I am able to move the cursor with the trackpad, Bluetooth mouse and even a Microsoft USB mouse however on all three devices I cannot click with any button. Rendering my MacBook useless.
MacBook Pro with Retina display, Mac OS X (10.7.5)
Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, by a font conflict, or by corruption of the file system or of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards, if applicable. Start up in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem.
Note: If FileVault is enabled in OS X 10.9 or earlier, or if a firmware password is set, or if the startup volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to start up and run than normal, with limited graphics performance, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain models. The next normal startup may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually login automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Test while in safe mode. Same problem?
After testing, restart as usual (not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.
Hello Linc,
Thank you so much for your prompt response.
I restarted the MAC and booted into Safe Boot, however I can't click anywhere.
I am able to move the cursor but that's it.
No other peripheral is plugged in, I can’t even click the ‘Restart’ or ‘Shut Down’ button on the login screen.
Turned the Mac off by holding down power button and started computer back up. I am able to type my passcode in and log into my account, move the cursor around but again can’t click, left or right.
Thank you.
If a graphics tablet (Wacom or similar) has been connected, or if third-party software such as "Inklet" has been installed to allow the trackpad to be used as a tablet, there will be a preference pane named Ink in System Preferences. Open it and disable all the features.
Hello Linc,
I don't have a tablet connected or any third party software (as far as I am aware).
Just out of interest, I restarted the Mac again into safe boot and connected a Microsoft USB mouse and I was able to move the cursor but even with a corded mouse can't click.
Did you check for the preference pane?
Hi Linc,
I can't get to the preference pane as I can't click with the trackpad or mouse ... unless there is another way to check?
Start a Spotlight search by pressing the key combination command-space and enter "System Preferences" (without the quotes.)
Hi Linc,
Thanks for the tip i.e command-space !
Went into system preferences and searched for "ink" but nothing was returned in the search.
If you don't already have a current backup, back up all data, then reinstall the OS.* You don't need to erase the startup volume, and you won't need the backup unless something goes wrong. If the system was upgraded from an older version of OS X, you may need the Apple ID and password you used.
There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional. Ask if you need guidance.
If you installed the Java runtime distributed by Apple and still need it, you'll have to reinstall it. The same goes for Xcode. All other data will be preserved.
*The linked support article refers to OS X 10.10 ("Yosemite"), but the procedure is the same for OS X 10.7 ("Lion") and later.
Hello Linc,
Thank you again for your help. I just thought I’d give you an update.
After I received your last advice I went about looking at the support material that you had provided for reinstalling the OS, as I had never done this before. Anyway I got tired and forgot to put the MacBook back on charge (as I had it to the side of the PC).
The next day we took our camper away and I brought the MacBook along so I could still use it as a grandiose charger for iPhone and iPad. Once it was plugged in I just opened the lid and entered my passcode and for some reason clicked the mouse and it responded!
Have absolutely no idea how and why that happened. That night I was working on some footage of the moon in iMovie and all of a suddenly the clicking stopped again. So, it was short lived. Mind you the next morning, it was working again.
On my return to home the MacBook started working again with the mouse clicking.
I was lucky that I was able to speak to Apple Support and they ran a through tests and decided that I needed to take it to an authorised Apple service centre. Although my Apple support had finished, thankfully in Australia we’re covered by an Australian two year consumer law so I was able to take it in free of charge.
Of course since that phone call the trackpad has been working fine and hasn’t faltered once (touch wood). The service centre looked at it and ran a few tests and said because it wasn’t doing it now they couldn’t really help unfortunately. They did advise though that it sounded like a software problem and to reinstall the OS and see if it happens again.
So, that is what I have done. Reinstalled the OS last night and all seems to be working (to repeat “touch wood”).
From my novice experience this all seems to have happened since I left the MacBook off charge overnight. Not sure if that’s just coincidence.
Anyway, thank you again Linc for your timely responses and support. Very much appreciated. 🙂
I woke up to a rude awakening this morning.
I'm on an iMac, early 2009 with a wired mouse and keyboard (NEVER have had a BlueTooth mouse/keyboard) running Yosemite. I was at the login screen, and the left-button (for a right-hand mouser) would not work at all. The cursor would track, but I couldn't click on anything. I had to rapidly click on the login user account icon several times, and finally it would register and let me login.
The strange thing is, I'm not a right-hander on a mouse, so it should be the right mouse button having a problem, not the left mouse button. Normally, after login of my account, it automatically loads the mouse preferences and switches to the left-handed configuration. I would like to know what to do before shutting this Mac down tonight.
Thank you.
Can't click with trackpad or mouse
