Mouse/Trackpad won't work. What's step one?

Okay, this is irksome. The Wife's two month old iMac has just gotten a problem which renders it unusuable. The mouse and the trackpad work in the sense that the curser goes across the screen but I have no way of "clicking" anything. I have tried the trackpad, an wired Apple mouse and a cheapo wired generic mouse and I have used all different USB ports for the wired mice. Same thing.  At this point, I pulled the plug and restarted it. Again, same thing.
I have Apple Care so I could call but I'd like to try to fix it myself before making the phone call. So any ideas?
Thanks.
Brian
(Haven't upgraded to Mountain Lion yet.)

Hi Brian, try this...
"Try Disk Utility
1. Insert the Mac OS X Install disc, then restart the computer while holding the C key.
2. When your computer finishes starting up from the disc, choose Disk Utility from the Installer menu at the top of the screen. (In Mac OS X 10.4 or later, you must select your language first.)
Important: Do not click Continue in the first screen of the Installer. If you do, you must restart from the disc again to access Disk Utility.
3. Click the First Aid tab.
4. Select your Mac OS X volume.
5. Click Repair. Disk Utility checks and repairs the disk."
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106214
Then try a Safe Boot, (holding Shift key down at bootup), run Disk Utility in Applications>Utilities, then highlight your drive, click on Repair Permissions, reboot when it completes.
(Safe boot may stay on the gray radian for a long time, let it go, it's trying to repair the Hard Drive.)

Similar Messages

  • Magic Trackpad won't work with Magic Mouse on brand new 2011 27" i5 iMac

    I have a brand new 2011 27" i5 iMac which I bought with Snow Leopard pre-loaded. Naturally, I included the new Magic Trackpad in my purchase, and though there were some problems with the device in SL - such as it going haywire without explanation - it generally worked, although battery levels were erratic (one day 80%, then an hour later 42%, then 80% again).
    When I installed Lion I did a clean install after backing up to Time Machine - and a Super Dupered external drive. I had some difficulties trying to install Lion from an external flash drive so I deleted again and reinstalled SL, then reinstalled over the SL install I did (with no other software except Mac OS X 10.6.8 and other system updates to facilitate install). Rather than copying apps from my old SL drive, I downloaded fresh copies and reinstalled one by one. I don't use a lot of apps apart from Microsoft Office, browsers and iLife and have not installed any additional scripts, extensions or add-ons (like USB Overdrive). It's a pretty clean install.
    Since then, although I'm generally happy with Lion, the Magic Trackpad won't work! It does work for a little while with basic gestures - mainly moving the cursor and scrolling - then it gives up the ghost and loses connectivity. I have done the following:
    Disconnected and reconnected the MTP after turning it on and off. MTP works for about two minutes, goes crazy then no response.
    Shut the computer down, pulled out the plug, waited two minutes, then started up again. MTP works for about two minutes, goes crazy then no response.
    Run Onyx, shut down computer, then pulled out plug (see above).
    Checked options in Universal Access, shut off "Ignore other devices when trackpad in use" (or whatever the option is). MTP works for about two minutes, goes crazy then no response.
    Turned off the Magic Mouse. MTP works for about two minutes, goes crazy then no response.
    But none of this seems to work! I know the MTP is connected because I can see it in the BT menu in the menu bar and also in System Preferences. I have noticed since upgrading that my permissions - which when I bought the computer were totally clean - now run lines and lines about "Library/Core Services" so I am unsure whether this is related. I also notice a lot of people are in the same boat as me, which makes me wonder if it's either a hardware issue or a release issue - after a week or so of totally silent running, my 2TB Hitachi HDD started up with the grumbly tum. I'd really appreciate any tips from anyone out there!

    Hi, marksaner
    You could try installing the latest version of the Synaptics driver. Synaptics is the company that makes the UltraNav driver and drivers for many other computer brands. This driver should have the same functionality as the UltraNav driver, so there's no worry there. You can find the driver here. 
    Hope it helps,
    Adam
    Did someone help you today? Press the star on the left to thank them with a Kudo!
    If you find a post helpful and it answers your question, please mark it as an "Accepted Solution!" This will help the rest of the community with similar issues identify the verified solution and benefit from it.

