Mouse and Trackpad Clicks Sticking

Every time I click with either the mouse or the trackpad the click seems to stick as if I did a half click. For example, if I click in a text area in any application, the cursor won't blink and just seems to be stuck and static. If I try to type no text appears on the screen until I click the mouse again and then the text fills in after the fact.
Another example is while browsing the web if I click on a text link nothing happens. Instead the cursor just gets stuck in the link hover state as if I only did half a click. I then have to click on the link a second time to make it work.
This sticky click is happening in every application and happens with both the trackpad and my bluetooth magic mouse. It makes my Macbook Pro almost unusable at times.
I'm not sure if this is a software or hardware problem. Anyone run into this before? Thanks in advance!

I checked Universal Access and that's not the problem. Good thought though. And I haven't updated to 10.6.3 yet (heard too many problems from others so I'm holding off). This seemed to happen after I upgraded to Snow Leopard a few weeks ago. That's the best I can figure. But what's causing it exactly is beyond me.

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Mouse and trackpad clicks won't register?

Hi all,
I'm using an iMac that I purchased last year around this time (Nov 2011), and it's sometimes not registering the clicks from my trackpad or mouse. The problem resolves itself if I put it to sleep them wake it up, and only happens when I run OS X. Here's a rundown of what's going on:
1. The cursor moves, but clicks don't register. I've tried using the magic trackpad, the magic mouse, a USB wireless mouse, and even a corded/wired mouse -- all can move the cursor, but no clicks.
2. The problem goes away if I tap the iMac's power button, put it to sleep, then wake it back up. Clicks work again.
3. The does NOT happen when I run boot camp or Windows 7.
4. It always acts up after a reboot. I basically have to reboot, log in, put the computer to sleep, then wake it up to get the mouse/trackpad to work.
I'm running 10.8.2 and the problem started about a week or two ago. Right now, I know I have the sleep/wake solution, but I don't want to keep doing that to keep something as basic as the mouse functional. Also, I'm afraid that if the problem escalates and that doesn't work anymore, then it'll be difficult to use my computer.
I'm suspecting this is an isue with the OS, but I have no idea what to tinker with. Hopefully somebody has some ideas?
Thanks!

Hi Paula and Welcome!
I'm surprised that a USB mouse shows the same problems. A spill into your trackpad shouldn't affect how a USB mouse responds. A replacement/service of your trackpad would still be cheaper than a new computer.
However...
I have just been playing around with my iBook 'pretending' that I haven't got a trackpad. You say that you can get System Prefs up using keys. Once you have SP open, hit tab which highlights the first option (Appearance). Then use the arrow keys to get to Keyboard & Mouse. Hit space bar. Hit Tab which highlights one of the 'tabs' at the top. Use the arrow keys to get to 'Trackpad'. Hit spacebar. Use Tab to get to Trackpad gestures>clicking, hit spacebar to cycle options. Any other prefs can be done in the same way.
An  a day...
Adrian

Mouse and Trackpad not clicking.

Hi there,
Sometimes my mouse and trackpad will stop clicking. I will be able to move the cursor but nothing else. After a while the use will return. Why is this and how can I repair it?
Thanks

Sounds like a top case issue. You may want to bring that in. If you have already tried re-installing the OS than it is more than likely a hardware issue.
Good Luck.

Can't I use my wireless mouse and trackpad in different ways when scrolling?

