This sounds like a hardware issue. Try running the Dell diagnostic test on the touch-pad.
Place the System Software CD in your computer. Reset the machine and when the Dell logo appears on the screen, press and release [F2] several times until you are in the BIOS. Press the right arrow key to go to the BOOT menu or hold [Alt] and [P] simultaneously to progress to the second page. Change the boot sequence to CD/DVD drive, Floppy drive, Internal HDD. Now press [Esc] or [F10] to save and exit the BIOS.
The following knowledge base article can help you with this:
First of all thank you for the fast reply. I did run the diag disc and both the touch pad and the point stick passed. I have no problem with the buttons on the touch pad. It's the point stick buttons (both left and right) that I have to push very hard to use. I know that it does sound like hardware but I just htought I would try here first. Thanks again
I often must depress the track stick buttons twice to get them to work. Also, the buttons are cheaply made and if you have any thumbnail at all, the blue color wears off on the buttons, revealing the white undersurface. I had two IBM ThinkPads before, and those keyboards and buttons were much better made, and solid black. Dell should at least consider making the buttons a solid color throughout so that the painted surface doesn't wear off so quickly (only had mine for 6 months - the color started wearing off after two months).
I'm not really sure it's the buttons. It seems to be a design flaw. I have to push the button very hard to get it to "click". I have called Dell and every time I'm asked to restart and run the diagnosis. The button does pass. I'm just told that their not sure what they can do if the diagnosis shows the buttons are "functioning". Any ideas?
The touch-pad buttons should not require excessive force to press. If they do, then I would suggest contacting Dell support to arrange a hardware replacement.
They don't feel the same as their design is different from the touchpad buttons. If you press them down all the way [without excessive force or pressure], do they always work? IE use a firm steady push to the length of the travel for the button. If so, service will probably not help.
DELL-BobT
3.1K Posts
0
December 16th, 2003 12:00
percman24601,
Thank you for using the Dell Community Forum.
This sounds like a hardware issue. Try running the Dell diagnostic test on the touch-pad.
Place the System Software CD in your computer. Reset the machine and when the Dell logo appears on the screen, press and release [F2] several times until you are in the BIOS. Press the right arrow key to go to the BOOT menu or hold [Alt] and [P] simultaneously to progress to the second page. Change the boot sequence to CD/DVD drive, Floppy drive, Internal HDD. Now press [Esc] or [F10] to save and exit the BIOS.
The following knowledge base article can help you with this:
How to run the Dell diagnostic test knowledge base article.
The program should automatically load. Choose to run the test on the questionable component(s).
If a failure occurs, you should consider contacting Dell Support for a solution.
percman24601
117 Posts
0
December 16th, 2003 14:00
DELL-BobT,
First of all thank you for the fast reply. I did run the diag disc and both the touch pad and the point stick passed. I have no problem with the buttons on the touch pad. It's the point stick buttons (both left and right) that I have to push very hard to use. I know that it does sound like hardware but I just htought I would try here first. Thanks again
DELL-BobT
3.1K Posts
0
December 16th, 2003 19:00
percman24601,
You may want to report this to Dell technical support using the link above.
RSSEAB
1 Message
0
December 30th, 2003 21:00
naqoyqatsi
260 Posts
0
December 30th, 2003 22:00
percman24601
117 Posts
0
December 31st, 2003 00:00
naqoyqatsi
260 Posts
0
December 31st, 2003 01:00
percman24601
117 Posts
0
December 31st, 2003 02:00
It does function. i just have to push it very hard to make it "click".
percman24601
117 Posts
0
December 31st, 2003 15:00
DELL-BobT
3.1K Posts
0
December 31st, 2003 15:00
percman24601,
The touch-pad buttons should not require excessive force to press. If they do, then I would suggest contacting Dell support to arrange a hardware replacement.
Davin
18 Posts
0
December 31st, 2003 18:00
They don't feel the same as their design is different from the touchpad buttons. If you press them down all the way [without excessive force or pressure], do they always work? IE use a firm steady push to the length of the travel for the button. If so, service will probably not help.