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thematt

macrumors member
Original poster
Oct 19, 2010
96
5
So lately my mouse is really jumpy and crazy. like it'll work fine for about an hour and then it will begin moving and jumping on its own. I usually have to turn off the computer (sometimes manually because i cant get the mouse under control) and usually it happens again an hour or so later.

What could be causing this? I'm not very good at technology and this is so annoying!
 
If it's regularly jumpy, it's a connection issue like the movements aren't getting through. If it's random jumpy, it's more likely moisture on the pad or your finger. Do you have an external mouse to test with?
 
Try cleaning off the IR light area and the mousepad with alcohol on a lint-free cloth (I've used Kleenex or paper towels. They work but are not lint free). Sounds like there's interference with the signal that could well be caused because of dirt build-up.
 
Wireless mouse? Have you checked the batteries? I hear complaints about this behavior every few weeks or so and it almost always comes back to low batteries.
 
Wireless mouse? Have you checked the batteries? I hear complaints about this behavior every few weeks or so and it almost always comes back to low batteries.

No it's my track pad. :/ i cleaned it really well today! hope that is what it was !
 
Is this the laptop trackpad or a peripheral trackpad?

If its a laptop which model?

Built in trackpads with this problem are usually due to a trackpad going bad or sometimes battery swelling. Some laptops have trackpad adjustment screws.

For peripheral trackpads, its typically batteries or interference, although the trackpad could be going bad.

Any water/moisture get near the trackpad?

Have you started using a USB3 hub lately?
 
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