eross1944
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Macbook PRO - Cursor has mind of own.  Lose control and don't know what is causing???

Unable to control cursor at times.  Seems to have a mind of its own.  Know it is some software, but what and how do I correct???

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Jul 29, 2013 11:26 AM

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eross1944

Q: Macbook PRO - Cursor has mind of own.  Lose control and don't know what is causing???

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  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Jul 29, 2013 1:25 PM in response to eross1944
    Level 9 (52,793 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jul 29, 2013 1:25 PM in response to eross1944

    Sometimes  the battery which resides under the trackpad swells up and interferes with its operation.  Open the MBP and check the battery.

     

    Also a thorough cleaning of the trackpad may restore functionality.

     

    Ciao.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Jul 29, 2013 1:39 PM in response to eross1944
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Jul 29, 2013 1:39 PM in response to eross1944

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps until it's resolved.

    1. Follow the instructions in this support article.

    2. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and check for unknown or forgotten input devices. Disconnect any USB input devices that you aren't using.

    3. Boot 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 reboot as usual, stop here and post your results. If you can't boot in safe mode, do the same. If you booted in safe mode and there was no change, go on to the next step.

    4. Reset the System Management Controller.

    5. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    6. A swollen battery in a MacBook Pro or Air 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.

    7. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built in trackpad of a MacBook to  behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.

    8. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

    9. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think 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.

    10. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested.