Erratic cursor

[normsky44]

I have read several threads with this problem, cursor or pointer moving around screen erratically and difficult to manoevre accurately, and have tried the suggested remedies to my ability: but my problem is slightly different in that it happens on my laptop, but only when using it on a flat surface, never when it is on my lap.
I use the touch pad, not a USB mouse.
Any suggestions, or have I got a laptop that takes it's title too seriously !

 

[Shadowjk]

Has the Touch pad ever been Scrached or pressed Heavily? This can Damdge the Sensor Causing the Curso to Jump on the Screen,

Do you have a USB Mouse you could use that may be lying around? If so try that if it works fine then it would be your Touch Pad being your Issue

Many Thanks,
Josh

 

[Imperfect1]

Hi Norm, and welcome to Vista Forums. Sometimes the touchpad/cursor customizations get out of whack and have to be reset. Have you checked your touchpad/cursor options/preferences recently, particularly, of course, the sensitization settings. For example, my HP Pavillion dv5t uses a Synaptics touchpad that provides a vast array of options. What kind of touchpad/cursor do you have, and why don't you check your settings options?

 

[normsky44]

Hi, I too have synapsids, thanks for tip I will try the sensitivity settings and repose later.
Many thanks

 

[Imperfect1]

Hi, I too have synapsids, thanks for tip I will try the sensitivity settings and repose later. Many thanks

Since you also have the Synaptics touchpad, here's the specific directions for the customization settings. There are a number of different settings that affect the sensitivity, (like Pointer Speed, Touch Sensitivity + Palm Check), so go through the list carefully, and make the changes that are warranted. Just for comparison, I put down the selections I made for my system.

Right click Desktop to open Personalize
Scroll down and select: MOUSE POINTERS; this opens MOUSE PROPERTIES page.
Go to: BUTTONS
BUTTON CONFIGURATION
Select: Right-Handed (or Left-Handed if you’re left handed.)
DOUBLE CLICK SPEED: (I set the slider to the slowest setting. If set too fast, double clicks won’t open files.)
Click Lock: No
POINTER OPTIONS:
MOTION:
Select a POINTER SPEED: (I set mine at the fastest – makes the touchpad fly. This technically controls the mouse buttons, but also makes the touchpad feel faster.)
Check: Enhance pointer precision
In the Visibility section, check: Hide pointer while typing
DEVICE SETTINGS:
Click the Settings bar:
Click on Overview to open the tree and read the overview of the controls.
TAPPING: (I set mine to ‘No’ but check ‘Yes’ if you want to utilize the Tapping function.)
BUTTONS: Double click on Buttons to open the tree and set the controls:
Left Button Action: Primary Click
Right Button Action: Secondary Click
VIRTUAL SCROLLING: Double click on Virtual Scrolling to open the tree and set the controls:
Check: Enable vertical scrolling and horizontal scrolling
LONG DISTANCE SCROLLING
Coasting: No
Edge motion when scrolling: No
SCROLLING SPEED: Set slider for scrolling speed. (I set mine at the slowest setting.)
Adjust SCROLLING REGION
SCROLLING SELECTION: (I checked: Scroll item under Pointer, for a broader scrolling area)
EDGE MOTION: Select the Edge Motion you want. (I chose Perform Edge Motion when pointing and dragging.)
Select your Edge Motion Region and Edge Motion Speed. (I selected: Control motion with finger and set my slider at medium-slow.)
Constrained Motion: No
Slow Motion: No
Sticky Borders: No
SENSITIVITY: Double click on Sensitivity to open the tree and set the controls:
Double click on the + icon to open tree
PALM CHECK: (I left my Palm Check at the default spot, near center but a little toward Maximum. If mouse gets erratic, increase toward Maximum. If mouse is not responsive to certain clicks, decrease toward Minimum)
TOUCH SENSITIVITY:
Light Touch – (I set my toward the most sensitive -- all the way toward Light Touch.)
Click on Apply, and then OK.

 

[normsky44]

Thanka for all advice,
Imperfect1 thanks for that it will help me, when I get time.
Will feedback later

 

[normsky44]

Thanks to all for the advice.
My original problem still exists, but my cursor action is better when I use it on my lap.
I still dont get why being on a flat surface effects how the cursor or touch pad operate

 

[Imperfect1]

Thanks to all for the advice.
My original problem still exists, but my cursor action is better when I use it on my lap.
I still dont get why being on a flat surface effects how the cursor or touch pad operate

You may just have a loose connection. Has anyone taken a look?

 

[Shadowjk]

This case does point to Hardware problems but could you please try in Safe mode to see the problem still exists?

I would give a tutorial but I am using my phone to post this

Sorry,
Josh


Sent via LG_OPTIMUS GT540

 

[Lorien]

Here's the Safe Mode tutorial link Shadow wanted to provide: http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/123496-safe-mode.html.

Also consider this. I had a very similar problem with my touchpad and it turned out to be how I was holding my hands when I typed - my palms were brushing up against the touchpad and activating it enough to move the cursor. It didn't occur all the time because I held my hands different when the laptop was on a flat surface than i did when it was in my lap. I eventually purchased a wireless mouse and deactivated the touchpad and the problem is gone. Check to make sure this isn't the case by holding your hands high above the keyboard while typing and nowhere near the touchpad (even if it is a bit uncomfortable for a while) and see if the problem goes away. If that is the cause, the solution is pretty much up to you (change how you type, change where you type, switch to a mouse,...).

I hope this helps.

Good luck!

 

[tilmo]

ok. Here is a quick break down as to what effectively causes the eratic movement of your mouse cursor. I have had this problem for sometime but after i read this forum i found the solution within your question. the reason why it works normally on your lap and dont on a flat surface is because u are applying pressure on the key/mouse pad. Now if you look on the back of the laptop there must be a screw or 2 missing right around the area where the touch pad is. Screw her in and the annoying problem should be gone instantly. If not, just give it a little pressure from time to time.Unfortunately i bought my laptop used but when i brought it to a low key shop to upgrade the video card for my flight simulator, the genius broke a screw in one of the holes. What can i say or do bout it? absolutely nothing. Hope that helps you out. And on the contrary, this is my first ever blog/forum i actually spent time on to type and help some one. woohooo... cheers folks.