finder running extremely slow

[tonylyons]

Hi, I am using a MacBook Pro which has the following:

Processor - 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
Memory - 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM
Mac OS X - Version 10.4.11

Today my finder started to run extremely slow at certain points. When I attempt to look in a folder that contains files that are greater than a couple of megabites it can take up to 3 minutes for it to work or show any preview images/icons. I just get the multi-coloured spinning circle. There is no disruption with any of the applications I am running or my internet access, just to the navigation through my files in my finder window. My Software and security updates are up to date and I hadn't recently downloaded any software. I did have to manually disconnect an external hard-drive last night as it wouldn't let me eject it through my finder window, stating the 'volume was in use.'

Can you advise as to any diagnostics I could run to determine the problem?

Thanks in advance,

Tony.

 

[Satcomer]

Have you ever did any maintenance on your Mac? If not download either Yasu or Onyx and run all the cleaning routines. Let the application reboot your Mac then immediately manually reboot to rebuild all the startup/shutdown cache.

Lastly did you install any custom fonts? I ask because some older fonts can cause your slowdowns too.