Since I'm a Chinese user, I prefer describing my question in my mother language...I will translate it...
在系统偏好设置里，倒是可以分别设置鼠标和触控板，但是当我打开触控板的“自然滚动”，同时取消鼠标的“滚动或导航时，使内容按手指方向移动”，之后，鼠标恢复原来的滚动方式，郁闷的使触控板的滚动方式也跟着变化了⋯⋯
但这时打开触控板的设置，“自然滚动”依然是选中的啊⋯⋯
如果这时关闭“自然滚动”，再重新开启，鼠标设置界面的“滚动或导航时，使内容按手指方向移动”虽然是为选中的，但使用时滚动方向又变成反向了⋯⋯
各位有遇到么⋯⋯我觉得是个BUG吧，期待修复⋯⋯
我的鼠标是雷柏的6900,蓝牙无线
本子是新的MBA 11‘
Well, there is two setting items in system preference for "mouse" and "trackpad", and there do have the checkbox for "Move content in the direction of finger movement when scrolling or navigating" and for "Scroll direction: natural". I checked the "Natural Scroll"---- if I may call it this way ---- option and unchecked the same option in mouse setting wishing to use my mouse and trackpad in different ways...
However, it turned out to be a confusing phenomenon like I can only use my mouse and trackpad in the way "Natural Scroll" or the way it used to be. If I double click the checkbox of "Move content in the direction of finger movement when scrolling or navigating" to refresh my settings, both my mouse and trackpad will turn into the way it used to be in scrolling while if I double click on the "Natural Scroll" checkbox, both of them will turn into the new way.
At the same time, eventhrough the setting of my mouse has been changed by the changing of trackpad setting, the checkbox in "mouse" is still unchecked and that's where makes it seems like a BUG....
So, is there anybody who meets the same problem? The reason I want to use this two device in different ways is I just don't like to use mouse in the new way, it's unconfortable for me.
And, I use a new MacBook Air 11' and a wireless mouse called Rapoo 6900
Here comes the link of my wireless mouse.
http://en.rapoo.com/ProOverview.aspx?PID=3550

jhawk,
I can see the appeal of your desired setup, but is the limitation the inability to "Pair" the mouse/keyboard to more than one computer at a time? (Practically, that makes sense, you don't want to be blindly moving both cursors around at the same time, since you can only see one screen at a time)
You CAN operate bluetooth devices on Windows without pairing-you just need to locate the device each time before using:
http://www.oreillynet.com/pub/a/wireless/2003/09/18/winxpunwired.html
So maybe you can pair the Mac version, and just search out the device each time you switch over? (but then you would have to "unpair" it off the Mac too) Maybe you need to write two scripts for each platform: pair/unpair devices.
Sounds like it would be easier to buy two wireless keyboards and mice :P
What you really want is a utility like this:
http://www.abyssoft.com/software/teleport/
(its only Mac to Mac though, unfortunately)
Good luck!

Mighty Mouse and Trackpad on Macbook

Hi,
I was used to automatically disconnect my trackpad when my Mighty Mouse connects to the Macbook by BT. And for this there was a checkbox in preferences (under mouse option) that was able to do it.
After upgrade to 10.6, this option was gone!!! Now I have both devices working at the same time: Mouse and Trackpad.
Any ideas how to disconnect the Trackpad when and external mouse is detected in 10.6?!

This is from the Help system:
Making the trackpad inactive
You can set the computer to ignore the trackpad while you’re typing or when you have a mouse connected. This option is available on some portable computers only.
To make your trackpad inactive:
Choose Apple menu > System Preferences, and then click Trackpad.
Open Trackpad preferences
Select the “Ignore accidental trackpad input” checkbox to make the computer ignore the trackpad while you type.
If you’re using a non-Apple mouse, the driver software that came with your mouse may prevent these options from working as expected. See the documentation that came with your mouse for more information.

Magic mouse and trackpad not working

All of a sudden my magic mouse and trackpad stopped working.
I tried everything, preferences, bluetooth config, but nothing works.
Sometimes in the mouse prefpane, I get the message that the mouse is connected, then after a few seconds it shows disconnected.
In Bluetooth config I get the message that the mouse is connected but the wheel keeps spinning and then it says "connection failed. software configuration and bluetooth may be invalid or are not supported".
Same for the trackpad.
My second mac is also seen, and "connected ?" , but when I try to open the connection it fails also.
System is lion 10.7.5. imac 3,6 Ghz corei5 from 2011.

