Desktop

Typical pat answer from a help desk. Surely the "simplest" thing for them to do. Not for the user. And I agree, it is the "Big Hammer approach" (Dammit, Jim, it's a computer not a Studebaker! ;P) Anyway, you never mentioned what OS your laptop was running.

This is a general software issue, normally not hardware.

Most laptop touchpad drivers are provided by Synaptics. You can normally go into your Mouse Properties under Control Panel to adjust the x & y calibration. This appears to beout of adjustment.

Synaptics and is also listed in the program list under Add/Remove Programs in your Control Panel. Remove the driver software and then reinstall it. Also, you might want to remove the device entirely from the Device Manager under System Properties. Also accessible from the Control Panel.

If the previous two don't work, try this. While I believe this to be a software issue, removing the device entirely will cause Windows to re-detect it on next boot. Be aware that once you do this you will have to use keyboard shortcuts. Reboot your computer then let Windows autodetect the device. In most cases, I've seen that Windows will have default drivers for the touch pad and install them by default. This should work fine but if you prefer to use the Synaptics software, I recommend having a copy handy to install at auto-detection.

BIOS won't help, to be honest and really doesn't sound like virus activity, although it COULD be, however doubtful. Just to besafe, make sure you have the latest virus def files installed. Are you using Norton Antivirus? I'd recommend that. Driver updates are always a good idea but as you've observed don't always fix problems. Essentially, all an update does is upgrade. Any problems are either overlooked or made worse.

My first 3 solutions should resolve your issue.

Hope this helps!

Otherwise if j's answer doesn't suffice, get a new mouse and use it instead of the built in. I used to go thru mice about 1 a every 3 months at least. I don't know if it's a heavy hand problem or what but since I went optical, they seem to last a lot longer, and work a lot better.

does this happen in safe mode also?
i believe it will turn out to be a conflict with software or hardware. what could possibly be conflicting hardware-wise? maybe some other motherbd based peripheral (serial ports?) carefully note mouse/touchpad properties/resources in device manager. try disabling the serial ports in BIOS setup. then remove the mouse (touchpad/touchstik?) driver from device manager, reboot, let it get redetected...no joy? try disabling/enabling other devices (sound, video, usb?) one by one, keep testing.
or to try to pinpoint software conflict:
backup the registry then
divide and conquer.
assuming windows9x, click Start/Run/msconfig/Startup.
make notes about existing config, then uncheck half (or pick and choose) the stuff set to run at startup. test for problem. rinse. repeat.
it's gotta be *something*, not magical, maybe not a problem with the hardware itself...good luck and hope it helps.

had the same problem with a inspiron 8000, downloaded the diagnostic software from Dell (as tech support suggested) and that seemed ok for the mouse/touchpad. Finally a service tech had to come out and replace the touchpad/keyboard, and he said it is a known issue, so I would keep calling Dell to get them to replace it (that is if it is still under warranty)

I had the same problem with a Dell and after spending much time on the phone trying to resolve the problem.....they finally sent a tech out to our site to replace the keyboard. Problem solved!