Touchpad Does not Work

The clean install didn't itself cause a problem, but you may not have installed necessary items after that. 

When performing a clean install, after installing Windows (and before you allow it to connect to the Internet), install the Intel Chipset Device Software followed by the Intel Management Engine Components. Then other chipset and firmware-related items from Dell.

Once you connect to the Internet, run Windows Update, You will find that it automatically installs many required drivers. But, it may not be able to do that if the Intel Chipset driver isn't installed.

If you don't have the latest BIOS, you should install it first.

After Windows Update, you should also install Dell Quickset.

Dell's Drivers & Downloads shows you what's available for your system, as there are other items you may need that may not come from Windows Update.

Before trying a clean install, backup all your user files to an external drive.

Filbert,

Thanks for your reply.  I guess I can do the clean install again, using your extra guidance this time.

But, is there anyway to recover without doing the clean install again?  I have already setup many apps, settings, etc.

MikeT in VA

You can proceed by installing those items now. If everything else is working fine, it shouldn't be necessary to start from scratch.

I tried installing those items "after the fact".  All seemed to complete OK.  But, still no touchpad.

So,  I bit the bullet and re-did my clean install, but this time following your guidance about sequence of  driver installs,  Again, still no touchpad.  I removed the keyboard and unattached/reattached the ribbon cable for the touchpad...still no difference.

Also, if it helps, when my external mouse is removed, the mouse cursor disappears.  Strange.

Any suggestions for next steps?

MikeT in VA

The most common placement is on the F9 key. To re-enable the touchpad on your Dell Computer, press the button resembling a TouchPad button and see whether you regain the TouchPad functionality. Certain models will require you to have the Function key pressed while pressing the TouchPad key.