pegs27
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Pointer is moving on its own

When trying to read and scroll on pages, the curser arrow moves and clicks on its own. Anyone ever have this happen?  How do I return it to the prior setting?

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2010), Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Sep 12, 2013 6:38 AM

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pegs27

Q: Pointer is moving on its own

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  • by p0sixDev,

    p0sixDev p0sixDev Sep 12, 2013 6:42 AM in response to pegs27
    Level 1 (57 points)
    Sep 12, 2013 6:42 AM in response to pegs27

    Ive seent this a few times. I would sugest going to

    ~/Library/Preferences and fin=ding the 2 files called

    com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoohMultitouch.mouse.plist

    and

    com.apple.driver.AppleBluetoohMultitouch.trackpad.plist

    I have included a picture from my Preferenes so you can see them.

     

    Find them and drag them to the desktop of the computer and then restart and test

     

    Screen Shot 2013-09-12 at 14.40.09.png

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 12, 2013 7:36 AM in response to pegs27
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Sep 12, 2013 7:36 AM in response to pegs27

    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 without delay.

    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 that 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 and/or external trackpad tested.