Synaptics Touchpad Problem

Hello,

I have a Toshiba Satellite A200, the touchpad does not work, I can't move the mouse nor click at all. I tried FN + F7, F8, F9, all that and that did not work. I tried installing the drivers from Toshiba's site and that didn't work either. This is a fairly new laptop that I purchased from a university student from my university. He claims that the mouse worked before he gave it to me, and when he did give it to me I had opened it up to clear the CMOS. If he is not lying then I must have messed the touchpad at that time. Thinking that I re-opened the laptop several times to have the touchpad wire (the wire connecting the pointer to the motherboard) re-inserted several times but no luck.

Right now I am out of ideas, I'd like you guys to suggest what I should do. I'm fairly knowledgeable with computers, but this is my first time dealing with a laptop. My own guess is that I have damaged the wire that is connecting the touchpad to the laptop, if that's the case where would I be able to get a new one to replace it?

PS. I have Windows Vista running on this.

Please help me.

pull the KB and verify that you have fully reseated the cable for the touchpad. It will usually be either a small plug in type or a pull tab type. if it is the pull tab type there will be a small locking mechanism that you will need to flip/pull/unlock prior to reseating the cable for the touchpad.

I tried that mate, and yes it is a pull tab type where I have to unlock it first before removing the cable or put the cable back. I did not know this before, so I found myself forcing the cable in before (which I believe is why the cable MAY have been damaged).

if it was, search ebay for a new touchpad.

How much do they usually go for? Do I need to get a whole new touchpad or just the wire connecting it to the mobo?

you usually cant find just the cable (not to say you cant).
Pricewise, I have no clue honestly.

Sounds like a shady deal to me. Looks like fleebay has some touchpads for cheap but who knows if they will work. Maybe toshiba can fix it. Try contacting them and get a quote for repair. Don't tell them you opened it. If they will do it for $100 or less it may be worth it.

I have had the same problem lately. For me it was a driver problem. If you want I can get on msn with you and guide you on how to do it step by step.