Unusable Trackpad or the crazy pointer! :-(

I had this same problem a few months ago and I had solved cleaning carefully the trackpad.
Yesterday... again this very annoying malfunction of the trackpad: it doesn't work properly at all and the pointer starts to stop or to move by itself and is almost completely out of control or if it were controlled by a mad drunk. This makes my MacBook (15" late 2011 OSX 10.8.4) completely unusable.
Of course a thorough cleaning has not been helpful but I noticed that after a reboot, for some time everything works fine and only after a while the trackpad becomes unusable again.
Actually, looking at Console I see the message below (always at the time of restart) I don't understand:
kernel[0]: AppleUSBMultitouchDriver::checkStatus - received Status Packet, Payload 2: device was reinitialized
I have no idea if the message is significant or not very useful, and so I have no idea whether the problem is hardware or software or both together... But I'd rather avoid spending money unnecessarily to change the trackpad.
Sometimes, if I use a usb mouse I can control the pointer (now I'm using a mouse...) but yesterday even using the mouse was really not possible to use my MacBook at all.
Here on the forums I found many posts about similar problems (sometimes involving the keyboard as well or just the trackpad, then a specific version of OS X or the battery or the inside trackpad's cable or this or that or ... ...) but no definitive solution. Also because every solution is different under different conditions.
At this point is there some latest news that I missed out on this not-so-uncommon problem ...?
Thanks.

There are several possible causes for this issue. Take each of the following steps until it's resolved.
1. Follow the instructions in this support article.
2. Reset the System Management Controller.
3. If you're using a Bluetooth trackpad, investigate potential sources of interference, including USB 3 devices.
4. A swollen battery in a MacBook Pro or Air 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.
5. 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.
6. There's also a report of erratic cursor movements caused by an external display that was connected but not turned on.
7. If none of the above applies, or if you have another reason to think 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.
8. Make a "Genius" appointment at an Apple Store to have the machine tested.

Similar Messages

Trackpad keeps "bouncing" the mouse pointer when I tap to select (MacBook Pro, 15" Retina, 2014)

Hi, I got a brand new 15" MacBook Pro a week or so back and had problems with the trackpad - when I tap to select an item the mouse pointer "bounces" off the item I'm trying to select. It happens randomly - not every time. Very irritating. Supplier got me a replacement machine, and it's doing the same thing! Is anyone else experiencing this issue? I migrated all my data and settings from my old Mac Pro (2011 model, also running Mavericks) via Time Machine - could that have an impact? Not using any non-Apple power supplies or other devices. Any input would be welcomed.

TrevorBurroughs wrote:
Hi, I got a brand new 15" MacBook Pro a week or so back and had problems with the trackpad - when I tap to select an item the mouse pointer "bounces" off the item I'm trying to select. It happens randomly - not every time. Very irritating. Supplier got me a replacement machine, and it's doing the same thing! Is anyone else experiencing this issue? I migrated all my data and settings from my old Mac Pro (2011 model, also running Mavericks) via Time Machine - could that have an impact? Not using any non-Apple power supplies or other devices. Any input would be welcomed.
Migrating user from one machine to another should not be a cause of your symptoms.
Curious two machines in a row. Did this happen before you transferred data/ or di you check.
You have 14 days to return/exchange if you are not satisfied.
You could Try resetting NVRAM/PRAM http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379 but I don't see it.
Did you try making adjustments to trackpad settings
>Sys Pref>Trackpad> Point & Click>speed

Trackpad on the Lynx Keyboard Dock

Does anyone know if the trackpad on the Lynx keyboard dock can be disabled without disabling the keyboard's other functions? The trackpad is really hard to use, and I wonder if it is partly responsible for the erratic behavior of the keyboard while I am typing? I have a USB mouse that can handle the pointing function quite handily (besides the touchscreen, of course).
Solved!
Go to Solution.

