This response helped me narrow down the issue for my scenario, thanks!
I started having this problem last week after purchasing a replacement power adapter. When I unplug the adapter, the touchpad works smoothly. As soon as I plug it in, the touchpad goes whacky.
Same thing happened to me here in Mexico where my bedroom window is open and faces the sea. I think it was happening from moisture - even ever so slightly on your fingertips. I was also on with Dell Tech Support and they were going to send me an new touchpad here in Mexico...which I really don't think would fix the problem anyway. That was really difficult to do because my touchpad was going BANANAS.
Also I bet an external mouse would probably work fine...but that's besides the point.
So try this:
First using a bit of alcohol on a tissue, wipe clean the pad surface and the buttons too (this may send your touchpad into a fit, so don't worry, and don't expect it to work until it dries fully...10 minutes? Then wash your hands with soap and water, and then when your fingertips are really DRY start using the touchpad.
I uninstalled the mouse touch pad drivers, and then reinstalled them again...couldn't hurt..
Go into the Touchpad's settings and set the sensitivity higher...about 2 clicks from center. I also turned off the gestures, and swiping and scrolling and also set the highest palm rejection.
And viola the problem apparently has disappeared for weeks.
I had this problem on a newly purchased refurbished unit (supplied with a new power adapter). The seller and I fought the problem for a month with no success. Finally I tried unplugging the power adapter and the problem immediately stopped.
I bought a new adapter after which things worked smoothly for about 10 days, then the problems gradually returned. I contacted the adapter seller and they immediately sent a replacement. The replacement has seemed to be keeping things working properly, curing the problem for me.
Follow up details: It generally works fine but occasionally still gets erratic. I use my laptop while sitting in a recliner. If the power unit slips down between me and the arm of the chair and gets hot, trouble starts again. It usually clears up quickly if I set it back on top of the chair arm. I'm thinking design problem in the power supply, maybe???? It does seem overly warm even in open air. My power units are after market. I don't know if Dell units do better.
pattialbright
1 Message
0
December 16th, 2014 06:00
This response helped me narrow down the issue for my scenario, thanks!
I started having this problem last week after purchasing a replacement power adapter. When I unplug the adapter, the touchpad works smoothly. As soon as I plug it in, the touchpad goes whacky.
joliett
15 Posts
0
January 10th, 2014 19:00
Same thing happened to me here in Mexico where my bedroom window is open and faces the sea. I think it was happening from moisture - even ever so slightly on your fingertips. I was also on with Dell Tech Support and they were going to send me an new touchpad here in Mexico...which I really don't think would fix the problem anyway. That was really difficult to do because my touchpad was going BANANAS.
Also I bet an external mouse would probably work fine...but that's besides the point.
So try this:
First using a bit of alcohol on a tissue, wipe clean the pad surface and the buttons too (this may send your touchpad into a fit, so don't worry, and don't expect it to work until it dries fully...10 minutes? Then wash your hands with soap and water, and then when your fingertips are really DRY start using the touchpad.
I uninstalled the mouse touch pad drivers, and then reinstalled them again...couldn't hurt..
Go into the Touchpad's settings and set the sensitivity higher...about 2 clicks from center. I also turned off the gestures, and swiping and scrolling and also set the highest palm rejection.
And viola the problem apparently has disappeared for weeks.
Good luck
jle65
2 Posts
0
May 23rd, 2014 10:00
I had this problem on a newly purchased refurbished unit (supplied with a new power adapter). The seller and I fought the problem for a month with no success. Finally I tried unplugging the power adapter and the problem immediately stopped.
I bought a new adapter after which things worked smoothly for about 10 days, then the problems gradually returned. I contacted the adapter seller and they immediately sent a replacement. The replacement has seemed to be keeping things working properly, curing the problem for me.
jle65
2 Posts
0
December 16th, 2014 16:00
Glad that helped.
Follow up details: It generally works fine but occasionally still gets erratic. I use my laptop while sitting in a recliner. If the power unit slips down between me and the arm of the chair and gets hot, trouble starts again. It usually clears up quickly if I set it back on top of the chair arm. I'm thinking design problem in the power supply, maybe???? It does seem overly warm even in open air. My power units are after market. I don't know if Dell units do better.