Dell Inspiron laptop

[PDW1964]

I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop using Windows Vista. Recently the movement of the cursor has become very jerky,sporadic and sometimes won't move at all. I wa woderii anyo knows what causes this and if there is any way to remedy it? Could I plug a mouse into the USB port and use it that way? Many thanks

[bazwillrun]

just plug in a mouse and that should be fine.

have you tried reinstalling the drivers/software for the track pad

[Mosaic]

I have a dell Inspiron 5030 and it has had an annoying touchpad from the start. It will randomly begin to respond sluggishly then not at all. I find pressing the 'disable touchpad' key on the keyboard, then pressing it again to reactivate it, seems to settle it down.

[PDW1964]

Hi and thanks to both for your replies.
Baz, could you please give me a couple of pointers as to how to reinstall the drivers / software th you mention?
Mosaic, I do not seem to have a disable touchpad on my keyboard????!
If all else fails, t least I know I can use the mouse option.
Thanks again.

[bazwillrun]

I'm assuming your using windows
go to control panel > system> device manager, and you should see it listed there somewhere.
Usually right click and select properties and reinstall/update drivers is there.

also you may have an icon in your system tray that gives you access to the trackpad setup

Again via your control panel, theres usually something there that should give you access to your trackpad

[Mosaic]

on the top row of my keyboard on the right hand side is a key with a symbol that looks like an envelope - that is wot does it.

[bazwillrun]

i'm suprised, usually an envelope icon refers to some sort of messaging ie email

[PDW1964]

Baz, I tried what you suggested but was given no option to reinstall but there was an option to install updates. I tried this but none were available and I was told that the device was working properly!!!!
Mosaic, I definitely have no envelope icon on my keyboard.
Guess i am stuck with getting a mouse unless there are any other suggestions. Thanks again.

[EcclesCake]

I don't have a 1545 but the keyboard may have the same lay out. Have a look at the key to the left of 'Insert' on the top row....it may be the one.

[tamborine]

Slow mouse speed in Control Panel to midway.

Clearing History & cache should help, if you've downloaded a virus.

[Mosaic]

Baz - if I look very closely the icon is a squashed old fashioned mouse. Looks like an envelope as it's been squashed down to fit onto the key. Next to .insert' and 'prntscr'.

[Old_Geezer]

I though using the touchpad guarantied jerky difficult to control movement. To make a laptop useable you need to plug in mouse/trackball, keyboard, monitors. Then it may be getting close to adequate. Plug in what you wish and it should just to detected and auto set-up for use.

[Old_Geezer]

Damnable typo fairies !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I THOUGHT ......