mac midiguy

Q: Mouse pointer moves on it's own by flying off screen then impossible to find

Mouse pointer moves on it's own by flying off screen then impossible to find.
OS Maverick 10.9 desktop iMac 21.5inch Late 2009 3.06 GHz 12 GB memory. Why does it do that at the most inopportune time? and how do find that cursor without stabbing the keyboard to death?

Help please.

OS X Mavericks (10.9.4)

Posted on Aug 20, 2014 5:57 PM

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Q: Mouse pointer moves on it's own by flying off screen then impossible to find

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  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Aug 20, 2014 6:53 PM in response to mac midiguy
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Aug 20, 2014 6:53 PM in response to mac midiguy

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

    3. 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.

    4. 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.

    5. Reset the System Management Controller.

    6. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

    7. 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.

    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.

  • by mac midiguy,

    mac midiguy mac midiguy Aug 22, 2014 2:30 PM in response to Linc Davis
    Level 1 (65 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 22, 2014 2:30 PM in response to Linc Davis

    Thank you for the detailed instructions.

     

    I don't have the track pad ( can't afford the 75 CDN $$$ ) and not using the wireless mouse or keyboard although  Bluetooth  is on for some reason..   So i am going to try the safe boot and reset the SystemManagementControl.  Also will see what happens when i don't plug-in My Passport for Mac a Western Digital 2TB USB drive.

     

    Well let you know what happens.