Disable Touchpad When Mouse Connectes

If you're typing and your thumb accidentally brushes the touch pad, you can have your cursor jump to a random spot on the screen and make your words appear in the middle of a different paragraph. 

One tool that can make this easier is to use an external mouse instead of the touch pad, but when you disconnect the mouse you still need to be able to use the touch pad. Certain computers allow you to do this automatically, or you can perform a few simple steps to do the same thing manually.

Instructions

1. Download the latest drivers for your touch pad. Your computer manufacturer will have the latest drivers available at its website. Go to the website for your computer manufacturer and click on the "Support" link and then find the "Drivers" or "Downloads" link. Find your system and download the driver for your touch pad. Contact your computer manufacturer for more help.
    
2. Click on the "Start" button, then on "Control Panel," then on "Mouse" to open the mouse properties. Depending on your version of Windows, the "Mouse" icon may be under the "Hardware and Sound" section. Find the tab for your touch pad; it may be identified by the maker of your computer or the vendor for that individual part. Click on the "Touch pad" tab to access the setting for your device. On some systems, you will launch a separate configuration tool. You can then look for "Device Select" and click on it. See if your system has a check box next to "Disable touch pad/pointing stick when external USB mouse is present." Check the box.
    
3. If your computer does not have a setting to disable the touch pad, you will need to do it manually. Proceed to the next step.
    
4. With your USB mouse plugged in, disable your touch pad manually by clicking on "Start," then "Control Panel," then "System" or "System and Security," depending on your version of Windows. Click on "Device Manager," then find the "Mice and other pointing devices" category and click on it. Locate your touch pad and right-click, then select "Disable." To re-enable your touch pad, you can repeat this step and when you right-click on your touch pad, select "Enable."

Tips & Warnings

• If you use a USB mouse that is powered by batteries, you may be left unable to use your computer if you have disabled the touch pad and your batteries run out..In Step 3, make sure to have your USB mouse plugged in, or you will no longer be able to use your computer.

How to install wireless mouse?

How to install wireless mouse?

Unpack the Equipment: -

Installing a wireless keyboard and mouse begins with unpacking all of the equipment from the box. If you purchased this as part of a rebate program, be sure to keep the UPC from the box.

Your product box will probably contain the following items:

•Wireless keyboard

•Wireless mouse

•Wireless receiver(s)

•Batteries (if not, you may have to supply these)

•Software (usually on a CD)

•Manufacturer instructions

If you are missing anything, contact either the retailer where you purchased the equipment or the manufacturer. Different products have different requirements so check the included instructions if you have them.

Setup the Keyboard & Mouse: -

Since the keyboard and mouse you're installing are wireless, they can not receive power from the computer like wired keyboards and mice can which is why they require batteries. Turn the keyboard and mouse over and remove the battery compartment covers. Insert new batteries in the directions shown (match + with the + on the battery and visa-a-versa).

Place the keyboard and mouse wherever comfortable on your desk. Please keep in mind proper ergonomics when deciding where to position your new equipment. Making the correct decision now can help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis in the future.

Position the Wireless Receiver: -

The wireless receiver is the component that physically connects to your computer and picks up the wireless signals from your keyboard and mouse, allowing it to communicate with your system.

Note:- Some setups will have two wireless receivers - one for the keyboard and the other for the mouse but the setup instructions will otherwise be the same.

While the specific requirements vary from brand to brand, there are two considerations to keep in mind when choosing where to position the receiver:

•Distance from Interference: Keep the receiver at least 8 inches (20 cm) away from sources of interference such as the computer monitor and computer case and other items that may cause interference such as fans, fluorescent lights, metal filing cabinets, etc.

•Distance from Keyboard and Mouse: The receiver should be positioned somewhere between 8 inches (20 cm) and 6 feet (1.8 m) from the keyboard and mouse.

Important:- Do not connect the receiver to the computer quite yet. This is a future step when installing the wireless keyboard and mouse.

Install the Software: -

Almost all new hardware has accompanying software that must be installed. This software contains drivers that tell the operating system on the computer how to work with the new hardware.

The software provided for wireless keyboards and mice differ greatly between manufacturers so check with the instructions included with your purchase for specifics. Generally, though, all installation software is fairly straightforward:

1. Insert the CD into the drive. The installation software should start automatically.
2. Read the on-screen instructions. If you're not sure how to answer some questions during the setup process, accepting the default suggestions are a safe bet.

Note:- If you do not have an existing mouse or keyboard or they are not functioning, this step should be your last one. Software is nearly impossible to install without a working keyboard and mouse!

Connect the Receiver to the Computer: -

Finally, with your computer turned on, plug the USB connector at the end of the receiver into a free USB port on the back (or front if need be) of your computer case.

Note:- If you have no free USB ports, you may need to purchase a USB Hub which will give your computer access to additional USB ports.

After plugging in the receiver, your computer will begin to configure the hardware for your computer to use. When the configuration is complete, you will probably see a message on the screen similar to "Your new hardware is now ready to use."

Test the New Keyboard & Mouse: -

Test the keyboard and mouse by opening some programs with your mouse and typing some text with your keyboard. It's a good idea to test every key to ensure there were no issues during the manufacture of your new keyboard.

If the keyboard and/or mouse do not function, check to make sure there is no interference and that the equipment is in range of the receiver. Also, check the troubleshooting information probably included with your manufacturer instructions.

Remove the old keyboard and mouse from the computer if they are still connected.

If you plan on disposing of your old equipment, check with IBM PC Recycling Service or Amandi Inc. for recycling information. If your keyboard or mouse is Dell-branded, they offer a completely free recycling service by mail (yes, Dell covers the postage) that I highly recommend you take advantage of.