  • I want to turn my macbook air off. the shut down button already appeared but the mouse/cursor just hang and won't work. even after pressing the enter button to shut my mac off won't work. what will i do?

    i want to turn my macbook air off. the shut down button already appeared but the mouse/cursor just hang and won't work. even after pressing the enter button to shut my mac off won't work. what will i do?

    This is not a reply. I just want to elaborate on this problem.
    My computer freezes occasionally when it is used after being sleep for a while. The spinning ball appears and everything is totally disabled. Nothing on the keyboard works.
    The mouse moves, but does not work.
    The only solution is to turn the power off and on (losing all data in open applications.)
    I kept the System monitor running on the side to find out which program was running when the computer froze. The Monitor as well as all other applications froze, but the data showed:
    Firefox 18.4%
    Activity Monitor 0.9%
    Firefox Plugin 0.2%
    This is all the information I have. By the way, I am using iMac with OS 10.6.

  • My Pearl keeps restarting and the trackpad won't work!

    My new Pearl 9100 keeps freezing and then restarting on itself. It's super annoying because this happens about every hour. When it restarts the entire trackpad won't work, even the button. The only way I've been able to get it to work again is to restart it until it does! It usually takes about 7 restarts until the entire trackpad will work, then it restarts again.
    Is there any suggests on what I should do? And I'm still on warrenty but Bell said they couldnt do anything about it  

    Have you already tried the following steps to reload your device software ?
    1. Verify that the Desktop Manager and BlackBerry Device Software are installed on the computer.
    2. Remove the battery from the BlackBerry. Do not re-insert.
    3. Connect the BlackBerry to the computer.
    4. On the BlackBerry Desktop Manager main screen, click Application Loader.
    5. Click Start.
    6. Click Options to select applications to be installed.
    7. Click Next.
    8. Click Next.
    9. Click Finish.
    10. When the application load starts, re-insert the battery into the BlackBerry.

  • TS3212 when installing iTunes on my new laptop a message box appears saying some sort of error has occured and i have to uninstall it then reinstall it again and it still won't work what should i do?

    when installing iTunes on my new laptop a message box appears saying some sort of error has occured and i have to uninstall it then reinstall it again and it still won't work what should i do?

    Let's try a standalone Apple Application Support install. It still might not install, but fingers crossed any error messages will give us a better idea of the underlying cause of the issue.
    Download and save a copy of the iTunesSetup.exe (or iTunes64setup.exe) installer file to your hard drive:
    http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
    Download and install the free trial version of WinRAR:
    http://www.rarlab.com/
    Right-click the iTunesSetup.exe (or iTunes64Setup.exe), and select "Extract to iTunesSetup" (or "Extract to iTunes64Setup"). WinRAR will expand the contents of the file into a folder called "iTunesSetup" (or "iTunes64Setup").
    Go into the folder and doubleclick the AppleApplicationSupport.msi to do a standalone AAS install.
    Does it install properly for you? If so, does iTunes launch properly now?
    If instead you get an error message during the install, let us know what it says. (Precise text, please.)

  • My ipod nano 5th gen  wont play movies or videos on my ipod but plays them on itunes when i click on it the screen flashes black i have tried taking the movie off my ipod and putting it back on but it still won't work what should i do?

    My ipod nano 5th gen. won't play movies or tv shows but it plays them on itunes.  When I click  on it the screen flashes black. I have tried taking the videos off my ipod and then putting them back on but it still won't work. what should i do?

    Try:
    - iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
    - Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
    How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
    - If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
    - Try on another computer                            
    - If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
    Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar                                     

  • My Magic Trackpad won't work on my Mac Mini?

    My Magic Trackpad won't work on my Mac Mini? The cursor moves a little and then will not respond at all. Gestures do not work

    Yes, it's one of the things that can interfere.  Here are some others including airport.  Try changing your access point to use 5 Ghz or a lower 2.4 GHz channel.
    http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1365
    Captfred

  • My computer broke down, and I have tried for hours to install Elements 10 to my new computer. But uit won't work; whats wrong?

    My computer broke down, and I have tried for hours to install Elements 10 to my new computer. But it won't work; whats wrong?

