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When typing, my cursor jumps to other places in the document/email/even typing this question?  Any ideas?

12283 Views 8 Replies Latest reply: Dec 1, 2012 2:23 PM by QuarterSwede RSS
Claire624 Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)
Currently Being Moderated
Aug 31, 2012 12:02 PM

When typing (anything -- in email, a document, even this form) my cursor randomly jumps back to another location, so I end up typing words in the middle of other words.  It is VERY annoying!  Has anyone had this problem, and what was the solution?  Thanks much! --Claire

MacBook, Address Book
  • daemontrances Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)

    I have had this problem for a HUGE while! I've looked it up on google and came up with 4 good solutions, all from the buddies at "MacRumors" (the mac forum).


    SOLUTION #1: Resetting your display.

    1. With your computer on as normal, press COMMAND, SHIFT, ESC, EJECT (the key for taking out CD's).
    2. Hold those keys until your screen goes black.
    3. When it goes black, release your fingers from the keys.
    4. When the screen goes on again, your mouse should go back to normal (it did for me).
    *This solution resets your display. IDK why it works for making your mouse go back to normal, but it does.


    SOLUTION #2: Resetting your computer (it doesn't change settings or anything like that).

    1. Take out your battery (if you have an older macbook).
    2. Take it out, set it aside, grab the power cord.
    3. Take the computer (without the battery or the power cord plugged in) and press the power button for 10 seconds.
    4. Then, after that, take the power cord, plug it in the computer (without the battery in), and turn on the computer.
    5. As soon as the light goes on, press Command, P, R. (This resets the PRAM)
    6.  Hold those keys until you hear the start-up chime 3 times. Let go of the keys.
    7. Turn the computer off again, stick the battery back in, and turn it on again normally.
    *This solution resets something. I (and the people at MacRumors) don't know what it resets, but it does work for making your mouse go back to normal!


    SOLUTION #3: Resetting your PRAM.

    1. Shut down your computer like normal.
    2. Restart it like normal, and as soon as the light comes on, press Command, P, R.
    3. Hold these keys until you hear the start-up chime 3 times. Let go of the keys.
    4. When the computer turns on, log in like normal. Wait for everything to load.
    5. Once everything is loaded, shut it down and restart it again.
    *This solution resets your PRAM. Don't know why it helps with your mouse behaviour, but it does!


    SOLUTION #4: Booting it into Safe-Mode, then shutting down & restarting again.

    1. Shut down your computer.
    2. Press the power button.
    3. When the grey screen appears, immediatly press SHIFT.
    4. Hold it.
    5. The grey screen should now have a grey bar at the bottom that is loading. Keep holding the shift key.
    6. Once it's loaded, it should take you to the normal login screen, only this time it will say "safe mode". Log in like you usually do.
    7. Once you're logged in and everything is loaded, shut down and restart your computer again like normal.
    8. Log in again.
    *This solution should help, it apparently resets something. I (and the people at MacRumors) don't know what it resets, but it does work for making your mouse go back to normal!


    These solutions should help! Try every one of them (please do). If they work, or if they don't work, please reply back and tell me! Thanks!

  • kostby Level 4 Level 4 (2,135 points)

    Welcome to Apple Support Communities.


    The steps above from the previous post certainly won't hurt anything, but if you have an older MacBook (2006-early 2008 black or white) with a removable battery, there is a much simpler thing to check first:

    Check the battery for swelling. A swelling battery can distort the topcase and cause trackpad and keyboard malfunctions as you describe.


    1. First, power off your MacBook.

    2. *Unlock and remove the battery.

    *Note that if the battery is VERY swollen, it may be difficult or impossible to reinstall it and lock it back in place. In that case you'll have to use the power adapter until you purchase and install a replacement battery.

    3. Connect the power adapter.

    4. Power the computer on.

    5. Try using the computer as you typically do to see if your problem is gone.


    Replacement batteries are available from Apple for $129, and many less expensive sources, such as, ebay, and amazon. Users in these forums report a wide range of experiences with replacement batteries, so be certain you have some warranty period and return privileges.

  • frederic1943 Level 6 Level 6 (9,825 points)

    If you have a MacBook with the removable battery you can get a new third party battery fairly cheap on eBay. Every MacBook from 2006 through Mid 2009 except the Late 2008 Aluminum Unibody and the Late 2009 and 2010 White Unibodies use the same A1185 battery.

    Black Batteries &_dmpt=Laptop_Batteries&_odkw=macbook+white+battery&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0. m 270.l1313

    White Batteries &_dmpt=Laptop_Batteries&_odkw=macbook+black+battery&_osacat=0&_trksid=p3286.c0. m 270.l1313

    Or for $129 from The Apple Store

    Removing the battery:

    1. Shut down the computer. Disconnect any cords connected to the computer.
    2. Turn the computer over.
    3. Locate the battery latch on one side of the battery.
    4. Use a coin to turn the latch a quarter-turn clockwise. The battery should pop up slightly.
    5. Lift the battery out.


    Installing the battery:

    1. Place the right side of the battery into the battery compartment at an angle, as shown below.
    2. Gently press the left side of the battery down until it sits flat.


    1. While holding the battery down, use a coin to turn the latch a quarter-turn counter-clockwise. The battery should lock into place.

    Note: Keep in mind that once the new battery is inserted, you will need to press the power button to start up the computer.

  • Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)

    Hi kostby –  Thank you Thank you Thank you!


    I've had the same problem as Claire624, and when I searched the web for solutions I found tons of others having the same issues... cursors going bananas, jumping all over the place while typing.


    People offer plenty theories and bogus fixes, but you're the first I've found with a solution to my problem...swollen battery syndrome. I removed the battery as you suggested, and all the keystroke grief finally went away.


    All I neeed too do now is lean to type beter.


    Kudos and thanks to you!

  • frederic1943 Level 6 Level 6 (9,825 points)

    There’s one problem with running your MacBook with the battery removed. MacBooks and MacBook Pros automatically reduce the processor speed by about half when the battery is removed.,6643.html

  • Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)

    Removing my swollen MacBook battery cured the crazed cursor action, so I was going to go no-battery for now. Then I read your post that processor speeds take a big hit... I believe a new battery is in my future too.


    Thanks for your insights and supporting links.


    Apple Support Communities Work.

  • QuarterSwede Level 1 Level 1 (0 points)

    Thank you so much for the suggestion to remove the swollen battery (which I didn't even know I had!) Not only did it solve the cursed cursor skipping issue but probably saved my life or me from serious injury at least. Bless you.


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