Dell 8200 Inspiron alps pad problem

I posted this on the Dell forums 2 weeks ago which I rarely visit.
That's the way you used to get support.....post of the forums, and pray.

Either this docked 1.8gHZ portable desktop is too old to draw a hit, or I put it in the wrong forum (doubtful, but possible).

This is what I posted and I can use:
-- A solution (or)
-- A recommendation on how to get support from Dell on older products.

Quote:

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Problems on Alps keypad and pointer on an Inspiron 8200
22 Oct 2009 12:55AM

I haven't posted on the Dell forums for a long time.

Lucky I guess. Haven't needed to do that.

My 8200 Inspiron is mostly docked in an advanced port replicator and used as a back-up desktop instead of a mobile laptop.

Recently I have redone the wireless N after changing ISPs and noticed my Alps keypad and pointer are not working.

Got out the manual, reinstalled the drivers from that....same thing. No joy.

Went to the driver homepage and installed R89598.exe with the same results. Still.....No such luck.

I need help if anyone cares to assist me on this. In the control panel it shows it is working properly even after I troubleshoot it.

When I undock it, it is flat non-responsive.

Maybe it's something simple since I haven't undocked it for quite awhile but need to keep this old machine purring if possible.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Running Windows XP Pro w/Sp-3 and all the latest updates.

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Thanks for any replies.
You'd think I'd get at least a moderator hit in 2 weeks, but alas.
:(

Steve_83

Try booting into Safe Mode. If the hardware doesn't work there, it may have failed.

Failed

:(

Thanks anyway jdc.

Am I outa luck now ??, and if anyone has suggestions please throw em my way, please.

I hate to toss what was a $3500 laptop without some effort to save her....even as a back-up desktop.

Steve_83

You could try starting up a bootable linux CD to see if it works there.

You could try removing all touchpad and mouse drivers, and see if Windows finds the hardware and at least installs default drivers.

You could take the laptop apart to see if the wires or ribbon cable from the touchpad to the main board are broken or disconnected.

You could just plug in a mouse and use that.

Thanks a lot jdc, seriously.

This may take me some time....so, kind moderators, please don't close this out on me.

Deal?

I hope so. :)

Steve_83

FYI - The VirtualDr staff do not normally Close/(Lock) any Threads, (unless deemed necessary of course).