Another Spinning Wheel issue

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HI, I am new here so sorry if the answer is in this forum somewhere, I did search but I couldnt see anything that would specifically work for me as I do not have any mac keeper type software installed on my system and I am still getting the spinning wheel all the time.

It is random and sometimes spins for a minute or so then everything is fine for a while but it always stalls and spins again, it is driving me crazy.

I used Etrecheck to generate this file, I hope it helps to solve my issue. For a dummy like me, it would appear as though I am getting disc errors. Is there a way to fix that??

Thanks for any help in advance.

EtreCheck version: 3.0.2 (306)
Report generated 2016-08-28 08:19:32
Download EtreCheck from https://etrecheck.com
Runtime 4:51
Performance: Good

Click the [Support] links for help with non-Apple products.
Click the [Details] links for more information about that line.

Problem: Beachballing
Description:
randomly freezes for a minute or so at a time

Hardware Information: ⓘ
iMac (21.5-inch, Late 2012)
[Technical Specifications] - [User Guide] - [Warranty & Service]
iMac - model: iMac13,1
1 2.7 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 4-core
8 GB RAM Upgradeable - [Instructions]
BANK 0/DIMM0
4 GB DDR3 1600 MHz ok
BANK 1/DIMM0
4 GB DDR3 1600 MHz ok
Bluetooth: Good - Handoff/Airdrop2 supported
Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n

Video Information: ⓘ
NVIDIA GeForce GT 640M - VRAM: 512 MB
iMac 1920 x 1080

System Software: ⓘ
OS X El Capitan 10.11.6 (15G31) - Time since boot: about one day

Disk Information: ⓘ
APPLE HDD ST1000LM024 disk0 : (1 TB) (Rotational)
EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Macintosh HD (disk0s2) / : 999.35 GB (606.86 GB free) - 18 errors

Drive failure!
Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB

USB Information: ⓘ
Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
Apple Inc. BRCM20702 Hub
Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Western Digital Ext HDD 1021 1 TB
EFI (disk1s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
Gelston Photo's Drive (disk1s2) /Volumes/Gelston Photo's Drive : 999.86 GB (501.58 GB free)
EPSON USB2.0 MFP(Hi-Speed)

Thunderbolt Information: ⓘ
Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus

Configuration files: ⓘ
/etc/hosts - Count: 49

Gatekeeper: ⓘ
Mac App Store and identified developers

Kernel Extensions: ⓘ
/Library/Extensions
[not loaded] com.olympus.CamBlockCommandsDeviceUP (3.2.0 - SDK 10.11 - 2016-08-02) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions
[not loaded] com.Cycling74.driver.Soundflower (1.6.6 - SDK 10.6 - 2016-08-02) [Support]
[loaded] com.logmein.hamachi (20111101 - 2016-08-02) [Support]
[not loaded] com.seagate.driver.PowSecDriverCore (5.2.6 (26925) - SDK 10.4 - 2016-08-02) [Support]

/System/Library/Extensions/Seagate Storage Driver.kext/Contents/PlugIns
[not loaded] com.seagate.driver.PowSecLeafDriver_10_4 (5.2.6 (26925) - SDK 10.4 - 2015-01-15) [Support]
[not loaded] com.seagate.driver.PowSecLeafDriver_10_5 (5.2.6 (26925) - SDK 10.5 - 2015-01-15) [Support]
[not loaded] com.seagate.driver.SeagateDriveIcons (5.2.6 (26925) - SDK 10.4 - 2015-01-15) [Support]

System Launch Agents: ⓘ
[not loaded] 7 Apple tasks
[loaded] 154 Apple tasks
[running] 77 Apple tasks

System Launch Daemons: ⓘ
[running] com.seagate.TBDecorator.plist (2013-10-12) [Support]
[not loaded] 44 Apple tasks
[loaded] 155 Apple tasks
[running] 91 Apple tasks

