Macbook Pro slow startup, extra slow to load dock/interface

Question

I have a Macbook Pro core 2 duo era 2007, OS 10.6.8, with an interesting problem I've not encountered in reading other issues. Here's the system profile, to get that out of the way:
Hardware Overview:
  Model Name:          MacBook Pro
  Model Identifier:          MacBookPro3,1
  Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
  Processor Speed:          2.2 GHz
  Number Of Processors:          1
  Total Number Of Cores:          2
  L2 Cache:          4 MB
  Memory:          2 GB
  Bus Speed:          800 MHz
  Boot ROM Version:          MBP31.0070.B07
  SMC Version (system):          1.16f11
  Serial Number (system):          W87*****AH
  Hardware UUID:          00000000-0000-1000-8000-001******528
  Sudden Motion Sensor:
  State:          Enabled
Other than the faulty video card that seems standard for this run of the Pro, I have never had an issue. I have just replaced the battery from the original battery that came with the computer. It was useless to the extent of the word, but my budget did not allow me to purchase a new battery until recently. The battery info only stated "Replace Now" and the LED meter no longer functioned. The battery held no charge, and the computer only ran off of wall power. Up until a few days before I replaced the battery, this provided no trouble. However, it began one day to startup extremely slowly (5 minutes or more on the Apple logo startup screen, and then more time to load dock/top screen toolbar/etc. It also failed to recognize the external HD I frequently use with this computer. My theory was that it was simply underpowered on account of the failed battery, and the internal HD or the CPU was just not able to run properly. I finally put a new battery in hoping that it would fix the issue, but no avail. My startup time seems slightly less, but it seems as if the computer has not loaded interface protocols, as the computer is unresponsive to attempts to open the dock or a finder window, or even hover over battery or volume icons. After 5-10 minutes it finally kicks in and I can use my computer without problem, with the exception of the external HD, which will still not load.
I have run disk utility, verified my HD, no errors reported. I have the activity monitor up which shows a pretty minimal load on the CPU and disk usage. Nothing I can think of would explain the problem my computer has suddenly adopted. I love the **** out of this computer though, so any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

Stefan_Axel wrote:
120 GB, with 5.9 free. I've been running my laptop with about the same free:used ratio for a while without issue. I attempted a disk repair once earlier, but not using the install disc. I'll try that. The prompt reply is appreciated!
Well you're having issues now!  Time to clean house!  Where did my Disk Space go?
Slimming your hard drive
OmniDiskSweeper is a free utility that checks HD space.
FreeSpace cost $1 or is a free utility that checks HD space.
SpaceControl is a free utility that checks HD space.
Rule of thumb: You should never let your hard drive get to where you have only 10-15% of space left.