hi jbellhanson,
Thanks for using Lenovo Community Forums!
The touchpad on the dock uses a Windows driver and does not have any special Software to Disable it via shortcut,
How I found to go around on what you need is
With the tablet on the dock with no USB mouse yet
-Press (Windows key+x) and choose device manager on the list
-On Device Manager window
-Open mice and pointing device and right click on the item under under it and choose disable.
This should disable the dock touchpad and Now you can plug in your USB mouse,
If you want the touchpad back just do the same steps but "Enable" will be your option when you right click on the item under mice and pointing device.
Hope this helps
Cheers!
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My mac is running extremely slow. More often than not when I try to click something or type something it gives me the "thinking" pointer icon. I ran the etre check program and got this:

Problem description:
Mac is running extremely slow. Get the scrolling pointer icon every time I click something.
EtreCheck version: 2.1.8 (121)
Report generated February 5, 2015 at 7:43:19 AM EST
Download EtreCheck from http://etresoft.com/etrecheck
Click the [Click for support] links for help with non-Apple products.
Click the [Click for details] links for more information about that line.
Hardware Information: ℹ️
    MacBook Pro (13-inch, Early 2011) (Technical Specifications)
    MacBook Pro - model: MacBookPro8,1
    1 2.3 GHz Intel Core i5 CPU: 2-core
    4 GB RAM Upgradeable
        BANK 0/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
        BANK 1/DIMM0
            2 GB DDR3 1333 MHz ok
    Bluetooth: Old - Handoff/Airdrop2 not supported
    Wireless: en1: 802.11 a/b/g/n
    Battery Health: Normal - Cycle count 442
Video Information: ℹ️
    Intel HD Graphics 3000 - VRAM: 384 MB
        Color LCD 1280 x 800
System Software: ℹ️
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Disk Information: ℹ️
    Hitachi HTS545032B9A302 disk0 : (320.07 GB)
        EFI (disk0s1) <not mounted> : 210 MB
        Recovery HD (disk0s3) <not mounted> [Recovery]: 650 MB
        Macintosh HD (disk1) / : 318.84 GB (177.71 GB free) - 112 errors
            Core Storage: disk0s2 319.21 GB Online
    MATSHITADVD-R   UJ-8A8
USB Information: ℹ️
    Apple Computer, Inc. IR Receiver
    Apple Inc. FaceTime HD Camera (Built-in)
    Apple Inc. Apple Internal Keyboard / Trackpad
    Apple Inc. BRCM2070 Hub
        Apple Inc. Bluetooth USB Host Controller
Thunderbolt Information: ℹ️
    Apple Inc. thunderbolt_bus
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    Mac App Store and identified developers
Launch Agents: ℹ️
    [running]    com.Affinegy.InstaLANa.plist [Click for support]
Launch Daemons: ℹ️
    [loaded]    com.adobe.fpsaud.plist [Click for support]
    [loaded]    com.microsoft.office.licensing.helper.plist [Click for support]
User Launch Agents: ℹ️
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    iPhotoPhotocast: Version: 7.0 - SDK 10.7
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    Skip System Files: NO
    Auto backup: YES
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        Last backup: 2015-02-04 23:30:59 +0000
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        14%    mds
         6%    WindowServer
         0%    fontd
         0%    AppleSpell
         0%    notifyd
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    185 MB    mds_stores
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Perform SMC and NVRAM resets:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201295
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204063
The try a safe boot:
http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201262
Any change?
Ciao.

External display won't show the mouse pointer (optical)

hi all,
13" display dimming my old eyes . decided to connect to 20" sony monitor. got the adapter > connected> display shows identical to laptop BUT no mouse pointer AND when the external monitor is displaying, the menubar is not longer existent on the powerbook (the trackpad does work on the laptop screen with external connected ) so I cannot get to the display preferences to set anything up to get the mouse pointer to show on the external monitor.
HELP and thanks
sue

ok folks, fiddled since I wrote this and managed to actually get it going ! so all set.
I'm up and running with the display. and all is dandy !
Message was edited by: Sue brown1

Why the mouse pointer in Logic Pro does not change shape during work in OSX 10.9.1?