    Please review this
    Download Photoshop Elements products | 13, 12, 11, 10

  • I dropped my iphone 4 into the water and then i tried the rice method. The rice solved the water issue but now the screen won't work. what should i do?

    I  dropped my iphone 4 into the water and then i tried the rice method. The rice solved the water issue but now the screen won't work. what should i do?

    I guess your definition of "solved" is different from most...
    Make an appointment at the genius bar of your local Apple Store and get an out of warranty replacement.

  • My BB Pearl's 9105 trackpad won't work!!!!

    Somebody help me out on this! My BB Pearl's trackpad is not working! It won't scroll and select neither! Gosh! What should i do about this? Help me please! Pretty please!

    At three months old, I'd suggest a warranty replacement from your seller.
    1. If any post helps you please click the below the post(s) that helped you.
    2. Please resolve your thread by marking the post "Solution?" which solved it for you!
    3. Install free BlackBerry Protect today for backups of contacts and data.
    4. Guide to Unlocking your BlackBerry & Unlock Codes
    Join our BBM Channels (Beta)
    BlackBerry Support Forums Channel
    PIN: C0001B7B4   Display/Scan Bar Code
    Knowledge Base Updates
    PIN: C0005A9AA   Display/Scan Bar Code

  • Touchscreen and trackpad won't work after installing new OS

    i want to ask why that after i upgraded my os, and during the start up when i have to scroll down the aggrements text  my trackpad and my touchscreen won't work. is that any way to solve this problem? i beg you to answer my question please. i would be very grateful. thanks

    Did you actually upgrade to OS 7.0 or to OS 7.1?
    What OS were you previously on that you want to downgrade to?
    For the application in question, go to Options > Device > Application Management. Find the app and delete it.
    Now, go back to AppWorld and install it again and see if it works correctly.
    For most apps that I know of, if they worked correctly on OS7, they will be fine on OS7.1
    1. If any post helps you please click the below the post(s) that helped you.
    2. Please resolve your thread by marking the post "Solution?" which solved it for you!
    3. Install free BlackBerry Protect today for backups of contacts and data.
    4. Guide to Unlocking your BlackBerry & Unlock Codes
    Join our BBM Channels (Beta)
    BlackBerry Support Forums Channel
    PIN: C0001B7B4   Display/Scan Bar Code
    Knowledge Base Updates
    PIN: C0005A9AA   Display/Scan Bar Code

  • Mouse clicks won't work on the browser - any suggestions?

    Following an upgrade of Firefox last year, I can't get the mouse clicks to work on the browser. Doesn't matter whether it's left or right buttons. The radio buttons and links get highlighted when you hover the mouse over the links or the buttons but they won't work when clicked. They work on other browsers (Explorer and Chrome) but no longer on Firefox. I'm using it on a Sony Vaio laptop running Windows 7

    The Reset Firefox feature can fix many issues by restoring Firefox to its factory default state while saving your essential information.
    Note: ''This will cause you to lose any Extensions, Open websites, and some Preferences.''
    To Reset Firefox do the following:
    #Go to Firefox > Help > Troubleshooting Information.
    #Click the "Reset Firefox" button.
    #Firefox will close and reset. After Firefox is done, it will show a window with the information that is imported. Click Finish.
    #Firefox will open with all factory defaults applied.
    Further information can be found in the [[Reset Firefox – easily fix most problems]] article.
    Did this fix your problems? Please report back to us!

  • Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse/Trackpad won't automatically connect after installing Boot Camp