Launch Agents: ⓘ
[failed] SBA_ListenerAgent.plist (2012-12-23) [Support]
[not loaded] com.adobe.AAM.Updater-1.0.plist (2016-04-08) [Support]
[loaded] com.adobe.CS5ServiceManager.plist (2012-12-12) [Support]
[running] com.brother.LOGINserver.plist (2014-11-21) [Support]
[running] com.epson.Epusp.plist (2008-11-18) [Support]
[failed] com.epson.esua.launcher.plist (2014-10-07) [Support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.agent.plist (2016-07-12) [Support]
[failed] com.logmein.hamachimb.plist (2015-09-04) [Support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.Java-Updater.plist (2013-01-17) [Support]
[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.startx.plist (2016-05-05) [Support]

Launch Daemons: ⓘ
[not loaded] com.adobe.SwitchBoard.plist (2012-12-12) [Support]
[running] com.adobe.agsservice.plist (2016-08-13) [Support]
[loaded] com.adobe.fpsaud.plist (2016-06-29) [Support]
[running] com.autodesk.backburner_manager.plist (2013-02-05) [Support]
[running] com.autodesk.backburner_server.plist (2013-02-05) [Support]
[loaded] com.autodesk.backburner_start.plist (2013-02-05) [Support]
[loaded] com.ea.origin.ESHelper.plist (2015-11-02) [Support]
[loaded] com.google.keystone.daemon.plist (2016-07-12) [Support]
[running] com.logmein.hamachi.plist (2015-09-04) [Support]
[loaded] com.olympus.AuthHelper2.helper.plist (2016-04-06) [Support]
[loaded] com.oracle.java.Helper-Tool.plist (2013-01-17) [Support]
[loaded] com.skype.skypeinstaller.plist (2014-04-10) [Support]
[loaded] com.wuala.WualaFS.KextLoaderHelper.plist (2015-01-11) [Support]
[loaded] org.macosforge.xquartz.privileged_startx.plist (2016-05-05) [Support]

User Launch Agents: ⓘ
[loaded] com.divx.agent.postinstall.plist (2012-12-14) [Support]
[loaded] com.facebook.videochat.[redacted].plist (2014-08-09)

User Login Items: ⓘ
iTunesHelper Application (/Applications/iTunes.app/Contents/MacOS/iTunesHelper.app)
Dropbox Application (/Applications/Dropbox.app)

Internet Plug-ins: ⓘ
o1dbrowserplugin: 5.41.3.0 - SDK 10.8 (2015-12-17) [Support]
Unity Web Player: UnityPlayer version 4.3.7f1 - SDK 10.6 (2014-05-15) [Support]
Default Browser: 601 - SDK 10.11 (2016-07-19)
Google Earth Web Plug-in: 7.1 (2016-08-20) [Support]
AdobeAAMDetect: AdobeAAMDetect 1.0.0.0 - SDK 10.6 (2016-04-08) [Support]
FlashPlayer-10.6: 22.0.0.209 - SDK 10.9 (2016-07-20) [Support]
Silverlight: 5.1.20125.0 - SDK 10.6 (2015-03-28) [Support]
QuickTime Plugin: 7.7.3 (2016-07-19)
Flash Player: 22.0.0.209 - SDK 10.9 (2016-07-20) [Support]
googletalkbrowserplugin: 5.41.3.0 - SDK 10.8 (2015-12-12) [Support]
GarminGpsControl: 4.2.0.0 - SDK 10.8 (2014-04-01) [Support]
JavaAppletPlugin: Java 8 Update 101 build 13 (2016-07-25) Check version

User internet Plug-ins: ⓘ
BlueStacks Install Detector: Unknown
CitrixOnlineWebDeploymentPlugin: 1.0.105 (2013-04-26) [Support]
Picasa: 1.0 - SDK 10.6 (2014-03-05) [Support]
Google Earth Web Plug-in: 7.1 (2013-10-08) [Support]
NPRoblox: 1, 2, 8, 25 - SDK 10.11 (2015-12-10) [Support]

