Slow boot MacBook

I have a Macbook that is a few years old. Core2Duo, ect., it a nice machine that runs fast. The issue that has been building up recently is load time from the login screen to the desktop. Until about 2 weeks ago I would turn on the computer, log in and the desktop would show up almost instantly, it's since become a 2-3-4 minute load time. Once it gets to the desktop everything runs fine.

I have found what I could online, cleaned out the PRAM with Command-Option-P-R key, emptied the cache folders, repaired permissions, cleaned the dock down to a few items, and disabled start up programs (all I have is RightZoom loading on start-up anyways).

How full is your hard drive? If your HD is around 80% full, that will not only slow the boot time down, but everything else as well.

Also, for a complete maintenance cleaning I recommend using the free OnyX program. Download, install, and be sure to read directions carefully before using.

As a general rule of thumb, Mac OS X needs about 1/3 of your hard disk space to operate smoothly. If you start taking up this 1/3, the system bogs down.

Chris H. said:

As a general rule of thumb, Mac OS X needs about 1/3 of your hard disk space to operate smoothly. If you start taking up this 1/3, the system bogs down.

Click to expand...

160 GB hard drive, 120 are free.

I tried Onyx, no change.

OK. Try opening up your Activity Monitor.app and see what's running as soon as the machine starts up and the desktop appears.

Also, take a look in MacIntosh HD/Library/StartupItems to see what might be running. Assuming you've already looked in System Preferences, Accounts, Login Items.