Macbook Pro Problems

littledave · 4 Apr 2012 at 23:04

Hey all my GF has a MBP 13 mid 2010 (I think) which has developed an annoying problem.

When plugging in the ethernet cable the trackpad stops responding as it should. Ive scanned for malware/virus etc, cant see anything on activity monitor either.

On browsing the net several others have had this problem but i cannot find a fix.

If this was windows id just do a format and reload but im abit of an apple noob and i dont believe these things suffer like windows.

littledave · 9 Apr 2012 at 18:30

Nobody got any suggestions out of the 100 odd views

Ben Cole · 9 Apr 2012 at 18:53

Have you done software update? Diagnosed by checking performance with external mouse?

You could always do a re-install just like windows. I'd possibly put another HDD in and do a fresh install to see how that behaves.

rogan · 9 Apr 2012 at 18:56

put another HDD in??

just restore it, if its lion turn it off and boot it back up holding command-r and choose full restore

Ben Cole · 10 Apr 2012 at 10:30

rogan said:
put another HDD ?

Yes. That way if the behaviour is the same with a fresh install, its probably not the software environment that's causing the issue. If you just do a fresh install and it behaves the same he's wiped the old install out for nothing. I'm not suggesting the HDD is causing this behaviour, it's just a convenient way of removing software from the fault finding process.

I'm just saying what I would do, I have plenty of spare drives.

littledave · 13 May 2012 at 23:58

OK for further info if anyboy is interested.

No change if i use different cat 5 cables.
No change if i use switch or router.
Complete fresh install, no change trackpad still erratic with ethernet cable.

Ive noticed that if i touch the metallic part of the MBP the trackpad is slightly less erratic, this led me to thinking its a grounding issue.

Noticed there a earthing point on my Netgear GS116. Ive earthed this on a temporary basis and the problem have gone away.

I plan to permantly earth my dest and switch tomorrow.

pingwing · 14 May 2012 at 00:09

Has she dropped it at all?? Something could have become un-insulated in there with the track pad connection or the area the cat5 goes in.

A real take it to the mac store and ask for help moment though (especially if there's apple care)