Safari Extensions: ⓘ
Pin It Button - Pinterest, Inc. - http://www.pinterest.com/ (2016-04-13)

3rd Party Preference Panes: ⓘ
Flash Player (2016-06-29) [Support]
Growl (2012-12-12) [Support]
Java (2016-07-25) [Support]
Perian (2011-07-24) [Support]
Seagate Dashboard for Mac OSX (2015-01-15) [Support]

Time Machine: ⓘ
Skip System Files: NO
Mobile backups: OFF
Auto backup: YES
Volumes being backed up:
Macintosh HD: Disk size: 999.35 GB Disk used: 392.49 GB
Gelston Photo's Drive: Disk size: 999.86 GB Disk used: 498.28 GB
Destinations:
Gelston-Backup TM Backup [Network]
Total size: 1.99 TB
Total number of backups: 39
Oldest backup: 6/05/2016, 3:00 PM
Last backup: 28/08/2016, 7:58 AM
Size of backup disk: Too small

Backup size 1.99 TB < (Disk used 890.77 GB X 3)

Top Processes by CPU: ⓘ
18% Google Chrome Helper(8)
3% Google Chrome
2% kernel_task
1% WindowServer
0% cloudpaird

Top Processes by Memory: ⓘ
1.94 GB Google Chrome Helper(8)
747 MB kernel_task
541 MB iPhoto
229 MB mdworker(19)
213 MB Google Chrome

Virtual Memory Information: ⓘ
35 MB Free RAM
7.96 GB Used RAM (1.49 GB Cached)
66 MB Swap Used

Diagnostics Information: ⓘ
Aug 27, 2016, 10:13:19 AM ~/Library/Logs/DiagnosticReports/codesign_2016-08-27-101319_[redacted].crash
/usr/bin/codesign
Aug 27, 2016, 09:58:03 AM Self test - passed
 

Cory Cooper

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Hello and welcome.

There are a few software items that could be causing the freezing - WualaFS, Seagate Storage Driver, etc. But, since the report shows 18 errors on the hard drive, that would be the cause. It is essentially telling you that the hard drive is failing and it found 18 bas blocks/sectors. If they are in part of the drive that OS X resides in, it will hang each time those files are accessed.

The best thing to do would be to make sure you have a backup of your data, then run a hard drive surface scan (if you have that software - Drive Genius, TechTool Pro, etc.) or take it to an Apple Store for further diagnosis. It is probably a hardware failure, which will require the hard drive to be replaced.

C
 
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Thanks Cory. Yes I suspected there is a hardware issue with the drive. It is the main drive.

When I do a full restore using my time machine back up it solves the problem for a while. (sometimes months) but it always comes back again. I am gathering that by doing a restore it is somehow using parts of the drive that are ok, hence it works fine for a while??

Ill try a surface scan but I think its time for a new drive. Any advice on what drive to buy?? I am just using the 1tb drive that came with the mac back in 2012 so I may as well update to something larger and better??
 
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Hi DannyG,

I believe I can add some useful information to this. One of my external hard disk drives (both of mine are Seagate drives) is having "SMART" issues, and TechTool Pro (an excellent, excellent product, by the way) informs me of that while I have the drive connected. I actually only use the drive for backing up both of my Macs, along with another partition containing miscellaneous "stuff" (prior years' tax returns, movies, TV series, photos, etc.). Fortunately my other external drive is still OK (with a lot of the same miscellaneous "stuff" on it).

Interestingly, when I did a surfacer scan with TechTool Pro on that drive, it did not find any errors!

For replacing the internal drive, how much space do you actually need? When I purchased my late 2012 Mac Mini, it came with a slow, 5400 rpm 1 TB internal drive. I do not need that much space, as I can store larger stuff on one of my external drives. So, what I did was to replace that slow 1 TB drive with a much, much faster Samsung 256 gig 840 Pro SSD. The performance difference is amazing! Booting up the machine, running applications, etc. is much, much faster. I also placed that 1 TB in a nice, slim external case, and it comes in handy when we travel.

