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Q: Trackpad majorly malfunctioning!

Help! The trackpad on my MacBook Pro (2010ish) is seriously malfunctioning, like there is a phantom opening programs, dragging items. It has rendered my mac unusable. It all started after I upgraded to Yosemite and other corresponding programs that needed to be upgraded like iPhoto. I don't think I had ever upgraded my operating system since I bought my mac. I tried a lot of the useful advice posted online (thank goodness I have my ipad to help me!!) but none of these provided lasting solution.

MacBook Pro (13-inch Mid 2010)

Posted on Nov 10, 2014 10:51 PM

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Q: Trackpad majorly malfunctioning!

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  • by OGELTHORPE,

    OGELTHORPE OGELTHORPE Nov 11, 2014 4:54 AM in response to HokieTribe
    Level 9 (52,759 points)
    Mac OS X
    Nov 11, 2014 4:54 AM in response to HokieTribe

    Having no idea of what you have tried, look for possible assistance in these discussions:

     

    https://discussions.apple.com/article/TS1449

     

    Occasionally a thorough cleaning of the trackpad will restore functionality.

     

    In addition, the battery which resides underneath the track pad may have expanded, interfering with it.  Open the MBP and inspect the battery.

     

    Ciao

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Nov 11, 2014 2:43 PM in response to HokieTribe
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Nov 11, 2014 2:43 PM in response to HokieTribe

    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 Lucytony,

    Lucytony Lucytony Nov 11, 2014 5:25 PM in response to HokieTribe
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 11, 2014 5:25 PM in response to HokieTribe

    Curious!

    We just updated to yosemite and our trackpad is now jacked! I hate updates!

  • by Lucytony,

    Lucytony Lucytony Nov 11, 2014 5:28 PM in response to OGELTHORPE
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 11, 2014 5:28 PM in response to OGELTHORPE

    While I get where you're coming from Ogy, I don't trust updates! Whenever we get updates at work our computers all stop working!