jumping cursor

Question

Level 1

8 points

jumping cursor

I am using macOS High Sierra version 10.13.1 on a MacBookPro.

I cannot type anything without accidentally dragging one or more fingers on something, some key or what, I don't know. I believe that this causes the cursor to jump suddenly to another position unexpectedly. Sometimes text is suddenly deleted. It all happens so fast, I have no idea how it happened.

I can disable the Modifier keys under Keyboard under System Preferences. It is little or no help.

I do not know if the same thing happens when writing in other applications than Mail. Right now it is not happening.

How do I disable the keyboard shortcuts that cause these mistakes?

At this point, much of my typing is reduced to hen-pecking.

MacBook Pro, OS X El Capitan (10.11.3)

Posted on Nov 27, 2017 8:47 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 27, 2017 8:51 AM in response to handercat

As far as your mouse jumping around the screen unexpectedly, your best shot is to either try restarting your computer or taking it to a local Apple store, as it may be a hardware issue.

In order to disable Keyboard Shortcuts, open System Preferences, click Keyboard, and go to the Shortcuts tab, where you can enable and disable various keyboard shortcuts.

(System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts)

Hope this helps!

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Answer 2

tygb

Level 9

65,010 points

Nov 27, 2017 1:30 PM in response to handercat

Open keyboard via spotlight , select shortcuts .

If you assign a keyboard shortcut that already exists for another command or another app, your new shortcut won’t work. Find the menu command that’s using it, then reassign the keyboard shortcut for that item.

To disable a shortcut, deselect the checkbox next to its description in the list.

If you want to return all the shortcuts to their original key combinations, click Restore Defaults.

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Answer 3

Nov 27, 2017 9:08 AM in response to handercat

It could be. If you still have warranty on your device or have Apple Care, I definitely recommend setting up an appointment immediately as they'll be able to solve the problem faster in person then anyone on this forum.

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Answer 4

handercat Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 29, 2017 10:03 AM in response to tygb

Finally apple support was able to determine that I am touching the trackpad inadvertently while typing. There are secret shortcuts or interactions between the trackpad and letter keys. In order to disable these interactions, I had to disable the trackpad by setting up the arrow keys as an external mouse. Don't ask me to tell you how that was done. I will have to leave this setup until apple decides to create an option to disable the trackpad for these functions.

Apple, what were your design engineers thinking when they created these shortcuts and then totally hid them from view and hid them from control?

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Answer 5

handercat Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 27, 2017 9:01 AM in response to Brazilian.Waffle

The only thing I have not done yet is to take the computer in to the apple store and ask for a check and/or repair.

I consulted apple support by telephone and they told me about the system preferences options. Clearly there is more that is embedded in the key functions, or as you say, my computer is malfunctioning badly. It is simply my guess that while I am typing, one or more fingers lightly touch other keys, or perhaps the keypad, at the same time. And thus if there are secret codes for double strikes, I am inadvertently activating these.

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