Thinkpads Forum

Hello

I am having a little problem with my w520

I had to replace the motherboard and now the TouchPad/FPR (finger print reader) doesn't work at all

I tried everything, drivers, bios activation, nothing works

When TouchPad/FPR cable is plugged into the MB I have the same error thousand of times : some USB devices not recognized and have problems, try to remove the device or replace it

When TouchPad/FPR cable is unplugged I stop having these errors and of course no external real USB devices were plugged

First I thought I shorted a TouchPad/FPR connector from the MB but the errors described before make me think the connector is alive? maybe?

In case of electrical problem into the TouchPad/FPR connector, what fuse is involved? is it on the MB?

In all cases I will live without TouchPad/FPR, I love the TrackPoint BUT I really wonder if I am responsible of any damage and if I damaged the MB?

Thanks in advance

EDIT:

Have you tried running a linux 'live' distro? This will rule out whether the problem is hardware or software. Also, reset to BIOS defaults if you haven't already.

Thanks for your answer

Can you please give me more info about Linux diagnostics?

I will see things I cannot see on Windows?

Something I forget to specify : while I had the errors "USB device error" the FPR was getting warm, almost burning

This is when I decided to unplug it from the MB, and stopped having USB errors, and stop getting heat from the FPR

I really fancy to know if this Touchpad/FPR connector on my MB is burned or is it the Touchpad/FPR itselfs?

There are tons of fuses on the FPR board and TouchPad board

Thanks in advance

To create a bootable linux distro, you can download Linux Mint Debian Edition, then use a program called "Rufus", to burn the iso to a usb stick or dvd. Then just restart the computer and select it as the boot device.

As for the heat problem, try reseating the flat connector ends that connect the actual FPR to the touchpad and make sure there isn't any dirt on any of the connectors or motherboard plug.

Thanks for your answer

If I want to know I can order a replacement palmrest with a new TouchPad and FPR

But I am not very keen to do it, I already spent a way too much on this laptop and everything works

There is something I don't understand and I really want to

According to what I found, this thinkpad is using USB internal bus to connect TouchPad, FPR and Internal Keyboard ??

Is it possible ? I was thinking USB was only external but there are also internal USB things ?

If it's the case my MB should may be fine, because I can see all the USB hubs in the Device Manager

Also, I always heard that USB devices have protection on their boards to avoid shorting all the USB on the MB ?

Let me know if I am wrong ?

LOL

Actually everything works

Touchpad/FPR cable was not plugged properly in the connector!!!

It took me time to understand because it is against every Lenovo logic

You have to open a clamp to close the connector and to close it to open it

It's explained in the Maintenance Manual

I am stupid but happy

We should exchange places. On my W520, I have turned off the Touch Pad (except that when I reboot, Win 7 turns it back on again) and turned off the Fingerprint reader. OTOH, the cats attacked the computer one night and I'd be grateful for a keyboard that had an L key rather than a silicone stub. LoL.

Buy just the complete L-key here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/400520725647

JonathanBe wrote:We should exchange places. On my W520, I have turned off the Touch Pad (except that when I reboot, Win 7 turns it back on again) and turned off the Fingerprint reader. OTOH, the cats attacked the computer one night and I'd be grateful for a keyboard that had an L key rather than a silicone stub. LoL.

Did you de-activate TouchPad in BIOS? This is the best option I think