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my mac book air touch pad has a life of its own? is there a virus effecting my computer, only 18months old?

My Mac book air, touch pad has a life of its own, sometimes starts moving on its own. I have restarted the computer and it seams to work. The next time i open it starts happening again. I love my mac book but i'm starting to worry i have a virus? How do i solve this problem?

Please anyone HELP!!!

MacBook Air, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Mar 17, 2014 2:41 AM

Reply
3 replies

Mar 17, 2014 3:17 AM in response to KEVINlovesapple

Reset PRAM. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405


Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Choose the method for:

"Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".


Check for failing batteries in nearby Bluetooth devices.


Try the suggestion in this article.


http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1248



If this does not help, contact Apple.


Best.

Mar 17, 2014 11:51 AM in response to KEVINlovesapple

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.

my mac book air touch pad has a life of its own? is there a virus effecting my computer, only 18months old?

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