Computer has suddenly slowed to a crawl

Hope you can help out there!
--MacBook has suddenly slowed down.
--Takes 2 minutes from login screen to seeing my desktop.
--Took 2 hours to repair permissions.
--Safari begins to start-up and then stalls. Have to re-start.
--Can't back up--Time Machine says "preparing" for 2 hours--I gave up.
--Tried to re-build directory with Disk Warrior--found lots of problems, but would not let me replace with the "preview" directory. It recommended I back-up the "preview" directory, but I didn't see any way to do that. Permissions repair went through quickly. Diagnostics on hard drive ("S.M.A.R.T." function) indicate that hard drive is OK.
--I've run Cocktail (latest version), and that went through okay.
--Have re-started the computer multiple times without beneficial effect.
--Now trying to back-up via Time Machine one more time--will let it stew overnight.
Any suggestions most welcome. THANK YOU.

Hello Robert:
As I indicated above, I think an archive and install would be something to seriously consider:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107120
An archive and install will install a fresh copy of OS X (which should be updated using the software update feature) while preserving your files, programs, and settings. As always, I strongly recommend a backup before any software update (Time Machine is a good solution).
An erase and install, IMHO, should be reserved for a disaster (I have never done one myself).
By the by, running GUI programs like OnYx (I have one that is pretty good - Cocktail), while not harmful, would not (IMHO) fix the sort of problems you describe. For example, OS X 10.5 runs the UNIX 'cron' (the daily, weekly and monthly processes mentioned above) automatically. There is no reason to manually initiate them. Also, the cache cleaning most of the GUI maintenance programs initiate may atually slow a system for a period of time. There is little or no reason to run any maintenance programs under OS X 10.5 - unless one is troubleshooting.
Barry

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