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Mermdndskz

Q: Malware vs Virus or other issue?

My Macbook cursor starts moving around- opening different files or attempting to.

Last year the camera would as well turn on.

I cannot complete anything - cursor starts moving around and different windows open shortly after logging on -I have to force quit.

Any help on how to remove or correctly diagnose this problem.

I could restore -but will I lose my files,pics,etc.?

Thank you so much =)

MacBook Pro, iOS 5.1.1

Posted on Sep 28, 2015 11:19 AM

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Q: Malware vs Virus or other issue?

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  • by Ricky Riccardi,

    Ricky Riccardi Ricky Riccardi Sep 28, 2015 12:23 PM in response to Mermdndskz
    Level 1 (50 points)
    Sep 28, 2015 12:23 PM in response to Mermdndskz

    Which mac do you have, model name and year?

    When does this happen? How do you force quit if the cursor is moving around?

    Have you tried running an apple hardware test?

    If you boot into recovery mode, does the mouse move around? (this will rule out software problems if its ok. if it still moves around, maybe a bad trackpad??)

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 28, 2015 3:42 PM in response to Mermdndskz
    Level 10 (207,926 points)
    Applications
    Sep 28, 2015 3:42 PM in response to Mermdndskz

    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.