What is "DirectoryService"? and why is it taking up all my computing power?

My powerbook has been running this process called DirectoryService and it has been taking up 70-90% of my CPU (that's what my istat nano widget tells me anyway). I've restarted but when the computer comes back on the process is still running. I can only assume this is why everything on my computer is acting very sluggish and my fan won't stop running. When I Spotlight "DirectoryService" two folders come up, and they are both filled with files called DirectoryService.error.log.(some number) or DirectoryService.server.log.(some number) Any hints on what this is and how to make it stop killing my computer? Thanks
Additional info - looking at my activity monitor, it lists no process called directoryservice.. the stats are as follows, though. User ~25%, system~75%, nice=0%, idle =0%. The only application open is Safari.

Open a Terminal window and type top, without the stars. See if it shows up there.
Running a network of any kind that its trying to connect to?
Have a .Mac account that's trying to synch?
Joe

Similar Messages

What is kernel_task, and why is it taking up so much RAM and CPU?

I have recently upgraded to OS X Mavericks, and despite promises of extreme performance, my MPB has been running slower than ever before. According to Activity Monitor, "kernal_task" is taking up 600+ MB of RAM and hasn't dropped since I upgraded. It's also been taking between 4% and 8% of my CPU. When I first upgraded, there was a little alert message that said it was optomizing my system, and it may slow down the computer and decrease battery life. The message lasted for two days, then finally went away. (I didn't close it, so I assumed it had finished.) However, kernal_task, which I thought was the optomization, has been on the top of the list of RAM usage and top 3 on the list of % CPU since I upgraded. PLEASE tell me what it is, and how I can decrease it's toll on my performance! It won't let me stop the task or even get more information on it when I select it on the list of processes. Also, on a side note, Activity Monitor used to let you change its dock icon to a pie chart showing memory usage. Unfortunately, this feature seems to be gone. Is there any way I can get it back or use a different app? I don't want to have it open on top of my stuff or as a window, I would like to see it in the dock. In fact, the chart isn't even in the memory tab of the Activity Monitor application anymore!
Thank you so much to whoever can help me out in my panic and frustration. For the record, I am actually really great at computers, but I turned to the support community because I'm sure there's someone out there with more knowledge than me, even though I'm not a tech-illiterate person...
Dan
Specs: (Per the System Information App)
Model Name:          MacBook Pro
Model Identifier:          MacBookPro6,1
Processor Name:          Intel Core i7
Processor Speed:          2.8 GHz
Number of Processors:          1
Total Number of Cores:          2
L2 Cache (per Core):          256 KB
L3 Cache:          4 MB
Memory:          8 GB
Processor Interconnect Speed:          4.8 GT/s
Boot ROM Version:          MBP61.0057.B0F
SMC Version (system):          1.57f18
Sudden Motion Sensor:
State:          Enabled
Also, I'm on a MacBook Pro 17" with a 500GB hard drive (and only 70GB free, but I use an external 2TB as my main drive). It is a mid-2010 build, and I bought it certified refurbished.

That's not very high. Mine is over 1 GB. Typical is around 5-800 GBs depending upon what tasks are running.
You don't need to add more RAM, just be careful not to run more concurrent tasks than are appropriate for your memory usage profile. It's really not a big deal unless it gets to 600 GBs. Then you have a problem.
I disagree with McBlob about free disk space. Keep at least 10% of the drive's capacity as free space. For you that's 50 GBs, and that's adequate.

What is Mangler and why is it taking over my Mac and making it slow?

I thought I had a hard drive problem and maybe I still do but one of the suggestions I got to see what was going on when my machine slowed to a crawl was to run Activity Monitor.
Umm, what the heck is Mangler and why is it using 6GB of memory and 12GB of virtual memory? I can see it's related to sync and that when my machine syncs the processor goes balistic, the machine slows to a crawl and the fans go on full bore. What's wrong?
Obviously there was a time when it worked without crippling my system so the question is how to I correct this. Ideas?
Gregor

Hi Gregor;
Mangler is a utility for renaming files.
Do you have version 2 which was release for Snow Leopard?
Another choice would be delete it if you don't use it.
Allan

What is "other" and why is it taking all my phones memory?

