How to turn off or ignore trackpad on MacBook Pro running OSX 10.7.5?

Okay, so I found a solution (maybe it worked for everyone else, not sure if only for me.)

Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Mouse & Trackpad

Then click on the: Ignore built-in trackpad when mouse or wireless trackpad is present.

The problem then is then solved. You just have to use a mouse from now on 🙂

Hi BeansAlone.

i wanted to know, when you activated your Mouse Keys option (by clicking the check-in box to activate it). did this diabled both your:

a.) Keyboard and

b.) Track path on your labtop?

or, did it only diable your Track path on your labtop?

Hi Kappy.

i wanted to know, when one activates their Mouse Keys option (by clicking the check-in box to activate it). does this diabled both the:

a.) Keyboard and the

b.) Track path on the labtop?

or, is this just supose to disable only the Track path on the labtop?

when i tick the Mouse Keys option - i no longer have the phantom cursor problem appearing and my trackpad is disabled - which is good, BUT i can not use my keyboard - the keyboard seems to be automatically disabled too.

Hi BeansAlone!

I am experiencing a similar problem, and this post was the only one that helped me restore my Mid 2010 MBP to usability for now. Thank you.

Now I must ask - whatever became of your trackpad issue? Was it really the hardware or could this be a software issue?

Symptoms include: Random, erratic, poltergeist movements and clicking, including multi-touch functions. random closing of programs, creation of folders named untitled, etc. Started acting up a few days ago and devolved into a hot mess in less than 3 days time with no apparent cause.

best,

AustinJW

Here is a complete picture tutorial to disable the built in trackpad when a mouse or external trackpad is present: http://myappleforums.com/mavericks/disable-trackpad-when-mouse-or-wireless-track pad-is-on/

AustinJW, I'm becoming more and more convinced this is a software issue. Mine started happening around the same date and right after I travelled international where I dont have access to a Genius Bar or where my warranty does me any good...

I reinstalled Mountain Lion and am going to upgrade to Maverick. Have you found a solution?

MBP15 late 2011 10.7.5

Hey Beaners,

So I've had this same "phantom movement" issue with my 2011 MBP for quite a while now. Spoke with multiple Apple techs. Here' s the deal...

It is hardware related and software related. The fancy technology behind the trackpad makes it hyper-sensitive and temperamental to environmental conditions. Apple designers and engineers apparently innovated the trackpad but undermined it's overall durability in the process.

Because of this, this "magic trackpad" is particularly susceptible to things like the natural oils on our fingers, humidity in the air, etc. Mine goes on the fritz every time it rains or humidity is above 80%.

Frankly, it's probably something the company simply couldn't anticipate because this sort of stuff can show up much later. Unfortunately it leaves people like us having to live with, and ultimately pay for their shortcomings. Durability is definitely one thing that Apple has not addressed. It's actually kind of remarkable how little attention it's received considering how much of a market need there is for it.

With cars they have recalls because we can die from things they designed or engineered poorly. But with computers it's perfectly acceptable not to be accountable after warranty (a la Applecare) runs out even though our workflow, metaphorically speaking, can die from their shortcomings. As they say, it is what it is. An Apple manager literally uttered those words to me. It was funny how sad that was.

Anyway, I purchased a separate wireless trackpad and disabled the built-in one in Settings > Accessibility. I also use a Wacom tablet most of the time. Between the two I can ride this machine out a bit longer.

Personally I'm waiting for the full re-redesign of the MBP. I've grown tired of this one which, other than getting slimmer, hasn't changed its uni-body style since 2011. That's 5 years! Um yeah.

My prediction is late October, mainly because Apple is deep discounting their current line of MBP's right now. Lets just HOPE its not another underwhelming "update".

Between stuff like this, and my iPhone 6 screen cracking if the squirrel across the street breaks wind, they really need to start building far more durable products — not just "innovative" and "beautiful" ones.

For the record, I am a professional designer and visual thinker. I live for great design. But it has to work in the real world, not just in idealized commercials.

Apple should know better, and get back to leading the way, not trying to beautify their way out of this "post Steve" hiccup.

Thank you very much. I was able to get the demon out of my computer without pouring holy water all over it because of your advice. What's up with these track pads anyway? Luckily my computer is still under warranty, but I was surprised so many people are having the same problem.

Thank you so much for your help. Same trackpad problem intermittently for over a year. An external mouse did the trick until I happened to swipe a hard left one day and found myself on another screen. I hadn't entered this secondary realm of my own accord, and things were going berserk.

Once I realized that I would regain trackpad control after shutting wifi off, I quickly re-formatted. And voile.

So if it was in fact remote access and control, what can I do to prevent it in the future?

This is controlled in a preference pane. One of the following:

Trackpad

Mouse

Accessibility (Universal Access)