Problems after w7 reinstall

Quiz
Quiz Member Posts: 5 New User
in 2013 Archives

Hello there, I recently had to restore to factory setting and reinstall W7.

However since doing this I cannot get my touchpad to work.

I have the Acer Aspire 5742 and it is about 2 years old.

 

without the touchpad I am finding it hard to negotiate the internet just using the keyboard.

 

So am having to use an old laptop to post this message.

 

Quiz.

Best Answer

  • ScottyC
    ScottyC Member Posts: 433 Practitioner WiFi Icon
    Answer ✓

    Then just hit the windows key and the letter r. This will open the run command. Now type this: devmgmt.msc

     

    It will open the device manager. You can use the arrow keys and tab to switch through. Use the space bar on pointing devices to open the list. You'll be looking for a red symbol on the touchpad icon.

     

    Or you can just download the driver and try and reinstall them.

     

    Here is the driver for the ELAN touchpad: ELAN

    Here it is for Synaptics: Synaptics

     

    I would say give them both a go. But before you do, have you tried the fn+F7 to enable or disable the device?

Answers

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer

    Not familiar with your particular machine. But it might be a simple bios setting. Press F2 on powerup and check input options. If, on the other hand, it's a software issue, I'd be tempted to connect a wireless USB mouse to more easily navigate a fix for re-activating your touchpad.

     

    Jack E/NJ  

    Jack E/NJ

  • Juzzo
    Juzzo Member Posts: 117 Troubleshooter

    Try clicking start, then right clicking on 'Computer' then selecting 'manage'.

    Then click on 'device manager' and locate the touchpad. (probably under 'mice and other pointing deviced')
    Make sure it is not disabled, and give it a right-click to select 'update drivers'.

  • Quiz
    Quiz Member Posts: 5 New User

    Thanks Juzzo for your reply, I will try that when I have a mouse, at the moment keyboard shortcuts are beating me hands down.

  • ScottyC
    ScottyC Member Posts: 433 Practitioner WiFi Icon
    Answer ✓

    Then just hit the windows key and the letter r. This will open the run command. Now type this: devmgmt.msc

     

    It will open the device manager. You can use the arrow keys and tab to switch through. Use the space bar on pointing devices to open the list. You'll be looking for a red symbol on the touchpad icon.

     

    Or you can just download the driver and try and reinstall them.

     

    Here is the driver for the ELAN touchpad: ELAN

    Here it is for Synaptics: Synaptics

     

    I would say give them both a go. But before you do, have you tried the fn+F7 to enable or disable the device?

  • Quiz
    Quiz Member Posts: 5 New User

    Hello Scotty, I have been making inroads with your USB Mouse idea. I borrowed one. it worked straight away.

    I have changed the driver and tried the ELAN one and the SYMANTEC one. Both times I am told the driver is working correctly.

    However, the touchpad is not working?

    what do you mean by fn+ f7? I get the f7 bit but not the 'fn+' bit?

     

    your keyboard tips worked too. 'top bloke'!

     

    Quiz.

  • JackE
    JackE ACE Posts: 44,868 Trailblazer

    As ScottyC recommends, the Fn-Key is at the bottom left hand corner of your keyboard to the right of the Ctrl-key Press the Fn-Key and the F7-Key at the same time to toggle-on the touchpad if that's the problem.

     

    You can toggle-off the touchpad with the same key combination. Let us know how it works.

     

    Note, you might have to remove the USB mouse to allow the touchpad to operate.

     

    Thanks

     

    Jack E/NJ 

    Jack E/NJ

  • ScottyC
    ScottyC Member Posts: 433 Practitioner WiFi Icon

    Thanks for clarifying Jack, from time to time I forget to elaborate on my instructions.

     

    If the steps I provided don't work please let me know and we'll see what else can be done.

  • Quiz
    Quiz Member Posts: 5 New User

    1stly, thankyou for your help, how did I not see that key? until you described it's position i had looked over the keyboard and not seen it.

    As soon as I pressed the Fn+ f7 keys then the touchpad immediately started working.

     

    Is that the only function of that key?

     

    I have changed the drivers back and forth 6 times now and only needed to press 2 keys!!!

     

    Your knowledge is impressive, thankyou so much! I hope that one day I can help someone else as you have helped me

     

    Gary.

  • ScottyC
    ScottyC Member Posts: 433 Practitioner WiFi Icon

    Not a problem at all Gary, it's something basic but it's also something most people don't know about. If you look under the F1 F2 F3 keys you will see blue icons that describe what the key will do if you press it with the FN key.

     

    On your system it should be:

     

    FN + F3 = Wireless

    FN + F4 = Put pc to sleep

    FN + F5 = External display

    FN + F6 = Shut off screen to save power

    FN + F7 = Turn off touchpad to avoid accidentally clicking while typing

    FN + F8 = Mute


    FN + The up arrow = Volume up

    FN + The down arrow = Volume down

    FN + Left arrow = Screen brightness down

    FN + Right arrow = brightness up.

     

    I'm glad I was able to help "with the assistance of Jack", take care Gary and don't forget the kudos button Smiley Wink

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