I have only used 1gb of my phones memory, but theres this "other" thats taking up more than 4.5gb of my storage. I have backed my phone up to icloud, deleted my recent calls, all my messages, all my music, my safaris data & cookies, anything I can think of i deleted and it hasnt affected the "other" at all. I have tried to restore my phone and it did nothing at all. I called apple support to see what my other options were and I was told that I need to pay 80$ for them to awnser any of my questions.
Any suggestions ?

tayjackson wrote:
Any suggestions ?
Other is usually around 1 GB...
A ' Large Other ' usually indicates Corrupt Data...
First Try a Restore from Backup...
But... if the Large Other Persists, that is an Indicator of Corrupt Data in the Backup...
Then a Restore as New is the way to go...
Details Here > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1414
More Info Here...
maclife.com/how_remove_other_data_your_iphone
More Info about ‘Other’ in this Discussion
https://discussions.apple.com/message/19958116

I've set up iCloud and now have got guest user - what is that and why

I have set up my iCloud account and now have got a guest user on my iMac - what is that and why have I got it?
What happens if I find a way of taking that off the 'introduction screen'?
Any help or advice most welcome.
Rodney

Apps downloaded on one should also appear on the other as long as the app in question runs on both iPads and iPhones.

What is 'Growl' and why do I need it?

My system keeps telling me to install GROWL.
What is it and why do I need it?
Harold

Growl is a third party utiltiy for manipulating parts of the OS and displaying "notifications". It sounds like you once had it installed. To remove go here...
http://growl.info/documentation/growl-package-removal.php
EDIT: It's not your system telling you, it's a Growl notification.
-mj
Message was edited by: macjack

Android.process.acore? What is this and why does it keep not working?

Help: I've had my Lucid 3 phone since May and this phone has been the most confusing thing to operate. I'm currently having three (3) issues:
The Wi-Fi is not working...I keep getting the symbol refreshing. I can't turn the Wi-Fi on or off. I read "Turning Wi-Fi on..." when I go to the setting for Wi-Fi but this has been going on for 3 hours. C'mon! My Wi-Fi at home is working great; that's how I'm writing this post. Help!
To add to the misery: I keep getting a pop-up notification that reads: "Unfortunately, the android.process.acore has stopped." What is this and why does it not work. The phone's been getting this message for a week now...help!
Last concern: I'm still not getting multimedia texts (particularly pictures). The data and Wi-Fi were on...well, that's when the Wi-Fi was working (please refer to complaint #1 above). What the heck?
This phone is terrible news and I can't wait to replace it. In the meantime, the phone needs to work. Help.
-Salo

We certainly want to clear up all the confusion and have a working phone in your hands, srodezno. Let's take this one issue at a time:
1. How long ago did this trouble with WiFi start? Are you able to connect to any alternate WiFi signals other than the one at home?
2. Do you get that notification when you access anything in particular? Did it begin when you updated or installed any application?
3. Are you still able to access other data services (web, apps, Play Store, etc) while the WiFi is off/not working? Are you able to send the MMS messages?
JenniferH_VZW
Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/vzwsupport

What is Liveshare and why has it appeared after the update to v15?

After updating to firefox 15 the icon for Trusteer Rapport disappeared from the address bar (I presume this is just a matter of waiting for an update from them) and was replaced by an icon for something called Liveshare - what is this and why is it there?

I've now got to the bottom of this, (and feel a little foolish for assuming this was down to Firefox before checking it out more thoroughly). The liveshare app comes bundled with the latest update to CoolPreviews and the only way to remove it is to uninstall the latest version and download the previous version again from Mozilla add-ons page. I don't think this is necessary as I have removed the Liveshare icon from view, want to keep CoolPreviews and it would only update again, I think, the next time I restarted Firefox. So, panic over and lesson learned - do a bit of research before you rush to ask for help (and make unfounded accusations)

What is indexing and why does it take 122 hours?

What is indexing and why has it slowed my computer and why does it take 122 hours?

Indexing allows Spotlght to know where everything is on your computer. It won't take as long as it says, the times it gives are always vastly inflated.

What is "Other" and why does it take up so much space?

What is "Other" and why does it take up so much space?

What is the Other on my iPhone and How to Remove It
An "other" larger than about 1 1/2 GB usually indicates that the "other" includes corrupted files.
First try:
"First you go settings/general/usage/music/then left swipe over music and press delete and you would think it deletes your music but it doesn't instead it deletes your other but make sure your ipod is connected to a computer while doing this"
as recommended by:
How do I get rid of "other" storage: Apple Support Communities
Next, usually restoring from backup eliminated the corrupted files. However, sometimes restoring to factory settings/new iPod is required.
To restore from backup see:
iOS: How to back up

I purchased and successfully downloaded Caravan Palace - Caravan Palace and Panic. Both albums skip and cutout during playback. Q: what's happening and why?