I've a MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch Late 2013 and I'm using two external displays. One connected to to the HDMI port (display 1) the other to thunderbolt (display 2). The MacBook display is closed. I’m working with Logic Pro 9.1.8 (32bit) with OSX 10.9.1
Why the mouse pointer in Logic Pro does not change shape during work???
It was already difficult with OSX 10.9 but now after upgrading to 10.9.1 it's game over!
At least before I could select which display use Logic Pro to have all the shape functions of the pointer. Not in both displays, so to be forced to edit in ONLY ONE of the two displays using this workaround: (right click on Logic icon in Dock: Option --> Desktop on Display 1). Now or I select “Option --> All Desktops” or does not work. However, by selecting all displays you say goodbye to Mission Control. This can’t be a solution!!!
The amazing thing is that Nuendo has no problem while Logic Pro, Apple's native software, it can't!
With Nuendo it’s indifferent in which display you are working, the shape of the mouse pointer changes shape depending on the requirement in both displays.
This thing drives me crazy!
Solutions?
Here some ideas in other foums:
http://www.logicprohelp.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=86264
But this aren't really solutions but workarounds. Use Logic in all desktops makes Mission Control useless!!

I installed all over again by formatting as suggested by the genes of pro application support. Each plug-in, each virtual instrument, a job that lasted 3 days. And as suggested for each new plug-in I proceeded to check the proper functioning of Logic Pro and did each time a back up with Time Machine.
The Result:
Logic works as it should ONLY on the primary monitor and ONLY on the first desktop.
BUT
Reason and Nuendo dont' have this issue !!
I believe that Apple developers are thinking only to mobile phones and things like messages or face time.
And that's not all!
After a few weeks, perhaps by installing a version of Adobe Acrobat, I say maybe because I'm not sure, logic has stopped working properly. Again problems with the mouse pointer.
Luckily I had a back up! But now I'm terrified to install new programs. Thanks Apple!

The answer helped me.But still, what are the settings that I have to change for the behavior of the mouse pointer towards finder? Also the mouse pointer sometimes doesn't accept my command and start clicking itself.what is the problem and how to fix it?

The answer helped me.But still, what are the settings that I have to change for the behavior of the mouse pointer towards finder? Also the mouse pointer sometimes doesn't accept my command and start clicking itself.what is the problem and how to fix it?

If the mouse clicks something on its own then it looks like you have a hardware problem with the trackpad or possibly the battery that is right underneath the trackpad.
I have read that the battery can swell and that would put pressure on the trackpad.

How to remove unused objects from the webcatalog In OBIEE11g

Hi,
I want to delete unused objects from obiee11g catalog, i know in obiee10g it's working fine (i.e: we can do it via manage catalog then delete the unused objects) is there any way to do it automatically like RPD utility --->removing unused objects from Physical layer in RPD
fyi: I don't want to delete manualy. i need somethink like button/link to find unused objects(report,filter,folder..etc) from my obiee11g catalog.
Thanks
Deva
Edited by: Devarasu on Nov 29, 2011 12:06 PM
Edited by: Devarasu on Nov 29, 2011 3:15 PM

Hi,
Checked with Oracle Support team and confirmed below points
--> incorporated into the Current product and consider as BUG it may resolve future release
--> Currently there isnt any automatic method to remove the unused objects like reports, filters,folder etc from catalog.
Treated as Bug
Bug 13440888 - AUTOMATICALLY REMOVE OF UNUSED CATALOG OBJECTS FROM WEBCATALOG
FYI:
SR 3-4984291131: How to remove unused objects from the webcatalog in obiee11g
Thanks
Deva

I am unable to get the resize pointer to appear.

