Good Morning

The computer is acting just like it should if the swap space was not created or formattted. Meaning that creating the swap is at least a two step process. First the partition then format the partition. So although the swap file is showing up on the the partition table, the actual formating of the swap file probably didn't happen. Therefore it can't be used, thus the error, and the snails pace.

Could be a hardware issue – bad sector(s), however I would tend play with software or re-install first. I have never tried to delete/recreate or format the swap while using Yast from with it's installed modules, so I would be talking out of the back orifice if said you could. In fact it would probably lock up as it did, go blank screen, flip you off, or who knows what else. I have created other partitions etc., under those circumstances though. Just not swap or /. Would it work? Dunno.

Regardless, what I would do before I yanked the HDD out and replaced it is scan it like suggested or would do another install and use the custom section during the partitioning and create a different size of swap (different sectors) and check the box which asks if you want to format swap. Of course you'd need to create at a minimum, another / as well. To save time, I'd install a very stripped down version to see if it worked. You can always go back with Yast and add packages.

cheers