R51 Touchpad Stopped working

[Wormsworth]

My touch pad stopped responding. All the buttons still work.
I may have deleted something in error when uninstalling another application.
I was using a mouse so didn't notice it at the time.
Time frame was about 6 months after purchase in early 2012.

Did a complete restore of the system from Active@Disk backups
to solve some other problems and expected the Touch Pad to work - but alas, no joy.
The Backups were made shortly after I purchased the R51 last year.
I did an Active@Disk and a Thinkpad backup (via access IBM)

When I restored the system, it was to a larger hard drive (main reason for the restore).
Did I miss something that was there before?
I did copy the SERVICE001 partition to the new drive.

I tried reloading the drivers from IBMTOOLS directory and ran the THINKPAD Ultranav utilities/setup.
They both ran with no errors. Track pad is active, but I can not do anything with the test screens.
Is there a method of restoring ALL the drivers at once, As in a OS upgrade?

and.... Fn-F8 does not work

P.S.. Did I read somewhere that if a certain type of mouse (PS2 not USB) was attached the Touchpad would be disabled?? I am using a USB mouse - even tried it without it plugged in - no joy.

[ZaZ]

Maybe you want to re-seat the connector. You could try a Linux Live disc. That should tell you whether it's a hardware or software issue.

[Wormsworth]

What is Linux Live disc?? I am running XPP.
I tried to set up Linux Ubuntu but this system does not support the PME (advanced memory) requirements.

By reset the connecter, do you mean open the box up (remove keyboard) and play with the connectors?

Any info on what to look for? Anything for XP?
All info I have is that it is turned on and working, but it ignores my attempts to use it.


W.

[ZaZ]

You can download a Linux CD and most will run from the CD drive without having to install Linux. If the touch pad works while running Linux, then the issue is probably with XP. If it doesn't work, then there's most likely a hardware issue.

The touch pad is connected to the motherboard with a cable. There's a small chance it's not making the proper contact. Popping of the palm rest and re-seating it may fix the problem.

Check the Windows software and the BIOS to make sure the touch pad has not been disabled.

Lastly, it's just old and may have failed.

[Wormsworth]

Hi,
The R51 does not have a pop off hand rest Have to remove the keyboard.

I now understand about the Linux CD - but would it have the drivers for the touchpad?
I checked all settings and it should be active.

I'll try the cable check (don't really want to remove the keyboard again - last time was for a memory upgrade)
If it is defective, can it (touchpad) be replaced? Where?
It's hard enough just to find drivers and things for it.

Old? This is the newest system I have

thanks, will try to find the Linux CD - any sources? Links?
W.

[ZaZ]

don't really want to remove the keyboard again

Better learn to use the stick then.

I ran Linux on my T42 years ago. I seem to recall the touch pad working just fine. I can't see a reason that would change.

The keyboard bezel can be had on eBay inexpensively. You might want to post in the marketplace here to see if anyone has an extra they'd sell you if that turns out to be the issue.

Most Linux distros will run from the CD/DVD. I run Ubuntu on my R60e, but there's others too.

[Wormsworth]

Yes, the stick still works - found a L-CD and will try it.
Other choice is pull the keyboard - not as hard as it seems - just have to find the correct screws to take off. - and then not lose them

Thanks for the help,
Wormsworth

[ajkula66]

All the info regarding disassembling and reassembling your machine can be found in the HMM:

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc ... 9t6190.pdf