Med_

Q: MacBook Pro late 2011 Trackpad not working after upgrade

I just update the OS in my MacBook Pro (late 2011) which was working perfectly fine from "El Capitan" to "Sierra". Everything went smooth and nice; but now, the trackpad is completely erratic it is acting out by itself (such as moving around and opening programs like possessed). I tried several suggestions from apple such as checking for updates, check settings, remove all gestures, etc. I am assuming the hardware is fine as it was perfectly fine yesterday...  any suggestions please help.   - Note; I have to use an external mouse and this last one is just fine.

MacBook, Windows 7

Posted on Sep 26, 2016 8:14 AM

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Q: MacBook Pro late 2011 Trackpad not working after upgrade

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  • by sarah_s1,

    sarah_s1 sarah_s1 Sep 27, 2016 4:09 PM in response to Med_
    Community Specialists
    Sep 27, 2016 4:09 PM in response to Med_

    Hello Med_,

    Thank you for using Apple Support Communities. It's my understanding that after upgrading to Sierra, your MacBook trackpad has become erratic. I know my trackpad is a huge part of my everyday use, I can definitely understand your concern. I am here to help get this resolved with you.

    You've done a great job so far! Next, I recommend resetting the System Management Controller (SMC). Resetting this system can resolve some unexpected behaviors. Follow the steps below:

    1. Shut down the Mac.
    2. Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the Mac.
    3. Remove the battery. (Learn about removing the battery in MacBook and MacBook Pro computers.)
    4. Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
    5. Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
    6. Press the power button to turn on the Mac.

    The LED on MagSafe power adapters might change states or temporarily turn off when you reset the SMC.

    Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac

    If the issue persists, test this issue in safe mode. This will allow you to rule out third party software as the cause. Use the steps and link below to assist with starting in safe mode and additional steps:

    1. Start or restart your Mac. 
    2. Immediately after you hear the startup sound, press and hold the Shift key.
    3. Release the Shift key when you see the Apple logo appear on the screen.

    After the Apple logo appears, it might take longer than usual to reach the login screen or your desktop. This is because your Mac performs a directory check of your startup disk as part of safe mode.

    To leave safe mode, restart your computer without pressing any keys during startup.

    Try safe mode if your Mac doesn't finish starting up

    Cheers!

  • by Ahmed El-Barbary,

    Ahmed El-Barbary Ahmed El-Barbary Sep 27, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Med_
    Level 1 (8 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 27, 2016 12:36 PM in response to Med_

    Sorry but how u upgrade to mac sierra?

    I Have same macbook and I can't upgrade it.

  • by Med_,Solvedanswer

    Med_ Med_ Sep 27, 2016 4:15 PM in response to Med_
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 27, 2016 4:15 PM in response to Med_

    It did work. Just an eye opener for others members of the community;  the link to "how to remove battery for MacBook Pro" is not up to date. I had to remove several tiny screws.  Thank you very much Sarah. 

  • by Med_,

    Med_ Med_ Sep 27, 2016 4:18 PM in response to Ahmed El-Barbary
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 27, 2016 4:18 PM in response to Ahmed El-Barbary

    Hi Ahmed.   Igf your  MacBook pro is later than 2009  just go to apple.com. On the left says Sierra now available. Then click and it takes to the main page.  Over there you see a blue botón "upgrade now"  click and it starts by itself.  I hope it helps. Screen Shot 2016-09-27 at 5.17.40 PM.png

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Sep 27, 2016 4:37 PM in response to Ahmed El-Barbary
    Level 6 (19,609 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 27, 2016 4:37 PM in response to Ahmed El-Barbary

    Late 2011 Macbook Pro

    <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MacOS_Sierra>

     

    Apple menu icon -> About this Mac

    Screen Shot 2016-09-27 at 7.35.35 PM.png

  • by Med_,

    Med_ Med_ Sep 27, 2016 4:41 PM in response to sarah_s1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Desktops
    Sep 27, 2016 4:41 PM in response to sarah_s1

    It did work. Just an eye opener for others members of the community;  the link to "how to remove battery for MacBook Pro" is not up to date. I had to remove several tiny screws.  Thank you very much Sarah. 

  • by BobHarris,

    BobHarris BobHarris Sep 27, 2016 4:56 PM in response to Med_
    Level 6 (19,609 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 27, 2016 4:56 PM in response to Med_

    I was going to say, that sometimes a battery that is starting to swell up can put pressure on the underside of the trackpad and mess things up.

     

    If removing your battery somehow reduced the pressure, and they you put it back in, you should keep an eye on that battery, as once they start to swell, it can get dangerous.

     

    If it was the resetting of the SMC controller was what did the trick, then do not worry about the battery (unless you noticed it was swelling).

     

    Note: the instructions for resetting the SMC on the Late 2011 Macbook Pro are:

    If the battery is nonremovable

    1. Shut down the Mac.
    2. Plug in the MagSafe or USB-C power adapter to a power source and to your Mac.
    3. Using the built-in keyboard, press Shift-Control-Option on the left side of the keyboard, then press the power button at the same time.
    4. Release all keys, then press the power button again to turn on your Mac

    <Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support> In the middle of this web page