Laptop Woes – Synaptics Touchpad Stops Working

It’s morning, the start of a busy day filled with e-mails to answer and projects that must be finished. You grab your coffee and start your computer only to find it has rebelled against you. Suddenly the touchpad on your laptop is useless, and your cursor is stubbornly motionless. Your computer shows no sign of giving in, no matter how much you threaten it. When you have problems with like this, and have business to take care of, it’s an extremely frustrating situation. If you’re like me, you just want the problem fixed, NOW.

I recently had an issue with the Synaptics ps/2 port touchpad on my HP Pavilion laptop. On startup, the cursor would freeze in the middle of the screen and the touchpad would not function. All appeared normal on the outside, the light was on above the touchpad and the software for the device started normally. Accessing the device manager in Windows didn’t reveal any issues. The computer even had the audacity to state, “The device is working properly.” So, everything's fine, but nothing's working.

Apparently, it’s hard to determine a specific cause for this issue. It tends to happen suddenly, sometimes while the computer is in use, or on startup. In some cases, it occurs because the driver is incompatible with a system update. If you have installed updates, or any new software, you may be able to resolve the problem using System Restore. Another possible cause is a corrupted file or driver. This happens for a multitude of reasons, but if you regularly shut down your computer, it can help prevent this problem. Hibernation mode, is a convenience, but is also known to cause issues. I am notorious for putting my laptop into hibernation, and that may have resulted in my touchpad trouble.

After searching the Internet for a solution, I found several suggestions for fixing the problem, however only one simple suggestion actually solved it for me. I wanted to compile the advice I found here for anyone else who suffers this issue. If you need to navigate your computer, see if you have a backup mouse. I was able to connect a USB wireless mouse and retain full use of my system while I attempted to fix the touchpad. The other option available is to use the keyboard, which can help you do some things, but it’s difficult to master. Remember that the “TAB” key will cycle through options, and the enter key confirms your choice. The arrow keys will also highlight choices within open windows. Don’t forget your Windows “START” key will quickly open the Start Menu of your computer.

On to the solutions:

1. Ensure the Touchpad is Enabled

This may seem like an obvious one, but it is very easy to disable the touchpad accidentally while typing. Try pressing the “FN” key plus “F7” for Acer and some HP laptops. Locate the corresponding “F” key on your computer and see if this works for you. Also, check any buttons located near the touchpad. Some models have “Enable/Disable” buttons located above or beside them. Mine is blue when enabled, but turns red when disabled.

2. Perform a Hard Reset on the Laptop

This may sound a bit scary, but is really quite simple. This removes all power sources and forces the computer to reestablish its connection to hardware manually, without relying on its memory. This repairs the problem if something in the memory is corrupted. Don’t worry, this doesn’t remove any information or do something crazy like reset your computer to defaults. However, that being said, I assume no responsibility if this causes issues or is done improperly. This solution worked for me, but you must try it at your own risk.

Keep in mind the instructions below are for an HP laptop. While I assume they would be similar for other manufactures, please consult the website or manuals for information on how to do this correctly for your computer.

1. Shut down the computer normally.
2. Unplug the power adapter and remove the battery.
3. Press the “Start” button for 15 to 20 seconds. (This drains any residual power.)
4. Replace the battery and power adapter.
5. Turn on the computer. Let your computer fully start up, and then test your touchpad.

3. Update the Driver

Your driver may need to be updated if it’s not compatible with current Windows updates, or if it’s corrupted. Drivers are available from your computer manufacturer, the touchpad manufacturer and Microsoft. Start with the one from your computer manufacturer. Download the driver, and then run the installation wizard and restart your computer.

To view the current driver information, or roll back to a previous driver if the update didn’t work, go to the Start menu and select “Control Panel.” From the “Control Panel,” choose “System and Maintenance,” and then click “System” and “Device Manager.” Click on “Mice and other pointing devices” in the Device Manager window, double-click your touchpad in the list and then choose the “Driver” tab.

I hope this post helps you get back to work!

Don't Be a Target

It’s nice to get out of the house and do some online work in a different environment. With so many restaurants and coffee shops offering free Wi-Fi, you have many choices for an “office” outside the office. Unfortunately, the fact that these places attract people with their expensive electronic devices has made them a prime target for thieves. Starbucks recently got some press as being a hot spot for these grab-and-go crimes. Purses, laptops and other items have disappeared in the blink of an eye. Take precautions to protect your valuables when you're out.

First, you must combat the complacency that develops from being in an environment that feels like home. Starbucks and other places offer a relaxed atmosphere with comfy chairs and soothing music. This setting that makes them appealing places to work, but you may let your guard down when your surroundings feel safe.

Distractions also abound in busy places. While you try to tune-out the music and conversation, you may get tunnel vision. You could be happily working online while someone grabs your bag or wallet off the chair next you. A thief can empty a purse in a matter of seconds. Other people probably won’t be much help in identifying the guilty party. More than likely, everyone around you is also absorbed with his or her laptops, iPhones or iPads.

Bottom line: to protect your belongings you must remain vigilant no matter where you are. Keep in mind you're in a public place. Treat it as if you're standing in the center of Grand Central Station, and don’t let your belongings out of your sight. If possible, keep your hands on them at all times. When you get up for a refill, to use the phone or go to the restroom, take them with you. When you must leave your computer at a table, employ a device like a laptop lock. A watchful eye is the best way to avoid being targeted.

More reading:

Thieves drop by Starbucks to grab something to go; Michael Wilson THE NEW YORK TIMES

Starbucks Customers Targeted by Laptop Thieves; Melanie Pinola PC World