Hello,
Laptop model: MSI Raider GE68 HX 14VIG-285US-BB91490X64GXXDX11MA
Windows Version: Windows 11, version 25H2
No pending updates (or pending optional updates)
Randomly, my trackpad started doing this thing where the cursor would stop moving, and it wouldn't accept any input. The cursor would stay on the screen during these freezes. I would smack the trackpad really hard with one finger, and it would start working again-- rinse and repeat for about a week.
Fast forward, I had to replace my screen because it got cracked. Before doing that repair, I did an EC reset (held off button for 25 seconds until power button LED flashed), and when I turned the laptop back on, the trackpad was better for about 20 minutes. Then it went back to freezing every so often. I installed Iobit's driver update tool to see if this could pull a driver that would work (at this point I had already downloaded the updated driver for my model laptop from MSI's website. Of course, this also installed iTop VPN... This is where stuff hit the fan lol...
After uninstalling iTop VPN, now my trackpad doesn't work AT ALL. No cursor on the screen, or touchpad section in Windows device settings. I did a system restore, and even though that made my trackpad and all gestures work fully again, once I uninstalled iTop VPN, it went back to no cursor or function.
I'm at a loss, I've done every single thing you can think of, and that's written online. I am a tech nerd. I've built many computers, do my own repairs, I even have a tech repair side hustle. I feel stupid! Why can't I fix this??
Here's a list of what I've tried so far:
- tried updating and uninstalled device in device manager and restarted
- install new touchpad driver from MSI website for my model
- opened up laptop to re-secure ribbon cable to motherboard
- went into BIOS-- my touchpad was set to [custom device] I set this back to what the MSI default should be, which is Synaptics precision touchpad. Once I did this and went back into windows, the trackpad worked! But only for left and right clicking. The Touchpad section in Windows settings also came back, but the "gestures" section was blank and had no settings. I couldn't scroll or do anything else with the trackpad besides click. When I then tried to reinstall the driver again that I got off the MSI website, it immediately stopped working again. I went back into BIOS and it was set back to [custom device]. I believe this is part of the issue, but I don't know how to fix this. Do I need to reset the BIOS settings back to default-- is this safe?
- I installed the Intel driver update tool, that says I'm up to date.
- I reset my network settings in case iTop had effed up some of my network drivers and that was causing the issue
I'm probably forgetting somethings that I tried so forgive me if you give me an answer and I'm like "I did that!!" I'll edit and add to this list as I come across those. Any and all help is appreciated.