Iphoto, the App Store, iMessage problems on OSX 10.8.5

Question

I have a couple of problems.
Firstly, my imessage does not work. When I send messages it does not deliver them, and puts this little red exclamation point next to the message. When Imessge is not active i recieve old texts from weeks ago in the top right hand cornor of my computer. When i click on it and want to send an imessage it does not let me.
Second, iphoto. Is there any way to speed up iphoto? It runs espically so compared to other programs. I realize that I do have around 10,000 picutures, but shouldnt it be able to handle it?
Lastly, the App Store. This gives me the most difficulties. I have updates and it will not let me download them. I have to accept purchases but just like the downloads, when i click on the accept button it will not actually do it. It just clicks it. One of the biggest problems is that it will not let me even sign in the my account. I have tried different tactics but everytime i click on a sign in option, it does the same thing as when i click download or accept. How do i fix this? Do I uninstall the app store? but then i dont know how to get it back.
Note: Imove, iphoto, and bascally everything else came with the mac when i bought it. I did not buy these separate from the app store and such.
This is getting very frustrating. Thank you for your help if there is any!

Answer 1

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
Step 1
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.
Enable guest logins* and log in as Guest. Don't use the Safari-only “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac.”
While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.
Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem?
After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.
*Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault, then you can’t enable the Guest account. The “Guest User” login created by “Find My Mac” is not the same. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.
Step 2
The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.