I purchased and successfully downloaded Caravan Palace - Caravan Palace and Panic. Both albums skip and cutout during playback. Q: what's happening and why?

Sounds like a corrupt download.
From iPad:
Delete the albums: swipe you finger across and tap delete
Make sure you have a good internet connection & re-download: Open iTunes app > More > Purchased
From computer:
Delete the albums: Select > right-click > delete
Go to iTunes Store > Purchased (in Quick Links on the right)

Lastfmhelper? What is it and why is it always "not responding"?

When ever I pull up Activity Monitor lastfmhelper is always red and not responding. Anyone have any idea what it is and why it's misbehaving? I noticed this because my 10.5.2 iMac Core 2 Due will all of the sudden become unresponsive. When I brought up Activity Monitor lastfmhelper was, as I said, red and "Not responding".
Thanks

It is not an OS X component so it must be from a third-party software product you've installed. A Google search only turned up a reference to a Windows file. There is a web radio site, Last.fm. You may be using software to access the site or installed software from the site to listen to their internet broadcast. If this rings a bell, then locate the software and uninstall it. It my not be compatible with Leopard.
Uninstalling Software: The Basics
Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash. Most applications create preference files which are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder. Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space. If you want you can located them in the above location and delete them, too.
Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. In some cases the uninstaller may be part of the application's installer, and is invoked by clicking on a Customize button that will appear during the install process.
Some applications may install components in the /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. You can also check there to see if the application has created a folder. You can also delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder. Again, they don't do anything but take up disk space once the application is trashed.
Some applications may install a startupitem or a Log In item. Startupitems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder and less often in the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder. Log In Items are set in the Accounts preferences. Open System Preferences, click on the Accounts icon, then click on the LogIn Items tab. Locate the item in the list for the application you want to remove and click on the "-" button to delete it from the list.
If an application installs any other files the best way to track them down is to do a Finder search using the application name or the developer name as the search term.
There are also several shareware utilities that can uninstall applications:
AppZapper
CleanApp
Yank
SuperPop
Uninstaller
Spring Cleaning
Look for them at www.versiontracker.com or www.mackupdate.com.
For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.

What is restoring and why do i 'have' to restore to connect to iTunes and can I really get all my stuff back because I have a homework essay saved on my notepad and all my apps and music. Help I don't know what to do!

What is restoring and why do i 'have' to restore to connect to iTunes and can I really get all my stuff back because I have a homework essay saved on my notepad and all my apps and music. Help I don't know what to do!

Unless this program will get the iPod out of recovery mode
RecBoot: Easy Way to Put iPhone into Recovery Mode
You will have to restore and thus erase the iPod. If you stuff is in a backup y can restore from backup. Otherwise it is lost.

What is powerd and why is it using so much cpu

When I check the activity monitor, it is almost pegged out. Because of this other things run slowly. So, what is "powerd" and why is it all of a sudden using so CPU?

It is something related to power management, but it shouldn't be running away like that.
Select it in Activity Monitor and then Quit it using the "X in octagon" button. You should only need Quit, but try force quit if needed.
It will restart, but hopefully it won't start running away. If it does, there is likely something else causing it to do that.

What is Other and why is it 22G?

An iPad had 10G of Other on it. I did a restore and now it has 22G of Other. What is Other and why is it there consuming drive space?
Thanks.

"Other" is basically non media content.... The italicized text is the C&P text from an old discussion.
"Other" includes data such as contact information and photos assigned to contacts, calendar events, Safari bookmarks/cookies/history, notes created with the Notes application, SMS messages, email stored locally or cached, and 3rd party application data created and stored by the application.
This may be the result of some of your music, video, or photos transferred from your computer being mislabeled during the transfer process. The only way to resolve this is by doing a Restore with iTunes.
A corrupt sync, a sync that did not finish or was interrupted, corrupt photos or files - things like that can cause "other" to soar sky high. Your 22GB is way out of whack as you know.
You restored and that made it worse so if if one the suggestions in here helps.
http://appchronicles.com/04/too-much-valuable-space-taken-up-by-other-category-h eres-how-to-fix-that/

What is "DirectoryService"? and why is it taking up all my computing power?

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for