Samsung 500 to 512 gig SSDs are getting cheaper and cheaper (other brands are OK, but Samsung drives are the best). In fact, I will be replacing the drive that is having SMART issues with such a drive (I will need to purchase another external case, but they are inexpensive). I just waiting for some better pricing, I have seen the Samsung 500 gig EVO drives (model number MZ-75E500B/AM) for as low as $130, and the Samsung 512 gig Pro drives (model number MZ7KE512BW) for as low as $199. If that space is enough for you, it would be a wise move. You should also consider purchasing an inexpensive external 1 TB drive (or larger size). I believe some 1 TB external drives are as low as $50.
 
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Thanks very much honestone.

We currently have a 2 TB external network drive where we back up using time machine. We also have an external 1TB USB drive that we keep our iphoto database so we dont need a lot of space on our main drive but a quick check shows that we are using 400 Gb so we would could make a 512 SSD work.

My local mac shop wants a small fortune for SSD's. They also want $250 for a standard 1 TB drive to replace the current one. They even want $180 to change it over!! Ill change it myself.

They said that I would need a caddy to hold a SSD and Ill need a special lead and also have to use software to control the fan??

Are you able to give me some url's to some suitable SS Drives?? And the necessary caddy. My machine specs are in the OP. Thanks for any help, it will save me pulling the mac apart and checking what drive/leads etc ill need.
 
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I'll answer the "simple" question first. Regarding links as to where to purchase an SSD drive, this site http://dealnews.com/mac/ has various deals for Macs/Mac "stuff" just about every day. Newegg, http://www.newegg.com/, typically has good prices on SSDs. Another good one is Other World Computing (OWC), https://www.macsales.com/. They don't sell Samsung SSDs, but I've "heard" and read good things about OWC. It looks like you'll need at least a 500 gig to 512 gig SSD. Again, I am "partial" to SSD drives by Samsung, as I've had excellent experiences with the 840 Pro I installed inside my Mac MIni, and my mid 2013 13" MacBook Air came with a 250 gig Samsung SSD (I suspect it is the EVO "one").

You should do some more research about SSD drives. Here is a link that contains all the results of a google search I just did on "Comparison of 500 gb to 512 gig SSD drives":

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...vOXOAhVNzWMKHYU3DlIQvwUIGygA&biw=1280&bih=791

If you want to install a 750 gig SSD, I am not very familiar with different models. Here is a Samsung EVO one on newegg:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820147250

As you can see, they are not cheap. But, then there is this:

http://www.ebay.com/bhp/750gb-ssd

You'll really need to do some research on your own for the SSDs.

Now for the more difficult one. As I suspect you know, it is necessary to exercise extreme care when working with iMacs. I have no experience with them, but maybe someone else can offer some more advice/assistance. This site shows how to replace the hard drive inside your iMac:

https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/iMac+Intel+21.5-Inch+EMC+2544+Hard+Drive+Replacement/16729#s51457

Also, here are the results of a google search I just did for "Can one install an SSD drive in a Late 2012 iMac, EMC 2544?":

https://www.google.com/search?q=Can+one+install+an+SSD+drive+in+a+Late+2012+iMac,+EMC+2544?&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS628US629&oq=Can+one+install+an+SSD+drive+in+a+Late+2012+iMac,+EMC+2544?&aqs=chrome..69i57.22846j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

Clicking on the second link on that page brings up:

https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/111837/Is+it+possible+to+change+the+HDD+for+an+SSD

Sorry I can't be more definitive.
 

Cory Cooper

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Another option is to just startup to an external Thunderbolt drive with OS X on it. That way you save the hassle of opening up an iMac that isn't user-serviceable, and can be easily damaged if you don't have a lot of experience.

