowerPC software. They must be Intel native.

OS X Mavericks: System Requirements

To install Mavericks, you need one of these Macs:

▪ iMac (Mid-2007 or later)

▪ MacBook (13-inch Aluminum, Late 2008), (13-inch, Early 2009 or later)

▪ MacBook Pro (13-inch, Mid-2009 or later),

▪ MacBook Pro (15-inch or 17-inch, Mid/Late 2007 or later)

▪ MacBook Air (Late 2008 or later)

▪ Mac mini (Early 2009 or later)

▪ Mac Pro (Early 2008 or later)

▪ Xserve (Early 2009)

Your Mac also needs:

▪ OS X Mountain Lion, Lion, or Snow Leopard v10.6.8 already installed

▪ 2 GB or more of memory <--------personally I find this to be too low. 4GB + is much better

▪ 8 GB or more of available space

Regardless, good luck on the install.

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Answer 4

clyder67 Author

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Jul 7, 2014 7:42 PM in response to dianeoforegon

Still waiting for the install to complete...

Unfortunately the main software I use doesn't support Mavericks. They're usually a few iterations behind in my experience since they attempt to QC the heck out of anything before they'll put a stamp on it.

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Answer 5

Jul 7, 2014 7:47 PM in response to clyder67

One option you have if you have enough free disk space is to create a small second partition on your drive and install Mavericks. You can play around with Mavericks and see how it works with your hardware. You can make a partition as small as 30GB for a test partition.

What software do you use that is not updated?

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Answer 6

clyder67 Author

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Jul 7, 2014 7:56 PM in response to clyder67

TThat's a good idea since I barely use any space on the internal HD as it is. The software is Digidesign Pro Tools. They've pretty much always been that way. But they were bought out by a company called Avid and I feel like they've left a lot of their users in the dust.

By the way, OS installed - configuring now.

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Answer 7

clyder67 Author

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Jul 7, 2014 8:14 PM in response to clyder67

Still very slow :-( Not sure what to do at this point. All the hardware checked out under the system test. Possible it's the hard drive? If so any recommendations? SSD???

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Answer 8

Jul 7, 2014 8:26 PM in response to clyder67

If you don't use Digidesign Pro Tools often you can dual boot when needed to run the software.

Possible it's the hard drive? If so any recommendations? SSD???

It's possible this is a sign of a failing drive. SSD would give your comuter a big boost. Check out the videos on how to install on this site.

This site is recommended here by many of the posters. You might look at upgrading your RAM if you only have 4GB installed.

http://eshop.macsales.com/installvideos/

Upgrade RAM

Open System Profiler > Hardware

Copy the Serial number and model identifier

Under Memory in System Profiler, you'll see how many slots and what is installed. You need matching pairs. Most likely you will have to replace RAM you have installed unless you have 4 slots and are only using 2 slots.

Go to this page:

http://support.apple.com/specs/

Copy the Serial number in the "Search Tech Specs" search box. This will take you to the info on your computer.

(Note: Apple specs often do not show how much you can add to older computers. Macsales has tested and found more RAM can be installed than indicated by Apple. If you are upgrading an older computer, I suggest checking with sales first to see how much more you can add.)

Before you do costly repairs on an old Mac compare it to the cost of a new MacBook Air. Apple recently dropped the prices on the MacBook Airs by $100. Best Buy has been offering additional discounts on the Air. Prices start around $850.

http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-air

If you do purchase a new computer, get 8GB RAM. RAM is soldered in and you can't upgrade later.

Check out Apple's Special Financing link.

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/finance/instant_credit

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Answer 9

clyder67 Author

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Jul 7, 2014 8:33 PM in response to dianeoforegon

Thanks so much for all the info. I did upgrade the RAM a while back so it's at 8GB.

AS far far as a new mac, there are other reasons I haven't jumped into anything. To run this software setup there are several peripherals - Firewire, USB, etc that are needed. For now I really hope to stick with this machine as it has everything I need and I've been happy with it. If I upgrade the machine if have to update peripherals, and LOTS of software - way more than the price of a new mac :-/

Do you think the hard drive is a logical next step? If so any HD recommendations? Thanks.

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Answer 10

Jul 7, 2014 8:42 PM in response to clyder67

Cost is probably going to help you decide. If you get a regular drive get 7200 RPM, but SSD drives will most likely be smaller for the same cost. Speed vs size and factor in cost?

There are some new drives that are called hybrid drives. I would stay away from those. Way more involved in setup and partitioning.

The drives sold by MacSales are good drives. I would start there. The sales folks have been very knowledgeable when I've talked to them.

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Answer 11

Eric Root

Level 10

684,039 points

Jul 8, 2014 8:19 AM in response to clyder67

Disk 2 that came with your computer and run the Apple Hardware test. Apple Hardware Test doesn't catch everything, so even if it doesn't find a problem, you could have one.

If you live near an Apple Store, make a Genius Bar appointment to have the computer tested. Supposedly there is no charge for testing.

Genius Bar Reservation US

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Answer 12

clyder67 Author

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Jul 8, 2014 8:47 AM in response to Eric Root

Thanks for the ideas. I ended up putting in a HD I had, 7,200 RPM WD, and it worked. Sounds like that was the problem. It installed the OS and ran like a top. I'm stopping after work to get a SSD because nows the time! I'll let you know how I make out. Thanks again!

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Answer 13

Eric Root

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684,039 points

Jul 8, 2014 9:40 AM in response to clyder67

You are welcome. Glad it is fixed.

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Answer 14

Jul 8, 2014 10:45 AM in response to clyder67

Let us know how the SSD compares to the 7200rpm drive.

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Answer 15

clyder67 Author

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Jul 8, 2014 6:57 PM in response to dianeoforegon

Initial reaction (picks jaw up from floor)..... WOW.... It takes about 13 seconds to go from completely off to desktop. Everything opens in a fraction of the time it took prior to SSD. I'm sold.

Here's what I went with Samsung 840 EVO.

I have a feeling this is going to change my life.

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