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Q: Unresponsive trackpad in login window

How can I navigate in el capitan login screen using the keyboard as the track pad click is unresponsive. I can navigate beteende the Users with arrow and enter but cannot move to restart, shut down etc

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.7.2), iFinance v 3.3.4

Posted on Jun 17, 2016 12:14 AM

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Q: Unresponsive trackpad in login window

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  • by sarah_s1,Helpful

    sarah_s1 sarah_s1 Jun 17, 2016 10:07 PM in response to nigeln
    Community Specialists
    Jun 17, 2016 10:07 PM in response to nigeln

    Hi nigeln,

     

    Thanks for checking out the Apple Support Communities for help with your MacBook Pro. I understand you're wanting to be able to navigate the login window of your MacBook Pro since your trackpad isn't working. There are a few keyboard shortcuts that may be helpful even though the trackpad isn't responding for you. I've highlighted a few of these shortcuts below. 

     

    Control–Command–Power button    Force your Mac to restart.

    Control–Option–Command–(Power button or Media Eject )    Quit all apps, then shut down your Mac. If any open documents have unsaved changes, you'll be asked whether you want to save them.

    Power button    Hold for 5 seconds to force your Mac to turn off.

    Shift-Command-Q    Log out of your OS X user account. You'll be asked to confirm.

     

    You can see a full list of the keyboard shortcuts here: Mac keyboard shortcuts - Apple Support

     

    If you're having trouble with your trackpad, I also suggest trying to reset the SMC on your MacBook if you haven't already. This won't erase any personal data but can help in situations like this. You can find the steps for resetting your SMC here: Reset the System Management Controller (SMC) on your Mac - Apple Support

     

    Cheers! 

  • by nigeln,

    nigeln nigeln Jun 17, 2016 10:12 PM in response to sarah_s1
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Mac OS X
    Jun 17, 2016 10:12 PM in response to sarah_s1

    Sarah - many thanks for these helpful suggestions which I will try when I return home tomorrow. I am particularly interested in testing the SMC reset suggestion which is something I was unaware of. Nigel