C
 
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Another option is to just startup to an external Thunderbolt drive with OS X on it. That way you save the hassle of opening up an iMac that isn't user-serviceable, and can be easily damaged if you don't have a lot of experience.

C

That could be a good option, although external drive enclosures with a Thunderbolt port are expensive (as are ones with a Firewire 800 interface).
 
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Thanks very much I appreciate the advice.

I am ok to open the imac up and change the drive.

We were happy with the 'speed' of the standard drive that came with it so I think for the sake of saving money Ill stick with the standard hard drive, although I may as well put a larger one in. This saves me money and also it is easier to replace the same drive.
It would be nice to go with SSD but money is a bit tight atm so ill leave that for now.

Again, thanks, Ill report back when I have replaced the drive. Doing the hardware doesnt bother me, its reinstalling the software on a fresh drive that may bring me undone! I have the system backed up on a network drive using time machine but I think ill need to find a way to install the OS before I can bring it all across onto a new drive??
 
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Just a quick update.

I put a new 2 TB hard drive in place of the old 1TB and everything is back to its normal self.

I have never had a SSD so I dont know what I am missing, but we are happy with the speed of the this drive so it will do for now. Also just as a side note, installing the drive was easy. I simply followed the online tutorial that honestone posted. I used my own double sided tape to stick the screen back on rather than buy some that was specifically cut for the mac and it has worked perfectly.

Also, reinstalling the OS was easy and of course so was bringing back all our data from our back ups. I really do love Macs now that I know how to 'freshen' them up again when the need arises, which is A LOT less than when I was a Windows user!

Thanks for every ones help.

Oh, i also bought an external caddy for the old hard drive, even though it has bad sectors it still worked, albeit slowly at times so it will be ok as a storage drive for non critical files.
 
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The rpm speed of the internal drive inside your iMac model is 5400 rpm, which is actually quite slow. When I purchased my late 2012 Mac Mini, it had a 1 TB, 5400 rpm hard drive inside. I replaced it with a Samsung 840 Pro 256 gig SSD, and the performance difference was amazing! The machine booted up much, faster, applications ran faster, tasks were faster, etc., etc. I will never buy another Mac with a standard hard disk inside.

I did, though, put the 1 TB drive to good use, as I installed it inside a nice, slim external case, and it comes in very, very handy when we travel. I have two partitions on it, one for a SuperDuper! backup of my MacBook Air, and the other partition containing miscellaneous "stuff". One of the folders on that partition contains movies, and another one contains TV series (like Fargo, Breaking Bad, The Night Manager, etc.). I can watch such stuff on long flights.

One of my 1 TB external drives (Seagate mechanism, and 7200 rpm) has been having SMART errors detected by TechTool Pro (fortunately my other external drive (another 7200 rpm Seagate mechanism) is fine). I actually plan on purchasing a 500 to 512 gig SSD "soon", along with a nice, slim external case, to replace it. My choices are either a Samsung 850 EVO 500 gig SSD, or a Samsung 850 Pro 512 gig SSD. I am anticipating good prices around Black Friday.

Also, reinstalling the OS was easy and of course so was bringing back all our data from our back ups.

You are so, so correct! When OS 10.12 Sierra comes out (and after insuring that my 5 critical third party applications are compatible with OS 10.12), and insuring that I have at least 2 copies of the file entitled "Install OS X Sierra, I actually will 1) make one final, "clean" bootable SuperDuper! backup of my OS 10.11.6 system, 2) boot my Mac via that backup, 3) use Disk Utility there to Erase and Format the internal SSD on the Mac, 4) do a clean installation of OS 10.12, and 5) use Migration Assistant to "migrate"/copy all the needed "stuff" from that SuperDuper! backup. I will then re-boot my Mac with OS 10.12, and I'll be back in business in no time!

As James Whitmore said in the excellent movie "The Shawshank Redemption":

"Easy Peasy Japaneasy"
 
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