Macbook Pro mid 2012 running very slow

Question

Level 1

8 points

Macbook Pro mid 2012 running very slow

I have a mid 2012 macbook pro and barely any of my memory used- no photos, videos or music on here, only documents. I have Captain. So I guess I am wondering if these Mac just need to be replaced after 5 years or what?

It starts very slow, and the only time it crashes is when I copy addresses from Excel (Office 2011) and then send to a mail. Then I get promoted to send an error report and I am wondering what the heck they do with that? Not help me... :-)

I will eventually go to the Mac store BUT I know I will just buy a new Mac and financially do not want to do that.

Can Office 2011 be the issue? Should I try to get 2016?

In the past I had a PC-and people (professional IT's) would say add this malware/adware etc. and then I had more problems so when I read through these forums and people say to try this or that it generally makes me nervous because my Macbook is functional.

I do have a time machine and always back ups. I also have auto updates on.

Thanks so much!!!

Posted on Sep 25, 2016 10:49 AM

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Answer 1

dominic23

Level 10

84,018 points

Sep 25, 2016 11:19 AM in response to Elicia21

Slow startup?

Reset NVRAM/PRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH18761

Reset SMC. Choose the method for “If the battery is non-removable”.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295

Startup in Safe Mode

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH21875?locale=en_US

Select Macintosh HD as the Startup Disk.

“Set the default startup disk” http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1310

If this doesn’t help, please run EtreCheck and post the report here.

http://etresoft.com/etrecheck

Download it, open Downloads folder, click on it to open and select”Open” in the dialog to run it.

Click “Share Report” button in the toolbar, select “Copy to Clipboard” and then paste it when you reply.

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Answer 2

Elicia21 Author

Level 1

8 points

Sep 25, 2016 1:47 PM in response to dominic23

Hi dominic-

Thanks for that! I did see that in a similar post before I realized how to start my own post.

Before I take this leap - Do I need to back up my computer before doing these steps?

Last back up a few days ago.

Also- I assume this list is in order of what to do first to last?

Just a few questions/concerns if you don't mind.

1. The NVRAM- the four bullet points don't make sense to me as to how they would get changed in the first place and need to be reset. I truly just like to learn and know why and what things are for in this case laymen's terms.

2. The SMC reset- really freaks me out reading it and the "make sure to try all other standard troubleshooting first" which there is only one step prior to that listed.

3. Safe mode- Do I keep the computer in safe mode to do #4 (sorry that does seem obvious) and then also keep in safe mode if needed to do #5/run report?

4. The start up disk- whenever I download any updates, the only drive listed is ever the Mac HD-is that irrelevant and when I go to do this step I will see the other two options (Boot camp, my back up) listed? So I was thinking that Mac HD is my start up disk and I don't need to select that?

Please understand my questions and/or hesitation before going forward as I NEED this laptop for publishing/writing purposes right now and cannot go a day without it. (its working just annoying slow for something I have babied forever)

Additionally- thank you very much for your help. This forum is great and Im thankful to now be a part of it.

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Answer 3

dominic23

Level 10

84,018 points

Sep 26, 2016 3:34 AM in response to Elicia21

Elicia21 wrote:

1. The NVRAM- the four bullet points don't make sense to me as to how they would get changed in the first place and need to be reset. I truly just like to learn and know why and what things are for in this case laymen's terms.

Let me address your concerns about the answer I wrote.

Thank you for posting those.

Startup delay

Startup delay can be caused by system not finding the Startup disk when the startup process is initiated.

Startup disk selection is stored in PRAM/NVRAM.

The contents of PRAM/NVRAM can get corrupted.

When we reset PRAM?NVRAM, the default will be restored.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063

Another way of choosing the proper Startup disk while the Mac is starting up, is using the Startup manager available

in System Preferences.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204417

Elicia21 wrote:

2. The SMC reset- really freaks me out reading it and the "make sure to try all other standard troubleshooting first" which there is only one step prior to that listed.

Indicators that your SMC might need to be reset.