Extremely slow boot times - early 08 MBP

[Scottological]

Hi, everyone, and thanks in advance for your help...

I just received a refurb early '08 MBP. The first time I booted it up, it worked great. I updated the software (OSX, iTunes, etc.) and rebooted. Boot time was about 5 minutes. This happened repeatedly, so I doubt it was a function of the software updates installing.

Then I tried reinstalling the OS (erase + reinstall) from the enclosed DVDs. The problem didn't go away. Boot up times are now over 8 minutes.

Other than that, the machine appears to be working normally. Any thoughts?

 

[jbzoom]

I had similar problems - I created a Lion thumbdrive that booted just fine and then did a clean install by copying the thumbrive to my hard disk. It worked just fine for a while and then the hard disk died gracefully. (Reporting a SMART status of "failing" in the disk utility.) I think it was failing anyway as it had been making occasional clicking noises and the extra work from Lion finished it off. Machine currently at repair shop for new hard-drive...