macbook pro trackpad won't scroll

I had the same problem. I checked all the setup checkboxes, I logged in as a guest and scrolling worked; I logged in using safe mode and it did not work; I reset the com.apple.trackpad file. That did not help. I checked the .plists. There were no files with the name "trackpad" in the plists. What now?

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a test, not a solution. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.

Step 1

The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is localized to your user account.

Enable guest logins and log in as Guest. For instructions, launch the System Preferences application, select Help from the menu bar, and enter “Set up a guest account” (without the quotes) in the search box.

While logged in as Guest, you won’t have access to any of your personal files or settings. Applications will behave as if you were running them for the first time. Don’t be alarmed by this; it’s normal. If you need any passwords or other personal data in order to complete the test, memorize, print, or write them down before you begin.

Test while logged in as Guest. Same problem(s)?

After testing, log out of the guest account and, in your own account, disable it if you wish. Any files you created in the guest account will be deleted automatically when you log out of it.

Note: If you’ve activated “Find My Mac” or FileVault in Mac OS X 10.7 or later, then you can’t enable the Guest account. Create a new account in which to test, and delete it, including its home folder, after testing.

Step 2

The purpose of this step is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party system modifications that load automatically at startup or login.

Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:

• Be sure your Mac is shut down.
• Press the power button.
• Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
• Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).

Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including wireless networking on certain Macs.

The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.

Test while in safe mode. Same problem(s)?

After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of steps 1 and 2.

Linc:

My results:

Step 1: Trackpad scroll worked when signed in as guest.

Step 2: Trackpad scroll does not work in safe mode.

Still can't scroll with trackpad after reboot.

I also repaired permissions and checked for software updates.

What next? Thanks.

I had the same problem. This really helped,

"More than likely this is from the global preferences (which hold trackpad information) for the old computer being on the new one with a setting or some other format that is preventing the trackpad from working properly. Apple has made the global preferences file hidden by default, but you can use the terminal to enable the preference settings needed for two-finger scrolling.

Fix:

1. Use the Terminal to enable proper scrolling behavior.

If you have just transferred your software and data to a new MacBook or MacBook Pro and are having troubles with two-finger gestures, then entering the following command in the Terminal should re-enable it:

defaults write -g com.apple.trackpad.scrollBehavior 2

After entering this command, either restart the computer or log out and log back in for the changes to take effect.

Got this answer from here. http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-10330061-263.html

Did this today with Apple Genius bar at Hornsby Sydney:

Go to System Preferences.

Accessibility.

Mouse & Trackpad.

Trackpad Options.

Check/Tick: Scrolling.

Check/Tick: Enable dragging.

Worked for me!

Thanks middle earth this worked for me :-))

This worked for me. Thanks!

Thanks Middle Earth

I spent an hour at the genius bar in NYC's meatpacking district where they did ascertain it was not a broken trackpad but could not figure out the solution

My trackpad is now scrolling

jd

Ha. I love you right now. Simplification!! And it worked! Thanks

After two years and the same problem - this simple solution worked for me, too! Thanks!

I have a new 2016 Macbook Air and had the same scrolling problem after the intial transfer from my old Mac, This fixed it, thanks

Go to System Preferences.

Accessibility.

Mouse & Trackpad.

Trackpad Options.

Check/Tick: Scrolling.

Check/Tick: Enable dragging.

Thank you! Wish I had seen your post sooner. I've looked in Support to find a solution to my non-scrolling trackpad, tried some things - but none of them worked. Going to Accessibility and following your instructions worked like a charm! I didn't realize how useful scrolling was, until I couldn't use it. I'm on a desktop mac that's a few years old, running Yosemite. 🙂

Thank you thank you thank you! Just got my MacBook Pro back from Apple where they replaced the track pad. I was just about to call Apple and ***** them out but decided to Google it first. All is good now, thanks again.