I have the same problem as you :-)

How do you deal with the problem? I wonder if there are many others who have the wandering mouse pointer problem. Is this only a difficulty for Inspiron 8200 or do other laptops present similar difficulties? I have not had this problem with any other computer, even Dell desktops.

have Dimension 2400 mouse wondering stoped happning too often,but time to time it does and I did not bother to find out why it's doing it as it does not happen too often.

gstc - This is quite a common problem in the 8200. Your kb or palmrest needs replacing (for the 8200, most likely the palmrest). You could probably locate the problem by disabling the touchpad/touchstick one at a time. I'd start with the touchpad.

I have experienced the same issues with my 8100 and 8200, except that it also selects items when i'm moving the pointer around.  I don't exactly follow your proposed remedy.

I have the exact problem with my I8200.  This seemed to happen after I upgraded my office to MS office 2003 (coincidence?).  Scanned for virus using Norton Antivirus and Mcafee latest definition and found none.  Contacted Dell support and they told me I have to replace the keyboard.  Cost $40.89 total including shipping and tax.  I have to wait until I installed it to see if it fixes the problem.  I also noted that they have a recent update for Alps GlidePoint/StickPointer, Driver, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Multi Language, Multi System, v.5.4.102.12, A09 on Dell website posted 5/12/05.  Have anyone tried this to see if this fixes the problem?

 

Like i said above, the palmrest is most likely at fault in the 8200. If its not the palmrest, its the keyboard. But the vast majority of the time its the palmrest, so i have my doubts that the keyboard will fix your problem (although it is possible).

Well, I just upgraded the Dell mouse/touchpad software and turned off my stick function and it seems to be working okay so far.  Therefore, I am hoping it's my keyboard.  The keyboard installation is much simpler than palmrest panel.  Looking at the instruction for palmrest panel installion, one practically has to take this laptop apart.  Will see what hapen when I installed the keyboard once it gets here.  Will keep you all posted. 

Snapohead

Thank you for your suggestions. I will try these and see what happens. I had been so frustrated that I did not use my Inspiron  for ten days. I used my office Dimension instead. However I need to use my laptop, so I will have to try to get things back to normal. Will let you and others know what happens.

I think though that DELL should be made aware of the problem and they should do something about it.

Cheers!