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Error message when you upgrade to Windows 7: "Your TouchPad has been disabled because the Synaptics TouchPad driver has detected another pointing device plugged into your computer"

Article ID: 975744 - View products that this article applies to.

SYMPTOMS

When you upgrade to Windows 7, your touchpad may become disabled. Additionally, you may receive the following error message:

Synapics TouchPad Driver Notification
Your TouchPad has been disabled because the Synaptics TouchPad driver has detected another pointing device plugged into your computer

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The default setting for this touchpad driver is for the touchpad to be disabled when an external USB pointing device is detected. The upgrade process to Windows 7 returns this driver to its default setting.

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RESOLUTION

To enable the touchpad when an external USB pointing device is detected, change the touchpad settings. To do this, follow these steps:

Click Start, type main.cpl in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
Click the Device Settings tab.
Click to clear the Disable internal pointing device when external USB pointing device is attached check box.

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

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