You might have to install the TouchPad driver from the Dell Resource CD to get the 'Device Selection' tab on Control Panel - Mouse to disable the stick pointer (like I did)
There have been several updated ALPS Drivers on the Dell Download site since
Dell discontinued shipping resource CD's with new systems, this is latest for ALPS:
b) disabling the hardware is not an acceptable option to me. I want a Dell solution, as I use the stick pointer. Just seems we have a problem riddled piece of hardware, any other ideas?
Yes. Their solution was to 'restore' my system to an earlier date, despite the problem existing since the laptop came out of the box. I did that, and it didn't work.
I don't ALWAYS have mouse drift, it happens maybe 1-2 times per day, depending how much I'm using my laptop.
I'm having the same issue and my computer is brand new as of Wednesday. It happens fairly frequently when I use the trackpoint. Would love a solution short of sending computer back to Dell since apparently this doesn't work even when brand new...
All trackpoints seem to have this problem. I've seen it for certain on Dell and IBM since about 1993.
Your solution is to demand a service engineer, at 1 week old its still under warranty.
At least on the Latitudes I've owned recently it seems to be a hardware issue rather than software. The worst I had was the CPXj 640, but I could fix the problem for a few months by removing the keyboard and cleaning the membrane cable connections. This makes me suspect the cause is random electronic noise caused by less-than-perfect connections. (this is a known problem in any high sensitivity electronics particularly with poor screening or high static charge environments, and a laptop has both these problems).
The detail fix is not for the faint hearted and it needs some skill at dismantling. Unplug the membrane cables from the keyboard/trackpoint WHERE IT IS DESIGNED TO DISCONNECT. This is not always wasy to see, and the connector lock might not be obvious, so don't just pull. Expect to get a bare end without a plug. The smaller cable is the TPoint - carefully clean the conductor strips, a traditional slightly abrasive typewriter eraser or fiberglass brush used very gently is a good tool. Be extremely careful around here, you must prevent any electrostatic charges building up. Now reconnect the cables a few times so they gently 'wipe' the contact areas in the sockets, then lock in place. Should be OK for a month or two.
They mailed me a keyboard, a screw driver, and 'how to change your keyboard.'
Why do I pay for tech support?!
For a lot, if not most of us:)
Would much prefer this service (of a simple replacement,
that will take much less than an hour), to sending unit
off to depot (or waiting for a local contracted tech) to
fix the problem.
Would also expect that if you were uncomfortable with the
operation, that they would offer another option.
Yankee_In_TX
69 Posts
0
December 22nd, 2005 20:00
My stick tends to cause drifting.
This seems to be a known issue, is there a fix? Simply disabling it is NOT a satisfactory solution to me.
To answer the question above:
control panel
mouse
You can change you settings/disable devices there.
mreiche
7 Posts
0
December 23rd, 2005 02:00
Art
2 Intern
•
1.5K Posts
0
December 23rd, 2005 02:00
Dell discontinued shipping resource CD's with new systems, this is latest for ALPS:
v.5.4.102.12, A09
Release Date: 05/12/2005
Description: Alps Touch Pad Driver
R89598.EXE
If you have a Synaptics TouchPad, more up-to-date drivers are on Synaptics' website.
Yankee_In_TX
69 Posts
0
December 23rd, 2005 03:00
mreiche
7 Posts
0
December 23rd, 2005 04:00
Yankee_In_TX
69 Posts
0
December 23rd, 2005 11:00
Yes. Their solution was to 'restore' my system to an earlier date, despite the problem existing since the laptop came out of the box. I did that, and it didn't work.
I don't ALWAYS have mouse drift, it happens maybe 1-2 times per day, depending how much I'm using my laptop.
HayleyW106
1 Message
0
December 24th, 2005 13:00
dbuk
101 Posts
0
January 1st, 2006 14:00
All trackpoints seem to have this problem. I've seen it for certain on Dell and IBM since about 1993.
Your solution is to demand a service engineer, at 1 week old its still under warranty.
At least on the Latitudes I've owned recently it seems to be a hardware issue rather than software. The worst I had was the CPXj 640, but I could fix the problem for a few months by removing the keyboard and cleaning the membrane cable connections. This makes me suspect the cause is random electronic noise caused by less-than-perfect connections. (this is a known problem in any high sensitivity electronics particularly with poor screening or high static charge environments, and a laptop has both these problems).
The detail fix is not for the faint hearted and it needs some skill at dismantling. Unplug the membrane cables from the keyboard/trackpoint WHERE IT IS DESIGNED TO DISCONNECT. This is not always wasy to see, and the connector lock might not be obvious, so don't just pull. Expect to get a bare end without a plug. The smaller cable is the TPoint - carefully clean the conductor strips, a traditional slightly abrasive typewriter eraser or fiberglass brush used very gently is a good tool. Be extremely careful around here, you must prevent any electrostatic charges building up. Now reconnect the cables a few times so they gently 'wipe' the contact areas in the sockets, then lock in place. Should be OK for a month or two.
Yankee_In_TX
69 Posts
0
January 5th, 2006 15:00
They mailed me a keyboard, a screw driver, and 'how to change your keyboard.'
Why do I pay for tech support?!
Art
2 Intern
•
1.5K Posts
0
January 5th, 2006 16:00
For a lot, if not most of us:)
Would much prefer this service (of a simple replacement,
that will take much less than an hour), to sending unit
off to depot (or waiting for a local contracted tech) to
fix the problem.
Would also expect that if you were uncomfortable with the
operation, that they would offer another option.