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User profile for user: 4thSpace
4thSpace Author
User level: Level 1
97 points

Options besides reinstall to get MBP working right?

I purchased my MBP in April 2011. It's currently running OS X 10.8.2. I haven't done any wipe/reinstall of the OS since it was bought. About 3 months ago, I started getting weird behavior.


Usually, when a window in the background is clicked, it comes forward. Lots of time, I have to click twice before the background window gets focus.


Another issue is sometimes I can't type into the Safari address bar. I begin typing and nothing happens. Then I click the title bar and move the Safari window. For about a second, nothing still happens. Then all of the sudden, the window flies over to where the mouse pointer is. Some kind of delayed response. At this point I can now type. Sometimes, the window I previously had focus on is moved instead.


I don't see these issues when I log into another (basic/clean) user account on the same MBP. I'd like to avoid a wipe/reinstall of the OS since it will take forever to get everything reinstalled and configured. I have run Disk Utility several times. I have done the hard (keyboard) reset (before boot up) with Apple. None of this has helped. Is there any cleaner software or something else I can do to avoid wipe/reinstall?


Possibly is the keyboard/trackpad failing?

Posted on Dec 31, 2012 8:49 PM

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14 replies
User profile for user: Niel
Niel
User level: Level 10
727,259 points

Dec 31, 2012 8:53 PM in response to 4thSpace

Since you don't get those issues with a different account, it's a software issue. Create a new folder on your desktop and start moving items from your home folder into it; if needed, press Option when clicking on the Finder's Go menu to access the library. After each step of moving files out, log out and back in and check if it recurs, repeating the process until the problem file is isolated or all files have been eliminated as the cause.


(73547)

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User profile for user: 4thSpace
4thSpace Author
User level: Level 1
97 points

Dec 31, 2012 9:01 PM in response to Niel

Since you don't get those issues with a different account, it's a software issue.

Ok, thanks.


When you say "home", which folder do you mean? Do you mean:


Macintosh HD > Users > My Name


There's only two files in that folder and multiple other (sub) folders. One of the files is a .js and the other is a .txt.

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User profile for user: Niel
Niel
User level: Level 10
727,259 points

Dec 31, 2012 9:26 PM in response to 4thSpace

Whichever file is causing the problem. If you don't know which one it is, move files and folders as described above until you do or are out of options. Keep note of where you moved the items from.


clintonfrombirmingham: I'm attempting to isolate the exact file causing the problem, not moving the files to a different user account. The benefit of doing it this way is that as few preferences will need to be reentered as possible.


(73549)

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User profile for user: Linc Davis
Linc Davis
User level: Level 10
209,547 points

Dec 31, 2012 11:12 PM in response to 4thSpace

Please read this whole message before doing anything.

This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether your 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:

  • Shut down your computer, wait 30 seconds, and then hold down the shift key while pressing the power button.
  • When you see the gray Apple logo, release the shift key.
  • If you are prompted to log in, type your password, and then hold down the shift key again as you click Log in.
*Note: If FileVault is enabled under OS X 10.7 or later, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t boot in safe mode.


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 next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
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?


After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.
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User profile for user: 4thSpace
4thSpace Author
User level: Level 1
97 points

Jan 1, 2013 8:32 AM in response to 4thSpace

@Linc:


You're suggestion did lead me to look at startup issues. I found this support document: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1199?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US. I've removed two startup items for the problem account. Only Dropbox starts up now. It always has so I don't think it is the issue. I also dragged the library/Caches folder to the desktop as suggested in the article.

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Options besides reinstall to get MBP working right?

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