I often use the resize pointer to adjust Excel column sizes and Desktop window sizes. In perhaps the past month or so, I haven't been able to get this cursor even to appear. If I hold the arrow pointer to a column edge or a window edge, it appears to flash very rapidly between the arrow pointer and the resize pointer, but I can't get the resize pointer to remain and be used.
My apologies for opening a new issues, but I have not been able to find this issue clearly described, or any significant solution to cursor problems. It took a lot of searching just to learn the term "resize pointer".
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Thanks.

Wow! All fixed. I ran defaults delete -g which did not show immediate improvement, but then I rebooted. I must admit I did a Safe Boot, just to throw in one other solution I had seen. However, everything is back to normal. Thanks very much.

Photoshop CS4 is not tracking the mouse pointer when using various tools.

We have windows 7 Pro 32 bit using adobe CS4.
Core i5 and core i7 processor
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TrevorBurroughs wrote:
Hi, I got a brand new 15" MacBook Pro a week or so back and had problems with the trackpad - when I tap to select an item the mouse pointer "bounces" off the item I'm trying to select. It happens randomly - not every time. Very irritating. Supplier got me a replacement machine, and it's doing the same thing! Is anyone else experiencing this issue? I migrated all my data and settings from my old Mac Pro (2011 model, also running Mavericks) via Time Machine - could that have an impact? Not using any non-Apple power supplies or other devices. Any input would be welcomed.
Migrating user from one machine to another should not be a cause of your symptoms.
Curious two machines in a row. Did this happen before you transferred data/ or di you check.
You have 14 days to return/exchange if you are not satisfied.
You could Try resetting NVRAM/PRAM http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1379 but I don't see it.
Did you try making adjustments to trackpad settings
>Sys Pref>Trackpad> Point & Click>speed

Can't Download ITunes or QuickTime, Download stops at the same point

Hi, i have a problem: when i try to upgrade to Itunes 10.1 through Apple Software Update( but also when i've tried to do directly through Apple site ) , the download starts but it stops all the times at the same point ( just 7,50MB ... ). I've tried everything: i changed my firewall options, i've disabled Norton Smart Firewall, i've uninstalled Itunes and ALL Apple Components in EVERY folders then i've re-installed it using a itunes.exe taken from another computer (because ANY apple download is not possible through my computer, i don't know why, but before everything worked! ), but nothing.... Download stop at the same point.
PLEASE HELP ME!!!
(Sorry for my bad english and sorry if i'm in wrong discussion, but i've not found nothing similar to my issue )

No, i can't download ANYTHING, neither through Apple site nor through the Itunes software upgrade. Neither just Quicktime nor just ITunes. Both downloads stop and freeze after few MB. I'm going crazy to find why all this happening to me..... Maybe it's because i've installed another application and now it goes in conflict with iTunes?!? ( two months ago i've downloaded new codecs audio and video with K-Lite Codec Pack, plus Media Player Classic, but during installation i've lefted mp4 files association with iTunes ).

Lightroom 5.5 update unusable:( I downloaded the 5.5 (not CC) update yesterday

Lightroom 5.5 update unusable:( I downloaded the 5.5 (not CC) update yesterday on my PC and now most functions are EXTREMELY slow to the point of making Lightroom unusable. It takes several minutes and appears to freeze when cropping an image, an export of a single image takes several minutes, and every click or action of any sort takes 10-20 seconds to respond. I didn't have any problems with the 5.4 version and would like to go back to that. My questions are: 1. How do I get back to 5.4? (do I just uninstall 5.5 and reinstall 5.4? and in that order?) 2. Will going backward mess up my catalog? Will I lose all of the work I've done since my last backup? (sadly, last week...arg!) 3. I also updated CS6 Camera RAW...if I go back to LR5.4 do I also need to go backward in Photoshop updates?
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Thanks in advance!

Just re-install Lightroom 5.4; you lose nothing.
You do need to make regular backups (weekly or more frequently) regardless of this issue.