Found out myself how to solve the problem.
Simply resetting the PRAM and everything was ok.
Thanks anyway

Magic Mouse and Trackpad Become Randomly Eratic

My setup:
2011 Macbook Pro
27" Thunderbolt Display
Wireless Keyboard
TrackPad
Magic Mouse
My Problem:
about once every 2 or 3 days, my mouse and trackpad will become eratic (at the same time) Im unable to reliably control them and the cursor will move sparaticlty on the screen. Up to this point, my only option has been to restart. Once the system restarts, Im fine. This has happened with with several apps open, and with no apps openend, and I have dropped into a terminal window to look at the process table ( ps -ef | more ) and I dont see a hung process or one that might be eating CPU or memory. All software and firmwares are up to date.
Anyone got any ideas ???
Bill

I have the same problem on my 27" imac with Lion, but I have found that they only play up when the apple tv is being used in a seperate room. I have confirmed this strange occurance by turning the apple tv off, they work fine, then i turn the apple tv on, they are eratic once again. I am starting to think that it is a bluetooth syc issue, not sure..... I seem to be able to make or stop the eratic behaviour by the flick of a switch.

My iMac mouse and trackpad will not scroll or swipe. as far as I can tell, the settings are correct.

I've had this Imac for a year and have had no problems until the mouse and trackpad both stopped scrolling a few weeks ago. I'm guessing it is some setting that is causing this since both are not working but I'm about to toss this out the window cause Apple makes it nearly impossible to use the software without the ability to scroll and swipe. I have checked the obvious settings. Please Help!!

how do you try to scroll ?
some people are used to trackpads scrolling when they move their finger out in the right side or the likes
with newer macs one scroll by placing 2 fingers beside eachother and moving them up and down

Will Magic Mouse and Trackpad Support Multitouch Gestures On Lion

Will the Apple Magic Mouse and Trackpad support Multitouch gestures on Lion?

Try this page.
It will tell you which gestures are available with Trackpad and Magic Mouse respectively.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Paul
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4721

Mouse and Trackpad

Ever since upgrading to Lion my mouse and trackpad is scrolling wrong. To scroll down a page I must gesture up instead of down and gesture down to scroll up. Any way to change that?

Open System Preferences > Trackpad and select the Scroll & Zoom tab. Now de-select the "Scroll direction: natural" checkbox.

Problems with clicking using the mouse and trackpad

Mouse will move OK, but clicks do not register immediately and everything is highlighting when i move the cursor. I found that if i hold down the click for a second or so it seems to work as per normal except if there is a delayed action on a button. Has anyone come across this and do you have a solution? Thanks in Advance.

Its a bit hard to explain exactly what happens. When i click on an object it seems that only the press is invoked and the release is not. Thats why when i click on somthing them move the mouse it starts highlighting, be it text in a browser window or icons on the desktop.
I have noticed that if i press, wait for a couple of seconds and then release, the click works as it should. All other interaction such as the keyboard mouse movements and right click works fine.
Also, this problem causes a double click to act like a single click, and a triple click act like a double click.
This problem is driving me crazy...

5k retina display - scroll not working with Safari (both magic mouse and trackpad)

Hi,
suddenly my trackpad and magic mouse stopped working with scrolling (most annoying one) and other gestures.
I recently bought the iMAC 5K retina display and was not expecting this by any means...
I have a ton of tabs open on safari and simply "refuse" to try the old windows way of rebooting the machine...
I have to use the arrow keys to scroll down... this is insane
could you please advise? am I missing something?
many thanks

Just found out the reason I couldn't get the two to play nicely. I had connected my keyboard and trackpad using a "Magic Wand" which looked great. Unfortunately the magic wand had a connecting piece to fill in the gap between the two pieces and this was preventing the little pads underneath the trackpad clicking. So I can only guess that because the trackpad couldn't click it thought it was stuck and therefore also locked up the mouse. I've remove the connector and both pieces work perfectly together!

