I just bought my Magic Trackpad and I’m excited to use it, but I can’t get my computer to recognize it. The Trackpad system preference keeps saying, “The pairing attempt was unsuccessful”, even though it says that it found the trackpad.

First, check to see if you have USB Overdrive installed. It’s a utility that controls USB devices that don’t have Mac drivers, and it’s got a conflict with the Magic Trackpad. If you’ve got it, you’ll need to choose between continuing to use it and using your Magic Trackpad. You can uninstall USB Overdrive by using the Uninstall USB Overdrive application in your Utilities folder.

Next, you need to install the Magic Trackpad Update, which shows up in Software Update if you haven’t installed it yet. Then try pairing your Magic Trackpad again by holding down the Power button on your Magic Trackpad for five seconds to reset it. Then, go into System Preferences > Trackpad and click Set Up Bluetooth Trackpad.

Don't panic! These sorts of problems with the Magic Trackpad are usually easily solved.

If it still doesn’t work after that, try trashing the Bluetooth preference file, located at Macintosh HD/Library/Preferences/com.apple.bluetooth, then go back to System Preferences > Trackpad and try setting it up again. If all else fails, you may have either a system problem or a hardware problem. You can often fix a system problem by reinstalling Snow Leopard from the original installation DVD. If you suspect a hardware problem, you’ll need to bring your Mac into a local Apple authorized service provider.

GOT A TECH QUESTION OR A HELPFUL TIP TO SHARE?

Email ask@maclife.com or write to Mac|Life,
4000 Shoreline Ct, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080