very slow system

Hello farran2004,

It sounds like your computer is having some performance issues. I would start by performing a PRAM reset, with this article:

How to Reset NVRAM on your Mac

Resetting NVRAM

1. Shut down your Mac.
2. Locate the following keys on the keyboard: Command (⌘), Option, P, and R.
3. Turn on your Mac.
4. Press and hold the Command-Option-P-R keys immediately after you hear the startup sound.
5. Hold these keys until the computer restarts and you hear the startup sound for a second time.
6. Release the keys.

After resetting NVRAM, you may need to reconfigure settings for speaker volume, screen resolution, startup disk selection, and time zone information.

Then if needed boot to Safe Mode and restart the computer and test it out again:

Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up

Thank you for using Apple Support Communities.

All the best,

Sterling

Download an Etrecheck report and post it:

http://www.etresoft.com/etrecheck

Ciao.