Dell M4800 - Track Point Not Working?

Yep, it does. No point in fiddling with any drivers in Windows so long as it doesn’t just work in BIOS.

 

If I read the images in Owner’s manual correctly, the touchpad actually connects to the so called I/O board, not the motherboard as such. Not that it helps much, but it’s one more piece that could be implicated.

Also, that the buttons don’t work is the weirdest thing, really. I haven’t been inside, but is there not just one cable for the whole of the touchpad “assembly”, including the button row meant for the trackpoint?
(These buttons normally keep working even if you disable the trackpoint in Windows.)

 

MJS, you are right that touchpad does connect directly first to the IO board. The connection between io board and actual motherboard though is through hard plastic bracket, not ribbon cable, and I made sure the connect was solid and secure.

Way 3 buttons for trackpoint works is, buttons are connected to the touchpad board via ribbon cable. And 3 buttons for touchpad are also connected to the touchpad via ribbon cable. Touchpad board serves as a hub and only one ribbon cable comes out of the touchpad board into the motherboard.

 

And you made sure that clicking the ‘upper’ buttons does not work when in BIOS?
If so, then this case really is absolutely crazy.

EDIT: Not really. As these rows can be switched on/off separately and assigned separate functions (in the Touchpad control panel), there’s room for something gone bad. It may not be the motherboard but the touchpad board.

Another idea: I wonder if—while checking other connections—you also double-checked the little cable connecting the very buttons to the touchpad board.

 

MJS,

1. The buttons dedicated for the trackpoint do not work. So like I said, BOTH connection via keyboard (Trackpoint nipple) AND connection via touchpad (buttons) do not work. What are the odds that BOTH do not work! Unless the entire trackpoint function was disabled somehow..

2. I quadruple checked all ribbon cables, including ones under the keyboard and the palmest. And entire motherboard haha.. You know how desperate I am here...

3. What is wierd that this doesn't even show up on settings for Dell Touchpad software. So either software does not allow it to be part of settings if they do not detect connection, or deep down in bios (non windows), entire trackpoint is disabled.. Which really is looking like explanation of how BOTH connection via keyboard AND palmrest BOTH do not work...

This is really frustrating.. Imagine a hardcore Apple Mac only user having to use like a terrible old PC touchpad. Trackpoint is one of the major reasons why I only use Dells..

 

I meet the same problem with you, and i don't know how to fix it. Do you have solve the problem?

 

Longwei39, nope still trying to figure out what to do. Did you get to read the entire thread? What is exactly issue with yours?

 

At first, once i reboot the notebook, the trackpoint can work for a few minute, and then it disappear. If I uninstall the touchpad, the buttons of the trackpoint can work, but the trackpoint still can't work.

 

can you update the bios? maybe it can work

 

Longwei39, I think you and I have different issues. But yes I tried literally everything on the bookws.