Q: macbook pro trackpad problem

Incidentally I have had my MacBook Pro for over two years and the problem appeared out of the blue, most likely following a system update in October - though I didn't note down specific dates of when the update went in and the problems started.

I have several important projects that I just can't complete because of this problem. Finally I have sat down with several hours spare to try to fix this - but after reading about everybody's lack of success, I'm not going to waste my time. With most computer problems that indicate a system glitch, I find the practical tips have the same success rate as voodoo juju, rub a lucky cat on it. I'd like to try the Bluetooth disabling somebody suggested, but I use a wireless mouse because I hate the trackpad so much. So Id have to buy a cabled mouse first.

But the main point is - both the mouse and trackpad DID work, now both repeatedly crap out in tandem and the combined evidence of all the users with this problem points to a system update being the cause.

APPLE - WHERE ARE YOU??????

ARE YOU DOING ANYTHING ABOUT THIS??????

I can't find the original post where somebody suggested clicking the trackpad fast four times to unlock, but the fault just recurred and I tried it and it worked!!!

Very similar to the scientific technical advice "click your heels together 3 times and say there's no place like home". I've also crossed my fingers and thrown salt over my left shoulder in the hope the four fast click solution will work next time as well.

HEY APPLE - ARE YOU GOING TO STEP IN SOON AND OFFER SOMETHING BETTER THAN VOODOO SUPPORTNET????!!!

I sent them a specific macbook pro 2010(which is my case) feedback about this problem and I never got an answer.

Apple, this is not the way to have your customers happy. Is this the best you can do? WE WANT an answer.

I was having Macbook Pro trackpad issues. Took it to an authorized service center because it was still under waranty. Also, the battery, which was supposed to last 8-9 hours at full charge, had only been lasting an hour. When I told the tech that other  posters on this thread had been diagnosed with swollen batteries pressing on the trackpad, he said he was aware of the problem. He replaced the battery and trackpad and I haven't had any more issues. Previously, the trackpad was either nonresponsive or hyper responsive. ****** me off that they're aware of the problem, yet aren't addressing it.

I took my mbp2010 to an authorized service center because the left click was totally broken and also suffered the problems described above. This is my second trackpad and I still got problems with it. I reported them to Apple and I'm still waiting for an answer. I don't know you guys, but I paid a lot of money for this mbp and I'm gettin tired of this s**t. What if we create a topic in twitter and hope that it becomes a trending topic so everyone knows that Apple don't pay attention to their clients?

I am for that.  A sh** product that isn't rectified by the company out of their pocket deserve an "angry campaign."  Getting tired of lack of support, high quality, and the great innovation that used to be what Apple stood for.  I've been a customer since the 80s..and I'm slowly souring on my loyalty.

I've had apple compooftas since the Mac SE. These days the stores are less like computer stores and more like toy shops. And they have so many toys sold to nongs who just want to play Angry Birds all day. But when you use your computer as a valuable work tool, you need proper answers not just retail glitz and frustration.

My computer is well out of warranty so I have no free access to direct service, but this is so clearly a software issue related to the upgrade. It wasn't broken till the new system did something weird.

I opened up the back and cleaned everything up, then installed two lucky orange hairs from Softy. Now it seems to run faster and work for longer without crapping out. But it still eventually craps out.

I'm going to buy a secondhand iMac and set that up as my computer. Then delete everything off the MacBook and do a clean install, plug in a cabled mouse and disable Bluetooth. Maybe Apple just want me to buy Lion??

If anyone wants to try the furware upgrade, it certainly won't hurt - you just need to make sure the animal you pluck the hairs from is reliably lucky.

Softy fixes 90% of all our technical problems. Take that Apple.

I have the same problem.

I tooch off the battery and turned on pluged with the Batery Charger and it work just fine.

So I think..(not sure) must be the battery interfering in same way with the track pad.

Can be that?

Movidano-

Absolutely.  Take your battery and place it on a totally flat surface with the outer (silver) side up.  if it rocks at all or is wobbly, the case is swelling due to bad internals.  I replaced my battery and the problem went away.

JD

I have the same problem....but appears randomly....for three months nothing..and now here we go again...

I just had my trackpad fixed. My battery happened to be fine.  It was the track pad assembly- $51, labor $39.

My computer is 1.25 years old....

What a scam.  Put out  a faulty product and have the customer pay for it.

I can't stand this anymore. This problem makes my mbp useless. I've to fight against this everytime I need to point or click wich is 70% of my time . I'm going to buy a new laptop today. Bye Apple, thanks for NOT repairing my trackpad.

Hi, I'm am using my IPhone4s to write this as my MacBook Pro is currently in the hot press!! I have been having similar problems as all of you and I think it could be a dampness problem. I have often got wet hands using the laptop and think that it might just be a moisture problem interfering with the trackpad rather than a software problem.

The problem happened a few weeks ago and I put it in the hot press over night and it seemed to be fine afterwards!

My MacBook pro was bought just over 1 year ago and it has been the best thing I have ever bought!

The trackpad problem happened last night again so I put it in the hot press earlier this morning and I'm praying that it will sort itself out. Will keep you posted if this works...

Can anyone in Apple confirm if moisture/trackpad getting wet is the cause of this problem of is it a software one?

After reading this post and trying some of these suggestions, it is clear to me that the problem (at least for me) was absolutely hardware.  Specifically, it was a Swelling Battery!

Once I removed the battery and placed it on a flat surface, I could tell it was very swollen. 

The back of the trackpad is visible when you take the battery out, so I was hopeful that this physical change in dimension was the cause.

Upon closing the back up and getting back to work, I was pleasantly surprised that my trackpad was operating exactly as it had when new.

Now off to the Apple store to see if they will replace the battery under warranty / applecare.