sibbofromwelwyn

Q: I'm having a real problem with my cursor which seems to have developed a mind of its own, zigzagging allover, highlighting things without my command, and basically making my MacBook unuseable (it's taken me half an hour just to compose this!).

I'm having a real problem with my cursor which seems to have developed a mind of its own, zigzagging allover, highlighting things without my command, and basically making my MacBook unusable (it's taken me half an hour just to compose this!).

MacBook Pro

Posted on Nov 20, 2014 9:53 AM

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Q: I'm having a real problem with my cursor which seems to have developed a mind of its own, zigzagging allover, highlighting things ... more

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  • by Ingo2711,

    Ingo2711 Ingo2711 Nov 20, 2014 10:18 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn
    Level 7 (25,942 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 20, 2014 10:18 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn

    Is a mouse connected via bluetooth, or is bluetooth deactivated?

  • by sibbofromwelwyn,

    sibbofromwelwyn sibbofromwelwyn Nov 20, 2014 10:21 AM in response to Ingo2711
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 10:21 AM in response to Ingo2711

    Hi - thanks for the prompt response - really appreciated :-)

    I'm not using a mouse, simply the trackpad, and Bluetooth is on. Does this help?

  • by Ingo2711,Helpful

    Ingo2711 Ingo2711 Nov 20, 2014 10:35 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn
    Level 7 (25,942 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 20, 2014 10:35 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn

    If you click on the Bluetooth icon in the Finder, any devices connected? Did you ever connect a mouse to your Mac?

    What's your MacBookPro model? Does the trackpad have an extra bar to press?

  • by Mnkbsnss,Helpful

    Mnkbsnss Mnkbsnss Nov 20, 2014 10:44 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn
    Level 1 (40 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 10:44 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn

    Have you tried to restart your machine? Force quit by pressing the Power button for 5 seconds.

    Otherwise you may try to repair the permissions as follows (previous thread): macbook pro trackpad problemScreen Shot 2014-11-20 at 18.43.24.png

    Hope it helps!

  • by Linc Davis,

    Linc Davis Linc Davis Nov 20, 2014 11:03 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn
    Level 10 (208,037 points)
    Applications
    Nov 20, 2014 11:03 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn

    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 TlanoP,

    TlanoP TlanoP Nov 20, 2014 6:30 PM in response to sibbofromwelwyn
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 20, 2014 6:30 PM in response to sibbofromwelwyn

    I had a very similar problem. I used my Apple TV remote and pressed "menu" three or four times and my curser seems to be back to normal. If you do not already have a remote, I believe they are $15 at Best Buy.

     

    Good luck and I hope this helps!

  • by sibbofromwelwyn,

    sibbofromwelwyn sibbofromwelwyn Nov 24, 2014 8:53 AM in response to Ingo2711
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 24, 2014 8:53 AM in response to Ingo2711

    Thanks to all who have responded - very much appreciated and sorry for the delay in my reply.

     

    I went through all the stages recommended by Linc in this thread, as well as others, plus uninstalling/reinstalling anti-virus software etc and nothing seemed to have worked. So I gave it up as a bad job for the weekend, putting the MacBook in sleep mode and turning-off the wifi. I got back to it this morning in the anticipation of having to book-up a trip to see a Genius and the problem seems to have gone away. Frustrating and relieving in equal measure.

     

    But, once again, my thanks to all of you who took the trouble to reply and help-out, it is really appreciated :-)

  • by sibbofromwelwyn,

    sibbofromwelwyn sibbofromwelwyn Nov 24, 2014 8:57 AM in response to Ingo2711
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Nov 24, 2014 8:57 AM in response to Ingo2711

    Thanks to all who have responded - very much appreciated and sorry for the delay in my reply.

     

    I went through all the stages recommended by Linc in this thread, as well as others, plus uninstalling/reinstalling anti-virus software etc and nothing seemed to have worked. So I gave it up as a bad job for the weekend, putting the MacBook in sleep mode and turning-off the wifi. I got back to it this morning in the anticipation of having to book-up a trip to see a Genius and the problem seems to have gone away. Frustrating and relieving in equal measure.

     

    But, once again, my thanks to all of you who took the trouble to reply and help-out, it is really appreciated :-)

  • by Ingo2711,

    Ingo2711 Ingo2711 Nov 24, 2014 10:34 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn
    Level 7 (25,942 points)
    iPhone
    Nov 24, 2014 10:34 AM in response to sibbofromwelwyn

    Good news