My MacBook Trackpad Doesn't Click
Before Apple's PowerBook 500 introduced the first trackpad, consumer laptops used built-in trackballs for moving the cursor. If your trackpad isn't working correctly the source of the problem could be a physical obstruction in the trackpad itself, bugs in outdated system software or wiring problems in your charger. You can resolve most of these problems without a trip to the computer store.
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Physical Obstruction
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If a MacBook's trackpad won't click, it could be because of an object stuck in the trackpad that is preventing the user from completing the clicking motion. There is a very slim opening around the sides of the trackpad into which small particles can slip. If a large number of these particles build up, they could obstruct the trackpad's normal range of motion. You can clear out these stuck particles with canisters of compressed air.
Software Issues
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If the trackpad is physically capable of clicking, but the computer is not registering user clicks, then the root of the problem could lie with glitches in the computer's firmware. This is the software that allows an operating system to use individual hardware components. You can make sure it has any software fixes from Apple installed by opening "Systems Preferences," clicking on "Software Update" and clicking the "Check Now" button.
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Grounding Issues
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A non-responsive trackpad could also be due to electrical problems. If the MacBook's power cord is plugged in when the trackpad is not working and unplugging the cord resolves the issue, then the problem is likely because of improper grounding in the cord itself. If you are using a two pronged plug, using the three pronged plug that came with the MacBook should solve the problem. If the problem is present with a three-pronged plug, try plugging it into another outlet. If this solves the problem, then the ground in the original outlet could be malfunctional. If it doesn't, you may need to replace the power cord.
Windows Issues
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The MacBook's Intel processor allows it to run Microsoft Windows. However, you have to install additional software drivers for Microsoft's operating system to use the laptop's hardware, including the trackpad, correctly. If you didn't run the "BootCamp" installer in the OS X installation disk after you installed Windows, the trackpad could behave erratically and not correctly register your clicks.
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References
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