Extremely slow performance when external drives are plugged in.

Question

I've had lots of freezing issues during startup just recently. After a lot of messing around I removed an iOmega Firewire HDD that was constantly plugged in and the freezing issues have gone. Great! But as I tried to plug it back into my machine once everything had loaded up, the machine became unusably slow.
I've also tried plugging in USB drives, like my iPhone, camera and memory stick and it has the same effect.
Anyone else had this same problem or any ideas how to fix it?

Answer 1

HI,
*"I've also tried plugging in USB drives, like my iPhone, camera and memory stick and it has the same effect."*
How much free space on the startup disk? Might be an underlying issue ...
Right or control click the MacintoshHD icon. Click Get Info. In the Get Info window you will see Capacity and Available. *Make sure you always have a minimum of 10% to 15% free disk space at all times.*
If you need to free up space on the startup disk go here.
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/freeingspace.html
If free space is not an issue, then boot from your install disc and run Disk Utility.
Insert Installer disk and Restart, holding down the "C" key until grey Apple appears.
Go to Installer menu and launch Disk Utility.
Select your HDD (manufacturer ID) in the left panel.
Select First Aid in the Main panel.
*(Check S.M.A.R.T Status of HDD at the bottom of right panel. It should say: Verified)*
Click Repair Disk on the bottom right.
If DU reports disk does not need repairs quit DU and restart.
If DU reports errors Repair again and again until DU reports disk is repaired.
When you are finished with DU, from the Menu Bar, select Utilities/Startup Manager.
Select your start up disk and click Restart
Carolyn