Mouse and trackpad just not working - can't use machine

Hi there,
I have a late 2009 iMac running an up to date version of Mountain Lion and all has been well until today.
My iMac behaving very oddly with my trackpad. I have tried switching it our for a wired mouse and I get the same results. This is what I am experiencing:
The iMac behaves as though I have either:
clicked and held my finger down - on my desktop when I move the cursor around the iMac thinks I'm trying to select an area
right clicked - when I try and click on an icon in the dock, the right click options appear
Additionally I am experiencing the following
iMac doesn't respond to me clicking on an icon
I can't select an option, ie if I do select an option such as 'Continue' (more of that later*) I can't get the iMac to respond to me clicking it
Before switching over to my mouse I replaced the batteries in my BT keyboard and the trackpad. I've also tried attaching a USB keyboard (albeit a PC one)
I have tried the following:
resetting the V/P RAM
booting in Safe Mode
Shutting down, unplugging everything (inc power cord) and left for 10 mins before rebooting
Booting in recovery mode and reinstalling M Lion - I can't even do this
* When presented with the recovery options I can scroll through the 4 options with the up down arrow keys, I can select 'Continue' with the mouse or trackpad (it goes a solid blue colour) but I move forward - either by clicking it or hitting Enter on the keyboard.
I'm now totally stuck as when I reboot (there's been a fair few forced ones) I can't even select my user profile (or any of the Resart/Shut Down options)
Time to make a Genius Bar apppointment, or is there something else I can do?
Thanks
EDIT: I did manage to select my wife's user profile and eventually got into the system, and very strangley if I access the iMac via LogMeIn on my work PC it responds excatly as it should. I can click, select as normal. Even when I'm doing this remotely my trackpad and mouse continue to behave incorrectly (as described above
Message was edited by: TWH3

Man.. I is such a fool sometimes.
So I reinstalled ML - which on my cruddy 4 MB ADSL connection took a fair while. And still the problem was there.
Then I tried one small thing... take the batteries out of the trackpad and then try using the wired mouse. BINGO.
After a few more tests it has bceome clear that it was the trackpad that was at fault. Not my iMac, not my OS. Having it on would screw up what the wired mouse was trying to do. Should've checked that HOURS ago.
I have a spare trackpad (I used to have a Mac from work and bought myself a trackpad for it. No longer have a Mac for work as a switched employers, but ironcially willbe getting one next week!). I have installed the 2nd trackpad and all works fine.
Lesson learned - do more thorough diagnostics!
I'm off to cancel my Genius Bar apppointment

Macbook Pro, 10.9.3 - Mouse and trackpad erratic

Hi there
I am one of these "lucky" people experiencing erratic mouse and kepypad movements on my Macbook Pro. Resetting the Pram (Command (⌘), Option, P, and R) has done the job in the past but not really this time.
The mouse (I am using a Logitech wireless mouse) has gotten quite a bit better after resetting the Pram and after updating the Mac to the latest sofware version (10.9.3) so it is kind of managable (it still tends to drift upwards when I dont use it though), but the trackpad is pretty much unusable at the moment.
I really doubt there is something physically wrong with the trackpad, as it worked perfectly and stopped doing so all of a sudden together with the mouse.
BTW my disk space has been pretty full and I made some more space as I thought this might have been an issue...but this hasn't fixed the problem either.
I am really grateful for advise!
Thanks!
Betty

There are several possible causes for this issue. 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. Open the Bluetooth preference pane in System Preferences and delete all pointing devices other than the trackpad, if applicable. Disconnect any USB pointing devices. 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.
3. 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.
4. Reset the System Management Controller.
5. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.
6. 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.
7. Press down all four corners of the trackpad at once and release. If there's any effect, it's likely to be temporary, and the unit needs to be serviced or replaced.
8. There's a report that a (possibly defective) Thunderbolt Ethernet adapter can cause the built-in trackpad of a MacBook to behave erratically. If you're using such an adapter, disconnect it and test.
9. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.
10. 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.
11. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine and/or external trackpad tested.

Trojan or Virus? Mouse and trackpad arrow keep returning to one spot

This just started happening today (Nov.21, 2008) after I used wireless internet at two different Starbucks locations.
My mouse arrow and trackpad arrow both keep returning to the middle and left-hand area of my screen. I can move my arrow for about half a second, but then it immediately returns to the exact same spot.
Both my bluetooth and wireless are always on. Has anyone heard of this problem yet? I'm currently running Norton Antivirus to check for any nasties.
Let me know, thanks.

There are no viruses active on a Mac. The only trojans would require you downloading a .dmg file, extracting a program and executing it. If you download and execute unknown programs, then you may have a trojan, although I don't think it affects the cursor. Why don't you just try shutting the computer down for 30 seconds and then restarting. If that doesn't do the trick then you may have a third-party utility you've installed that could be causing a problem. Try booting into safe mode to see what happens. If that doesn't work then try creating a new user account then log into the new account to see what happens.

Mouse and Trackpad Clicks Sticking

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