computers touchpad won't disable, tried multiple options.


  1. Brennen53
    Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
       New #1

    computers touchpad won't disable, tried multiple options.


    My computers built in touchpad has became a nuisance as it frequently messes up my typing and I use an external mouse anyways.. These are the options I've tried:
    By the way I have a Dell inspiron 15", I honestly don't know the specific model as I threw away the box a while back, but it may still be in my profile...

    - Disabling it through control panel, doesnt allow that, just gives a "ghost" button even when done with the admin button
    - Uninstalling the hardware (prompts me to restart computer then automatically reinstalls)
    - Installing the recommended by dell "Alps" program, also uninstalling and reinstalling, no help
    - Going to the windows mobility center and choosing "turn off" button for touch pad control at the bottom.
    - hitting the button to the right of the f12 key which has the "turn mousepad off logo" nor did any combaination of fn key, shift key, control, or alt key accompanied with the key to the right of f12

    Also there is no built in turn off button by the mousepad...
    I don't know anything else to try... and honestly its about to get multiple knife wounds until it stops working.

    by the way it did it 12 times while typing this message
      My Computer
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  3. Saurabh A
    Posts : 544
    Windows 7 64bit
       New #2

    Hi Brennen53,

    Touchpad on Dell laptops is generally managed by (function + f3) key combination; or the key adjoining to 'f12 key' with the 'touchpad logo'. It appears that you've tried both options and they have not worked. It is likely that 'Quickset Application' for this notebook is not installed.

    Please follow the following steps to install 'Quickset software' from 'Dell Support Website' and check results:
    - Click Support for Small Business Users | Dell US > Enter 'Service Tag' of your notebook in the appropriate field > Click 'Submit' > All related drivers for the unit will be listed > Filter 'Search Options' by selecting the 'Operating System' in the system > Expand category 'Application' and 'download & install' ''Quickset software' for this notebook > You should be able to manage the 'touchpad' functionality using the 'keyboard keys'

    Note: The 'drivers & downloads' page reflects the make/model of your laptop; please capture the details and share; will suggest you with troubleshooting steps that may help you with the 'Erratic cursor movement'.

    Do reply with the findings; would be glad to assist.
      My Computer
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  4. Brennen53
    Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #3

    Saurabh,

    Thanks for getting back to me. I attempted to follow your steps, however after I clicked "submit" on that website I could not find the file you listed, only a prompt to have the website diagnose my pc then subsequently download "Dell System Detect" which I already have, or it wanted me to install "Dell support system 3.0" under "application" in the category drop box. I shot ya a screen shot of what I was seeing.

    By the way the site is telling me my pc is an Inspiron 15 Intel (N5010)

    P.S. Finally found the "quick set" software you were talking about but it said the newer version was already installed and wouldn't let me install.
    computers touchpad won't disable, tried multiple options. Attached Files
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  6. Saurabh A
    Posts : 544
    Windows 7 64bit
       New #4

    Hi Brennen53,

    Here is the 'Dell QuickSet Software' for your laptop: Driver Details | Dell United States

    You mentioned in your original post that you 'uninstalled Alps' touchpad program; not sure about how well 'QuickSet' may communicate with the 'touchpad' under these circumstances. 'Inspiron N5010' is shipped with 'Synaptics Touchpad' (Not Alps); was wondering if you installed an incorrect set of touchpad drivers. Would recommend you to uninstall the currently installed 'touchpad drivers' and then attempt a 'fresh driver installation from this link: Driver Details | Dell United States
    Please use these links to check if the basic functionality of 'Touchpad & QuickSet' is restored. (Will also suggest few basic steps to manage the 'erratic cursor movement', once the basic functionality is restored)

    Would also recommend you to 'flash BIOS', if available. The latest 'BIOS version' available for your notebook is 'A15'; You may check the 'current BIOS version' installed in the notebook (Click 'Start' and type 'msinfo32' in 'Search textbox' and tap 'Enter'). You may experience improvement in 'touchpad functionality' with the latest 'BIOS' installed.

    Follow the steps listed below to 'update BIOS':
    (Note) Before flashing the BIOS please check the following: Battery should have 10% or greater charge; Adapter should be connected; No external devices should be connected; All other programs should be closed and documents saved.
    Click Driver Details | Dell United States to 'Download and install' the latest BIOS.

    Do reply with the findings; would be glad to assist.
      My Computer
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  7. Brennen53
    Posts : 16
    Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit
    Thread Starter
       New #5

    It worked!!!! Thanks for helping me with this! I literally jumped up when it told me it was disabled
      My Computer
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  8. Saurabh A
    Posts : 544
    Windows 7 64bit
       New #6

    Hi Brennen53,

    Glad that you were successfully able to 'disable' the touch-pad functionality.
    Do reply if you have any further questions; would be glad to assist.
      My Computer
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