Adjust the 'aim' of the mouse pointer

Hello,
Back in the days of Tiger I used a little haxie called Might Mouse from Unsanity. This allowed me to tweak the click point of the mouse cursor. By default the click point of the mac's cursor is a few pixels within the cursor image itself.
Call me crazy, but I feel the 'aim' of the mouse cursor should be the very tip of the mouse. If you're unsure of what I'm talking about, click and drag on an empty space on the desktop. You should be creating a selection square. If you're dragging down and to the right, the bottom right corner of the square will line up with upper left of the mouse cursor. Now notice where the selection box meets the mouse. It's not exactly at the tip of the mouse, but a few pixels behind the tip.
When you magnify the mouse cursor, this issue is magnified as well. With the upgrade to leopard most Unsanity apps are broken... And for all intents and purposes dead.
Does anyone know of an app that lets you adjust the click point or 'aim' of the mouse pointer? I thought I'd eventually just get used to it, buts it's driving me crazy!
Thanks.

Pinpoint- Used to create animations around the mouse, and maybe custom cursors. But I'm ignorant of how to use quartz composer to make my own cursor to use in the app.
MoundoMouse- Used to resize and move windows with mouse movements (w/o actually clicking the window) ...Might keep this one for the ‘window focus follows mouse’, reminded me of the old UNIX box I worked on for a few years. The mouse focus can be very handy.
SteerMouse- Used to add more control to unsupported mouses and extra control over tracking/acceleration and cursor snapping to buttons. ...Might keep this one. Hopefully I can turn down the horizontal scrolling speed of the scrollball... always seems way to fast. Not sure as it needs a restart, and I'm converting vids...
*...Sadly, none of these seem to have the feature I was talking about. Please let me know if I missed something.*
However, thank you for your response!

External AND builtin trackpads at the same time?

I'd like to use and external magic track pad AND the built-in track pad on my MacBook Pro, but they seem to cause bizarre conflicts when I try to use the internet. Is there a solution, or is this not possible?

Thanks for your reply, Clinton. What you say I can't do is exactly what I want to be able to do. I find sometimes when I'm just reading a bunch and only using the trackpad that the front edge of the MacBook Pro is quite sharp and uncomfortable; also it would be nice if sometimes I could set my computer on the table next to me and just use an external trackpad.
But I don't want to make the change all the time. For example I might be reading through something and then have a question about a related subject and want to google something. So at that point I'd pull my computer off the table next to me and start typing and searching (and, quite likely, using the trackpad on the computer).
I bought a trackpad, and I used Bluetooth to pair it with my MacBook Pro. And both trackpads work at the same time in the sense that I can move the arrow around and click on things with either trackpad. So far so good.
But having them both working leads to problems with gmail, facebook, and other websites. They are either very slow to react or I get messages that say there are connectivity issues. When I turn the bluetooth off, those problems go away.
I posed the question because I was hoping there might be some setting change I could make and still be able to use either trackpad whenever I want.

Can i use the magick trackpad with the ipad?

can i use the magick trackpad with the ipad? and the iphone?

I'm looking for this same answer, I wonder if any new info. I've gone from posts saying why would anyone want to, and I now see that this is in the ATV section, which actually suits me because the setup I'm using it for is when I don't want to be up in my office on my iMac, but rather in the lounge in front of the big screen with my iPad mirrored to the Apple TV and bt keyboard connected. I wouldn't actually suggest anyone go out and buy a Magic Mouse or trackpad, but since I already have them would like to use it to make things easier when using my iPad as a mini computer with my TV as the screen. I can currently use the iPad to scroll no problem, but if I have to click somewhere specific then I must look at the iPad screen vice just moving a mouse or trackpad and having a pointer show up on my screen. Obviously if my iMac was much closer, I could mirror that screen and my keyboard and mouse would work just fine. (That is if my iMac was newer, but it's not, its a late 2009 model and that apparently is not new enough to be compatible with airplay mirroring.)

Unusable Trackpad or the crazy pointer! :-(

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