Strider44
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: iMac cursor moving and clicking on its own?

I'm stumped.  My co-worker's cursor on her iMac is moving around on the screen and clicking on different things (like opening system preferences).  I've switched the mouse, ran all maintenence selections from onyx and rebooted, but nothing has worked.

 

She does not have any sharing options checked in system preferences.  She does not have "Back to my Mac" checked.  There is no remote software on her computer.  Her firewall is on. 

 

This happened in OS X 10.8.4 and now in OS X 10.8.5.  The computer itself is only a year or two old.

 

Any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

iMac, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.5)

Posted on Sep 20, 2013 6:11 AM

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Strider44

Q: iMac cursor moving and clicking on its own?

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  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Sep 20, 2013 2:12 PM in response to Strider44
    Level 10 (208,044 points)
    Applications
    Sep 20, 2013 2:12 PM in response to Strider44

    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.