Inspiron 11 3147 - ghost touch screen: resolved?

Question

I know this is probably an old problem, but was there ever a definite solution to the random / ghost touch screen issue with the Inspiron 11 (3147)? There was a flurry of posts about this in 2015-16, but I'm not sure if there was an actual fix from Dell since then.

Mine was doing this all the time and I was not sure if it was a hardware or driver issue. I deactivated the touch screen driver in device manager (one of the human interface devices) but it kind of defeats the purpose of having a 2 in 1 laptop.

I updated to the A12 firmware (March 2018) and it still has the issue. I've read in old threads on this site that might be a hardware issue or it was a driver issue caused by the sleep settings. I also have that waking/sleep issue with this unit.

Any updates or suggestions?

Thanks.

airpay · Accepted Answer

Surprisingly, yes. Since I downgraded back to A07 my 3147 has been fine - no more random out of control ghost touches. I was literally about to get rid of the unit and posted here out of sheer frustration. I saw the suggestion on another forum and tried it. It also fixed the wake/sleep problem. Why Dell hasn't fixed this issue in the most recent firmware update is beyond logic.

That said, I have that other constant problem with my Inspiron 11 - 3147: the faulty keyboard. The keys on the left side, particularly the A, S, Z, Q, and CAPS LOCK stop working constantly. I have to slightly flex the machine to try to get them back. Its like there is a hairline fracture in the keyboard mechanism or connector wires. Apparently the only solution is to buy a new keyboard bezel assembly, or melt the old keyboard out since its glued to the body - it is a very common problem apparently.

At this point, the cost makes it not worth fixing since these units are a few years old now. If they made this unit with a metal body (ie. way more rigid since it flexes like crazy), a backlit keyboard and functional firmware, I'd consider an upgrade. But they won't so this is probably my last Dell machine until they get their act together.

airpay · Answer

Update: I downgraded the BIOS firmware from A12 to version A07, per some older suggestions, and it seems to work so far. There is definitely something wrong with the software/firmware on the Inspiron 11 3147 that has not been resolved.

geauxmez · Answer

Is AO7 still working with no ghost clicking?  Just curious.

lizardlizard · Answer

Does it still work

Rain FE · Answer

i disable the touchscreen from device manager and the ghost touch dissapeared

Rain FE · Answer

I think if you dont need the touchscren anymore or your screen has a strange mark like mine you'd better disable the touchscreen from device manager if you need

my device ghost touch is so annoying like it triggers every shortcuts when i click and i don't have money to prchase a new touchscreen

Rob-PA · Answer

Thank you and other Dell owners for sharing this issue with the left-side keyboard. I am experiencing this exact same thing. Otherwise, I've had such a great relationship with my Inspiron 11-3147 (Prod ship date: 4/27/2015). I've kept my laptop in mint condition; I'm the only one to use it; and it has remained dust-free & stable on a desktop 24/7. That's why when this started happening with the intermittent key failure last year; I knew it was nothing I had done! Fortunately, I do not use my device for professional work - and I can't imagine how some owners could countenance the frustration of the failing keys working on the clock and with deadlines.

I guess, at some point in its later life, I may just use it in touchscreen tablet mode. I know it's unrealistic, but I feel that if Dell wants to keep me and others as dedicated users / future purchasers, Dell should at least offer some kind of modest buy-back credit to our next Dell machine. Understandably, I'm presently rather soured on the company with this experience. I really wanted to be a dedicated Dell-for-life user; and I just loved the Michael Dell interview a few years ago on Guy Raz's "How I Built This."

However sadly, my pragmatic consumer eyes are starting to roam. Okay - thanks for letting me share & vent. -- Rob

Inspiron

Inspiron 11 3147 - ghost touch screen: resolved?

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