Inspiron 7347 serious touchpad problems

Hi Daviddubya,

I would suggest you to update the touchpad drivers on the system for issue resolution. Please enter your service tag # on the link below and click on ‘Get drivers and downloads’ then download the touchpad driver from ‘Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices’ section onto the system and install it.

http://dell.to/18r60nI

Also, I would advise you to download and install the ‘TouchFreeze’ software from the link below and check for issue resolution.

There is no 'Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices' section for this product. The only drivers for this are the default mouse drivers provided by Windows 8.1

I bought this laptop last year to use as a laptop (I have a Dell desktop too). I cannot use the trackpad as the cursor jumps around. I want to disable the tapping action as right now this laptop is not fit for purpose. The TouchFreeze software will not fix the lack of a trackpad driver.

I have looked at many of the other laptops Dell has release mid-end of last year and they too do not have a trackpad driver either.

Dell: Your customers have been asking for months for a driver for the trackpad and one still has not been made available.

I have the solution.

Go to Gestures (right hand swipe on touchscreen) > PC and devices > Mouse and touchpad

At the bottom of section called Touchpad There is a dropdown box and you can turn off taps here (Turn off taps).

You can still use the left and right click buttons on the touchpad but no longer have the pointer hoping all over the screen accidentally thinking you have tapped.

EDIT: Daviddubya - sorry I just saw your post about disabling the taps.

Ravi - As Matt said above, there are no drivers from Dell for the Inspiron 7347 touchpad.  That's the problem!  Please elevate this issue to a manager in the Dell organization that can provide a fix.  I am on the verge of packing this PC back into the box it came in and returning it to Dell.  I have purchased Dell PCs for many years, and this issue must be addressed and resolved to keep me as a loyal Dell user.  Thanks.

Matt - You can disable tapping by using the mouse options accessible through the Modern (8.1) Start screen.  Search for mouse and go to the Mouse and Touchpad Settings to disable tapping.

I agree David. The 'solution' I used just disables the problem and doesn't fix it.

I have spent over 1.5 hours on the phone a Dell representative earlier today. I was initially told that is the way 7347 works and that I would have to upgrade to another Dell laptop. I pointed out that it is not just an issue on the Inspiron 13 7000 but also on other Inspiron's released Mid 2014 onwards. I was told I could have a refund but that is not the point. I just want a working product.

I asked to submit a customer request for a driver and set of Utilities for the touchpad as not being able to adjust settings is just illogical. Dell have a fantastic product here. It's lightweight flexible for all types of use, well built. It is such a shame they let themselves down with just a touchpad driver missing.

Please Dell can you sort this out. After all it is just the Synaptic driver that needs modifying - it isn't like you have to write a new driver from the ground upwards.

Matt - I have had tapping turned off since the first timed I used the 7347.  The mouse still behave erratically.  This is not a solution to the issue.

Ravi - regarding TouchFreeze - I want to use the touchpad, not turn it off!!!  Let's elevate this discussion to management folks who will address and solve it.  Thanks.

I had an online chat with Dell Support yesterday.  Support suggested updating BIOS and the Chipset drivers.  I did that and the touchpad  mouse remained unpredictable.  In a second chat session, Support decided the problem is a hardware issue, and I am expecting to hear from Dell soon about having a new touchpad installed.  I'll report back here after the touchpad is replaced.

I have noticed the touchpad operates normally when the PC is plugged in, charging the battery, or when using the touchpad on battery for a while after the battery has charged overnight.  Right now, for example, I have am using the touchpad on a fully charged battery, and the touchpad has been working normally for over 1/2 hour.

I'm also having trouble with the trackpad on my 7347, though my problems sound like they're somewhat different than the ones described here. Mine just becomes completely unresponsive after a while. There's no predicting how long it'll work, sometimes it's 30 minutes, sometimes it's 2 minutes. If I put the PC into sleep mode and wake it up, the mouse will be working again. Same thing if I just flip the screen around (so that the keyboard turns off) and then flip it back. The other frustrating thing is that none of the touchpad settings I change seem to take effect. I've turned off taps and set the touchpad to be disabled when another mouse is connected, but taps are still active and the touchpad does not deactivate when I have a bluetooth mouse connected. I'm not tech-savvy enough to say for sure, but it seems like a driver issue more so than a hardware issue.
 
Unrelated, but for what it's worth, one of my speakers is out as well. I'm thinking that I'll probably be sending the machine in for repairs soon, which is very annoying for a brand new computer.

wrhardy - Some of the symptoms you described are very similar to what I continue to experience.  I get unpredictable hesitations in moving the mouse.  At times the mouse is frozen - tapping the touch screen sometimes makes it start to work again.  When I scroll vertically with the mouse, I get a right click menu instead of a scroll.  I think this could be a driver issue, but I'm willing to go along with the path Dell wants to take, and replace the touchpad.  Time will tell.

If you have not reported the problems you are having, I encourage to contact Dell Technical Support.  The chat has been working well for me.  The chat team has been concerned and responsive.

An update to my posts of several days ago.  I have not heard from Dell about replacing the touchpad, as was promised in my last chat session.  I continue to experience the same issues.  The touchpad is beyond frustrating to use.  I will be on the Dell chat tomorrow to try to move this process along.  As I understand the policy, I have 21 days to return this PC to Dell for a replacement or refun d.  I really like the size and performance, except for the touchpad.  I have less than 2 weeks left in the 21 day return period.  Wish me luck.

Hi Daviddubya,

Ravi - Doing a Reset is not a reasonable path to resolve this problem.  I now have an appointment with a Dell tech to replace the touchpad.  I will report back here after the work is done.