Computer question...

I just installed Windows XP on my laptop and now the serial mouse port AND the touchpad dont work. Anyone ever have that problem?

The problem is your operating system.

eh?

It's Windows.

First rule of IT help desk is...

Turn it off then turn it back on again.

Second rule of IT help desk is...

Turn it off then turn it back on again.

Have you tried uninstalling then reinstalling windows XP? ...shouldn't take long.
If the mouse was in the port, take it out until XP has finished installing. Then plug it in, and everything should be fine.


If it happens again throw it at the wall!

You should visit the website of the manufacturer of your laptop for software updates for Windows XP. The touchpad and serial mouseport (to some degree) may be proprietary.

Right click on the "My Computer" icon, select "Properties," click on the "Hardware" tab and then click on the "Device Manager" button. You may see some conflicts there that need to be resolved.

You may also pose this question in the PC users group here at SG.

Good luck.

Linux/Mac user?

Either way, that seriously isn't helping anybody, is it?

I've got no idea why the serial mouse port/touchpad don't work, as Windows should have drivers for those things automatically installing themselves.

Have you tried using a PS/2 or USB mouse? Assuming your lappy has those ports - not being an arse but I've not seen a serial port on a laptop for ages!

If you can, I would personally go for a USB mouse - I've had far too many problems with PS/2 ones, especially on my current PC, a shuttle. USB ones literally just work.

Yes, even on Windows.

well see now the problem is the fundamental shift from the left of Kerry's stance on the war in Iraq,

oh wait, you mean there actually is a thread that has nothing to do with politics on SG?


wow.

That's it. You. Outside. Now.

I'm pretty tired, so I could be hallucinating, but I'm pretty sure that XP has issues with a bus mouse. I have to agree with an earlier post--just get a USB mouse. A servicable one will run about $10. You could also probably just get a serial to USB adapter, but it would likely cost as much or more than the new mouse.

One question, without sarcasm---why did you install XP on a laptop using a serial mouse? What speed is it?

I'd bet the touchpad issue is just a driver thang.

I know refreshing isn't it

But note that mainly people from the uk are replying.

We can turn this into a politics thread if you like, with a few simple phrases...

"Better the devil you know..." or is it "the lesser of two evils???"

Either way it seams like we get to dance with the devil for the next few years.

See, politics, its everywhere!!!

[Edited on Nov 03, 2004 by RideTimeless]

Does this laptop fit the minimum requirements to run Win XP?

Oh, lol, i meant ps/2, not serial. sorry. but yeah the ps/2 port isnt really a problem, because i have a usb mouse, but the touchpad is what i really want to fix.

In which case it's probably a driver issue. Try the MS download centre, or give it a google for similar problems other people have had. Normally works a treat.

Searching for "fucked touchpad" probably isn't too good an idea though. Just a hunch.

[Edited on Nov 03, 2004 by option_a]

update your drivers

Yes.

as an added bonus for getting first party drivers for the touchpad, you'll most likely get extra features for it that the (apparently absent) default winxp drivers lack.

the ps/2 port is odd though... i've never met an install of xp that couldn't pnp a ps/2 device.

me neither

#1 linux and macs are for pansies
#2 why are you still using a serial mouse? just get a ps2 optical mouse, they are 24 bucks...
#3 you probably need to install drivers for the touchpad, and or the mouse, but winxp should discover the mouse, unless it doesn't see the serial port when it POSTS, and shows the ports it's found.

ps. once again, linux is for people who like computers too much, macs are for people who like computers not enough.

$24? Where on earth are you buying your mice from?!

[gaaaah, quoting makes head explodey]

[Edited on Nov 05, 2004 by option_a]