Matty-E
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: MacBook Pro might have a virus?

Recently my Macbook Pro has begun acting very strange.  First, my trackpad continues to bounce all over the place, change screens when just normally using it, highlight text to use the dictionary, etc.  I plugged in a mouse and some of those issues have gone away, however, my computer screen now keeps zooming in and out when I move the mouse.  (not every time, but every once in a while).

 

Are these symptoms of a virus?  I haven't downloaded anything recently, however, I have used internet streaming sites and don't know if that can cause any issues/viruses. 

 

Should I do a complete re-install of everything on my computer?  If I had caught a virus, will doing a re-install remove it?  I also had installed Norton Anti-Virus for Mac, but on previous threads read that I should not have that on my computer.  I have recently deleted that.  I also did not have my firewall or encryption enabled on my computer.  The firewall is now on and my encryption is in the process of working now. 

 

Any thoughts and/or suggestions would be very helpful.  Thanks!

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2012)

Posted on Mar 16, 2014 3:16 PM

Close
Matty-E

Q: MacBook Pro might have a virus?

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by dominic23,

    dominic23 dominic23 Mar 16, 2014 4:37 PM in response to Matty-E
    Level 8 (42,122 points)
    Mac OS X
    Mar 16, 2014 4:37 PM in response to Matty-E

    Install all System, Applications and Security updates released by Apple.

     

    Install software direct from Application vendors or App store, not from third party suppliers

     

    For more on this:

    http://support.apple.com/kb/PH11432

     

     

    Additional info:

     

    http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-antivirus/

     

    http://www.thesafemac.com/mmg-infected/

  • by Donald Morgan,

    Donald Morgan Donald Morgan Mar 16, 2014 5:16 PM in response to Matty-E
    Level 6 (12,783 points)
    Mar 16, 2014 5:16 PM in response to Matty-E

    Matty-E Welcome to the Discussions To Date there are No Viruses for Mac's

    There are always going to be the nasayers, But, Apple has worked very hard to protect there products right out of the box.  To date they have done just that.

    Cheers

    Don

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder Mar 16, 2014 5:33 PM in response to Matty-E
    Level 9 (61,390 points)
    Desktops
    Mar 16, 2014 5:33 PM in response to Matty-E

    Are these symptoms of a virus?

    No, those are symptoms of a malfunctioning trackpad.

     

    Your appointment for an evaluation at the Genius Bar is FREE, in warranty or out.

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Mar 16, 2014 6:51 PM in response to Matty-E
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Mar 16, 2014 6:51 PM in response to Matty-E

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not be applicable.

    1. Follow the instructions in this support article, and also this one, if applicable. A damaged or defective AC adapter could be the cause, even if it's the right kind.

    2. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. By a "pointing device," I mean a peripheral that moves the cursor in response to user input, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.

    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 portable computer 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. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and the unit needs to be serviced or replaced.

    8. 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.

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

    10. 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.

    11. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.