born2soon

Q: cursor has gone crazy

My cursor has developed a mind of its own. How do I fix it?

Posted on Aug 24, 2014 5:41 AM

Close

Q: cursor has gone crazy

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by OGELTHORPE,Helpful

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Aug 24, 2014 6:03 AM in response to born2soon
    Level 9 (52,776 points)
    Mac OS X
    Aug 24, 2014 6:03 AM in response to born2soon

    Here is the Apple support article:

     

    http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1449

     

    Sometimes a thorough cleaning of the trackpad will restore functionality.

     

    In addition, open the MBP and check the battery which resides under the trackpad.  Occasionally the battery will expand and interfere with trackpad operation.

     

    If no success, make an Apple genius bar appointment for a FREE evaluation.

     

    Ciao.

  • by Linc Davis,Helpful

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Aug 24, 2014 11:45 AM in response to born2soon
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Aug 24, 2014 11:45 AM in response to born2soon

    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.