How do I fix a super-sensitive trackpad on my MacBook Pro (17-inch)?

Jumpy Trackpad

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

Go step by step and test.

1. Restart

2. Shut down the computer.

Clean the trackpad with moist not wet microfiber cloth.

System Preferences > Point & Click

Try turning off three finger dragging and then turning it on after testing.

3. Is there any Bluetooth device nearby with failing batteries? If so, replace the batteries.

4. Reset PRAM: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH14222

5. Reset SMC. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3964

Choose the method for:

"Resetting SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own".

6. Close all windows and quit all applications.

Click the Spotlight -the magnifying glass icon- in the menu bar. Enter Disk utility in the box.

Select Disk Utility from the drop down. When the Disk utility window opens up,

select Macintosh HD, then First Aid.

Click Repair Disk Section: "Try Disk Utility" Permissions button.

Ignore the time remaining estimate.

Last 1 minute may take longer.

I have this problem again. One touch on the trackpad gives 50 entries on the screen.

Tried all the above, with no success.

I had the same problem four years ago, and had to buy a new trackpad. Do these trackpads have a history of failure?

Ralph

Hmmm, have I cured the problem?

Fed up with this problem, I gave the trackpad a severe scrubbing with washing up liquid (not too much water) and then a good rinse (not too much water). More than I would normally do to an electrical device. And cleaned all the sides and back of the pad too. And then a good drying with a warmish fan.

Seems to be ok now. Hope it lasts.

Ralph

>>Seems to be ok now. Hope it lasts.

Some hope. It lasted a couple of days, and that was it. Soon as I used the computer in the evening, the trackpad is all over the place. 1,000 clicks in one second, sending the screen crazy.

R

.

Ok, I give in -- I bought a new trackpad, and everything is ok now.

That is a new trackpad every three years. Not terribly reliable, for a lump of solid-state electronics.

Ralph