sharynhkg
Level 1 (0 points)

Q: Trackpad and keyboard of MBP not working right

The trackpad of my macbook pro suddenly went all crazy last night.

 

The cursor started to move on its own - it selected files, created new folders, opened apps and tabs etc. I have tried everything such as resetting PRAM and reboot in safe mode, but none of them work.

 

I then disabled trackpad and took out my wireless mouse and tried to sync all my papers to Google Drive. But once the syncing process started, my keyboard would stop working. I pressed the caps lock and the green light would go on but I just couldn't type anything.

 

I restarted the macbook and the keyboard would work fine until my second attempt of syncing documents with Google Drive on the macbook.

 

What could have possibly gone wrong? My Macbook is 13.3" mid 2012 and running on OS X 10.9.3. Thanks in advance!

MacBook Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on May 28, 2014 1:45 AM

Close
sharynhkg

Q: Trackpad and keyboard of MBP not working right

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis May 28, 2014 8:44 AM in response to sharynhkg
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    May 28, 2014 8:44 AM in response to sharynhkg

    There are several possible causes for this issue. Please take each of the following steps that you haven't already tried until it's resolved. Some may not apply in your case.

    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, such as a trackpad, mouse, trackball, or graphics tablet. A plain keyboard is not a pointing device.

    3. Start up 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 restart as usual, stop here and post your results. Do the same if you can't start in safe mode. If there was no difference in safe mode, 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.