Q: Keyboard / Trackpad not working in Mac OS, but works on boot screen and in Windows
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Dec 8, 2015 6:44 AMby Linc Davis,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.
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Dec 8, 2015 8:02 AMby aras111,Just tried booting into safe mode with all peripherals disconnected. No difference - keyboard and trackpad are not working when Mac OS gets to the login screen.
Doesn't look like it can be third party software - I have performed clean-install number of times and it even happens during OS X install. But hardware is not faulty either as it works perfectly in Windows and on the boot screen... Really puzzled by this one...
One other thing I should have mentioned - if there is no external keyboard connected, when boots Mac OS shows a warning that it could not detect keyboard.
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Dec 8, 2015 8:21 AMby Linc Davis,Please start up in Recovery mode. In the OS X Utilities screen, select Get Help Online. A copy of Safari will launch. Can you type in the address bar?
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Dec 8, 2015 8:52 AMby Linc Davis,I know of no explanation for the facts you've stated other than a hardware fault. I understand that the keyboard works in the login screen and in Windows. I can't explain that, but I don't have to. Apple has to explain it.
Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store, or go to another authorized service provider. You may have to leave the machine there for several days.
Back up all data on the internal drive(s) before you hand over your computer to anyone. There are ways to back up a computer that isn't fully functional—ask if you need guidance.
If privacy is a concern, erase the data partition(s) with the option to write zeros* (do this only if you have at least two complete, independent backups, and you know how to restore to an empty drive from any of them.) Don’t erase the recovery partition, if present.
Keeping your confidential data secure during hardware repair
Apple also recommends that you deauthorize a device in the iTunes Store before having it serviced.
*An SSD doesn't need to be zeroed.
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Dec 9, 2015 3:19 AMby aras111,OK, thanks for you effort. If anyone has any ideas what could be causing this behaviour, please let me know.
By the way, just booted into Diagnostics (pressed D on boot). Diagnostics page only said that battery needs servicing. More interestingly, while the diagnostics runs and on the results page, the trackpad works absolutely fine...