    Hey guys!
    Another peculiar thing happened to me today with my 3-week-old maxed-out 2012 iMac (other than it kernel panicking when I powered it down the other day...did I mention this was 3 weeks old?).
    After installing Boot Camp which I will never do again, my iMac (on the OS X side) no longer recognizes my stock Apple Wireless Keyboard, Magic Trackpad, or Magic Mouse automatically, until I press a button on the keyboard and wait 5 seconds, click the trackpad and wait 5 seconds, or click the mouse and wait 5 seconds.
    (The Windows 8 Boot Camp side pairs with the devices immediately after Windows boots, which leads me to believe that the bluetooth devices are defaulting to look for Windows.)
    One of my huge fears I had when considering purchasing an iMac is that the Bluetooth devices wouldn't immediately connect. Being a power-user with former Mac notebooks and working understandably fast having owned a web development company for 8 years now and not having to worry about Bluetooth device pairing, I'd like to think this fear is substantiated. But after first use (before installing Windows 8 with Boot Camp Assistant) it functioned normally and the iMac would automatically discover my peripherals and connect them by the time time computer turned on. I also had no trouble holding the Option key on boot to select a boot device....
    Now, ever since I set up Windows 8 on the Boot Camp partition and paired the keyboard/mouse/trackpad to Windows, the Mac side completely ignores the keyboard/mouse/trackpad until I click a button on each.
    I'm trying to keep it together but this is raging me out.
    I went into Windows, immediately unpaired the 3 peripherals from windows and now use a wired keyboard/mouse with Windows (yay, desk space!), deleted the items entirely from the bluetooth panel, then booted to Mac and did the same thing. I then re-paired the devices to the OS X side andddd...no go! Still doesn't find them automatically. I am extremely upset by this and can't seem to fix it.
    To summarize, my two issues are:
    A. The iMac in OS X does not automatically recognize my bluetooth peripherals until I click a button on each and wait a couple seconds for them to pair.
    B. I cannot hold Option to select a boot device (or choose Windows/Mac for example) because the computer doesn't recognize the keyboard until OS X boots and I press a key.
    Please...for the love of god...someone help me, and stop me from formatting my entire computer over this issue.

    I don't have a logitech mouse, but is it possible that the mouse is going to sleep during the reboot, and is thus unavailable when the OS is looking for it?

  • DIDEVERYTHINGINDISCUSSIONS!!MOUSE STILL WON'T WORK!!

    hi, all....
    wow - these discussions have saved my life in every instance except this one.... have an iMac G4, just installed Panther, updated to 10.4.2, got new apple wireless keyboard and mouse - all working fine & dandy (w/exception that i also had to re-pair every time i re-started the computer) but i could wake the computer up from sleep, etc. - never a problem... then - change the batteries - nada. zip. zero. i have carefully combed through these discussions - done everything - and i mean absolutely everything suggested at least twice.... no can do.... won't work. have reinstalled mouse & keyboard CD, checked firmware/updater, turned computer totally off & unplugged then restarted, deleted and reinstalled mouse, whatever else they got in there - nothing... says it's paired, and often the mouse will work on the clicks - but the cursor won't move.... i'm at the end of my corded mouse now, got the cordless because of shoulder issues - and they're getting worse.... who - where to turn now?
    thanks,
    maggie

    I solved the same problem this morning by just rebooting. I had, like you, done everything twice. Hope this works for you.
    Kris

  • I just loaded snow leopard and my safari won't work, what do I do now?

    I just loaded snow leopard and cannot get safari to work.. Now what do I do?

    Won't work as in, does it open and then quit unexpectedly?

Maybe you are looking for

  • How to Fetch & Store Richtext in MySql

    Dear Friends , I am Developing a System in Java - Swings , I am Using MySql as Backend . How can I store & retrieve Richtext in MySql. I am Using TextPane in Swing as the RichText Tool in Java . I collected Some information & which says to use BLOB /

  • Workflow Designer: template url problem

    Hi all, I successfully installed: Forms/Form Manger 7.0.1 on w2k3_box1; Workflow Server 7.0.1 on w2k3_box2; Using: Jboss 3.2.5, MSS 2K, JDK 1.4.2_11 with manual options. Adminui appears fine, FormsIVS appears fine. In Workflow Desginer, I tried to de

  • I cant open my Messaging if i open it will auto cl...

    Hello all My phone 5320Xm got some problem.Hope u all can help me My Phone problem is I cant open my Messaging if i open it will auto close Thx

  • Association Columns in Sharepoint 2013 Reusable Workflow

    at http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj728659.aspx it says Association columns are not available in Sharepoint 2013 Workflow  But http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dn292551.aspx#bkm_07 is suggesting to use Association columns in Sharepoin

  • How to transfer a document from pages 5.5.1 to iPhoto 9.6?

    I just got a new macbook from Santa.  A macbook pro  os x 10.10.1 In my older version of pages, when I was finished with a document I could press print and send the document to iPhoto as a picture. In the new version pages 5.5.1, how can I make a doc