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slow internet and trackpad

My iMac running the latest version of Mavericks has terribly slow internet. Also the trackpad does not work smoothly - with some seemingly "dead" spots in it.


The network connection is via ethernet. I am bound to my companies domain. The macbook pro next to me on my desk has No problems when i plugged the ethernet cable in it. My iMac carries the exact same network settings (proxies etc) as the MBP.


I have tried trashing the Macintosh HD//Library/Preferences/System Preferences folder and rebooting but this did not help. The problem is happening with all logins. Ping times to google.com return around 47ms. It's just that losing any page seems to take a terribly long time. (1-2 mins)


Is it possible some 'Preferences' are corrupted that could also be linked to the strange trackpad behaviour I mentioned above?


I appreciate any suggestions from your vast wisdom. Thank you.

Posted on Jul 6, 2014 4:30 PM

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Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Jul 6, 2014 6:04 PM

Please read this whole message before doing anything.


This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.


Step 1


The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.


Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”


While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your documents or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this behavior; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.


Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?


After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.


*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.


Step 2


The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

Please take this step regardless of the results of Step 1.


Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.

Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.


Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.


The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.


Test while in safe mode. Same problem?


After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of Steps 1 and 2.

5 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Jul 6, 2014 6:04 PM in response to calinaus

Please read this whole message before doing anything.


This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.


Step 1


The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.


Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”


While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your documents or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this behavior; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.


Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?


After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.


*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.


Step 2


The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.

Please take this step regardless of the results of Step 1.


Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. You must hold down the shift key twice: once when you turn on the computer, and again when you log in.

Note: If FileVault is enabled, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a Fusion Drive or a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.


Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.


The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.


Test while in safe mode. Same problem?


After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of Steps 1 and 2.

Jul 7, 2014 1:22 AM in response to Linc Davis

Dear Linc,

Thank you very much for your quick response. Bow are the test results:

Test 1 - turned on Guest account and logged in. Problems persist. (Trackpad and internet).

Test 2 - Unplugged all peripherals exceot wired k/b. Booted in Safe Mode. Logged into my account while holding shift key. Internet is back at normal speed, same as my MBP on the desk next to me. However, I rebooted into normal boot and logged into my account - at first the internet was quick, navigating to google - but as I went to other sites it seemed to gradually get slower and slower load times until it was back to the same as before. Also, the trackpad "dead spot' persists.

I really appreciate your help.

Aug 12, 2014 10:20 PM in response to Linc Davis

Dear Linc,


Sorry it's been such a long time - but I am now getting back to the original issue here.

I have re-tested as you suggested and I can confirm that after booting in Safe Mode the internet is at normal speed; however the trackpad issue remains unchanged. Re-booting into Normal Mode and the internet returns back to slow speed.


I look forward to any further help you may be able to supply.


Thank you kindly.

slow internet and trackpad

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