Cursor Disappearing

[Marrk]

Recently, my cursor started disappearing. This is an intermittent problem. I have tried ReStarts. I have tried Disk Utility Permission Verification.

What's wrong? RAM going bad?

Thanks.

 

[chscag]

Doesn't sound like a memory problem. It may be graphics related. I looked up your model MacBook Pro = 2010 model with a nvidia 320m graphics chipset. The graphics chip in your model MacBook Pro was problematic and prone to failure. I'm not sure there's anything you can do to test for it as the Apple Hardware Test may or may not flag it.

What you can try: Open the machine up and clean it out. Remove any dust from the fan and clear away any dust that may have built up around the air vents. Go to the ifixit web site for take apart instructions. www.ifixit.com

 

[Marrk]

Thanks for the reply!

For cleaning purposes, do you recommend anything other than canned air?

 

[chscag]

Thanks for the reply!

For cleaning purposes, do you recommend anything other than canned air?

Canned air is what we recommend. Hopefully, cleaning it out will allow better cooling and give you some more life from your MacBook Pro.

 

[Marrk]

^Are you also saying that heat is causing the cursor issue? I haven't noticed that the cursor disappears under high heat conditions. I have noticed that having Word open (along with other apps, including streaming video) might be related to the cursor issue. Word runs very slowly on my machine.

 

[Checco]

Recently, my cursor started disappearing.

When I run certain Java applications this happens from time-to-time. Clicking out of the Java app results in the cursor re-appearing. Fortunately I don't use them for extended periods. Are you running Java apps?

 

[Marrk]

That depends. What's a Java app.?

I'm running Word, which seems to be poorly mated to the Mac platform in this case, and streaming real-time stock market quotes, and CNBC live-streaming video. Does any of this relate to Java app., or does it relate to nvidia 320m graphics chipset that chscag pointed to above (Post 2)?

 

[harryb2448]

Do not think chscag was suggesting that at all. Just a good tip for a long life is all. Do you have any third party apps operating that would affect the cursor or anything set up in mouse/trackpad that could affect the cursor?

Office 2011 is rock steady and fast. Have you downloaded all the Office 2011 updates? Current version is 14.4.8.

 

[Marrk]

Microsoft Word v. 14.3.9.

Not running any third part apps.

 

[harryb2448]

Update Office you are several behind.

 

[Marrk]

I update using the below link. I'll let you know how it goes.

Download Microsoft Office for Mac 2011 14.4.5 Update from Official Microsoft Download Center