Upgrading & Fixing Laptops DUMmIES

Cleaning a touchpad ..........................................................................

Touchpads are sealed and not likely to be the source of problem because of

dirt or dust, although they can become slippery or sticky from the transfer of

oils or other substances from the fingers of those troublesome humans who

use them.

1. Tilt the keyboard up and to the side and spray compressed air to dis-
   lodge dirt or crumbs.

You tilt the keyboard so the can of air can be held upright while spray-

ing. If the can is held at too sharp of an angle, there is the possibility that

some of the liquid propellant will mix with the air and make the situation

worse.

2. Clean the surface with a mild cleaning solution such as a weak form
   of window cleaner.

If you are uncertain about whether a solution is appropriate, test a tiny

dab of the liquid on the bottom of the case to see if it dulls the surface

or leaves a residue.

3. Remove the tiny pointer and soak it in cleaning solution.


4. Wash off the cleaner and allow the pointer to completely dry before
   you return it to its place.

Most laptop manufacturers sell replacement caps, and you may be able to

find generic caps at some computer supply stores.

Fixing the settings ..............................................................................

If you suspect that the problem is related to computer settings, stop and

think: What has changed since the last time the pointing device worked prop-

erly? Have you installed any new hardware or software? Has your system’s

antivirus utility set off any alarms about attempted invasions that may have

garbled settings or drivers?

1. Under Windows, go to Start➪Control Panel➪Mouse Properties➪
   Hardware tab.


2. Check the Device Status.
   What you’re hoping to find is a report that says, “This device is working
   properly.”


3. If that’s not what you find, click the Troubleshoot button and follow
   the steps outlined there.
   You can also reach the same place in a slightly different manner. Go to
   Start➪Control Panel➪System icon➪Device Manager.

180 Part III: Laying Hands on the Major Parts