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Desktop and mouse jerking, moving on their own after El Capitan update

Hi, I updated to El Capitan a few days ago and used it fine for a few days. Today when I got on my computer it seemed to have a mind of it's own. It's almost like someone is remotely controlling my computer.

• mouse jerks and moves around on it's own

• Desktops change on their own

• view gets bigger and smaller on it's own


I can sit in my chair with my hands in my lap and the screen and mouse move on their own.


I can't work. Does anyone know what the heck is going on?


Macbook pro retina, mid 2012

2.7GHz i7

16 GB, 1600 mhzDDr3


El Capitan 10.11.3


Have an external view sonic monitor attached, Use an apple wireless keyboard and a Logitech mouse.


Thanks!

Posted on Feb 6, 2016 1:57 PM

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4 replies

Feb 6, 2016 5:05 PM in response to cmyk5199

There are several possible causes for the behavior that you describe. 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. Disconnect or power off each Bluetooth or USB pointing device, one at a time, testing as you go. You may be able to identify one that's malfunctioning. 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. If you have a desktop model without a built-in trackpad, at least one external pointing device must be active at all times.

4. If your model has an infrared receiver for use with an Apple Remote, disable it.

5. 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.

6. Reset the System Management Controller.

7. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad or mouse, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.

8. 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.

9. A defective peripheral device or a damaged cable can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using any wired peripherals, disconnect them one at a time and test.

10. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.

11. If you use Handoff, disable it in the General pane of System Preferences.

12. If AirPlay mirroring to a TV is on, turn it off.

13. 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.

14. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

Feb 6, 2016 5:22 PM in response to Linc Davis

Thank you Linc.


One thing that is weird...I tried to start in safe mode and I can't. I hold down the shift key the minute it starts up and it goes directly to my log in screen. I tried it several times. Also, my computer doesn't chime when started, nor does it have a grey screen. It just goes from black to my log in screen???


I pressed down on the 4 corners and that seemed to help for now. Would that be responsible for the desktops changing back and forth and the screen jerking and flickering around around? Also, the views were changing on their own -- zooming way in and way out without me touching anything.


Could there be a loose connection in there that could be causing this? It was working fine yesterday.

Desktop and mouse jerking, moving on their own after El Capitan update

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