mouse & keyboard problems

Question

I have an inspiron 4100 laptop with windows 2000 that I use basically for QUICKBOOKS. I have it docked to a replicator using an external monitor, mouse and keyboard. I take the laptop back and forth between two offices. At the other location I do not use a replicator, only an external mouse. The problem that I will describe happens at both locations so I am ruling out the problem with the port replicator, although it has been replaced twice.

The mouse on occasions starts to float across the screen, making it uncontrollable. After it floats off the screen I no longer can see the mouse pointer and then the keyboard also starts to fail. I have difficulty using keyboard commands to reboot or shut down the applications. As I said, this has happend at both offices. That means two different mouse devices have been used and I have already replaced one of them.

Any suggestions as to what may be the problem.

theshack

Jerry Park · Answer

I looked up the 4100 on the net. Looks like my inspiron 8200. Has the mousepad and track pointer?

The trackpointer (eraser device in the keyboard) recalibrates itself at (random?) intervals. When it is recalibrating, the mouse pointer drifts. At that time, it is best to leave the pointer alone until it stops (it will recalibrate more quickly if you leave it alone).

Since you are using an external mouse, there may be a way to turn off the built in devices, but I don't know of it if there is.

You might just try disabling the trackpoint device.

mwerle · Answer

Pointer-float is quite common with trackpoints. Keyboards playing up isn't. It's possible your keyboard module (which has the trackpoint built into it) has developed a fault. If your system is under warranty I would suggest you get a Dell tech to look at it.

Alternatively it's possible (although unlikely) that your Windows installation has developed a fault - perhaps a driver issue. You can try reinstalling the keyboard and trackpoint drivers (or in extreme cases the entire OS).

If your system is no longer under warranty you can check whether the hardware has developed a fault by unplugging the keyboard module from your laptop.

NOTE: You have to open parts of the laptop in order to do so, and the cables are quite fragile. Any further damange you do at this point is at your own risk! You will void any remaining warranty if you open your laptop!

Now use your external mouse and keyboard. If the problems do not occur you can be reasonably certain that it's the laptops' keyboard module that's faulty and get a replacement.

- Micha.

johnallg · Answer

Remove the 'K' screws on the bottom (no AC or battery!) and the keyboard comes up - make sure the harnesses to it are fully seated.  Then, in the BIOS, find the page (Alt+P) tha thas Pointing Device and set it to PS Mouse.  When you have an external mouse plugged in, the touchpad and pointer are disabled.

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mouse & keyboard problems

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