hyngchl1

Q: Mac cursor is not functioning right and acting weird. Please help

So the issue began yesterday. My mac cursor would function very slowly or at times not function at all. It will move around by itself and I will have no control over the cursor. It will freak me out because it makes it look as if someone is hacking my computer. It will also not allow me to the move my cursor to the direction I want it to. If it does, it will respond very slowly and behave erratically. This has been driving me nuts over the last 24 hours and the problem continues to exist. My touchpad/cursor will be completely fine and function normally for like an hour or two and then the problem repeats .. it's been very frustrating. My screen also moves with the cursor, which has been frustrating as well. Due to this problem, I have been unable to do my work on my laptop because I will have no control over the cursor and it just makes me have to restart my laptop back and forth. (It'll eventually freeze sometimes due to the issue) I want to resolve this issue as soon as possible. Do I need to get my touchpad replaced? What the heck is the issue? By the way, the safe mode method did not work or cause any changes. It's definitely a hardware issue, I'm assuming. Please help. Thank You.

Mac Pro

Posted on Sep 22, 2015 9:36 PM

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Q: Mac cursor is not functioning right and acting weird. Please help

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  • by hyngchl1,

    hyngchl1 hyngchl1 Sep 22, 2015 9:42 PM in response to hyngchl1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Sep 22, 2015 9:42 PM in response to hyngchl1

    This is a screenshot taken when my cursor was behaving erratically. (Screen moving along with mouse cursor, which eventually caused it to froze.Very frustrating).

     

    Screen Shot 2015-09-23 at 12.37.43 AM.png

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 23, 2015 8:12 AM in response to hyngchl1
    Level 10 (207,995 points)
    Applications
    Sep 23, 2015 8:12 AM in response to hyngchl1

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.

    1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.

    2. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and in that case the unit must be serviced or replaced.

    3. Disconnect or power off each Bluetooth or USB pointing device, one at a time, testing as you go. You may be able to identify one that's malfunctioning. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device. If you have a desktop model without a built-in trackpad, at least one external pointing device must be active at all times.

    4. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

    5. Start up in safe mode and test, preferably without launching any third-party applications. If you don't have the problem in safe mode, but it comes back when you restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, go on to the next step.

    6. Reset the System Management Controller.

    7. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    8. A swollen battery in a portable computer can impinge on the trackpad from below and cause erratic behavior. If you have trouble clicking the trackpad, this is likely the reason. The battery must be replaced without delay.

    9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

    10. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

    11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

    12. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think that your computer is being remotely controlled, remove it from the network by turning off Wi-Fi (or your Wi-Fi access point), disconnecting from a Bluetooth network link, and unplugging the Ethernet cable or USB modem, whichever is applicable. If the cursor movements stop at once, you should suspect an intrusion.

    13. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

  • by Kkdoc,

    Kkdoc Kkdoc Nov 12, 2015 12:10 AM in response to hyngchl1
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 12, 2015 12:10 AM in response to hyngchl1

    I pressed down the 4 corners of the trackpad on my MacBook Pro and the mouse immediately began responding normally. I have no idea why, but an erratic jumpy and unresponsive mouse is very frustrating and has happened on a previously owned MacBook Pro

  • by Barwood,

    Barwood Barwood Nov 22, 2015 1:38 AM in response to Kkdoc
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 22, 2015 1:38 AM in response to Kkdoc

    After trying everything - resetting SMC etc i used the hose from my vacuum cleaner to vacuum around the edges of the trackpad and now it's back to normal.  I had wiped the trackpad with a damp cloth and think this caused the problem.  I've had this problem in the past a few times and resetting the SMC has helped but I'll try the vacuum the next time!!