how to fix my left-click

August 5, 2009 3:08 AM

laptop filter: the left-click that's built in to my laptop touchpad has been acting up. it has gotten really unsensitive and requires several extremely hard clicks in order to trigger a response (and that only works sometimes). the right-click works totally fine.

i have tried using one of those aerosol dust sprayers hoping that it's just dirty inside and the contacts need cleaning, but it dosn't help.

any ideas, help or advice would be much appreciated!

posted by cheemee to computers & internet (5 comments total)

Pretty much screwed. Laptop keys can usually be popped off and de-gunked, but the clicky buttons are sort of all one piece. If you are lucky, the buttons are part of the keyboard and can be fairly easily replaced. Less lucky if they are part of the palmrest (takes longer to replace). But not horribly expensive.
posted by gjc at 5:41 AM on August 5

Oh, and as a workaround, you can usually tap the touchpad itself to double click. Drag your finger to the right spot, pick it up, and 'tap' or 'tap' 'tap'. I actually prefer doing it that way.
posted by gjc at 5:42 AM on August 5

There may be a drop of OJ, Coke or some other sticky thing that doesn't get blown out by compressed air. If the keyboard is removable, remove it, wash it, allow to dry far longer than you think could possibly be required, replace. Dry it in a sunny window, and dry it again w/ a hairdryer.
posted by theora55 at 7:15 AM on August 5

This has happened to me a few times. There a little plastic air-filled button or nipple over the sensor that ensures the button stays 'bouncy' and has clear on-off separation. If that breaks, there's a spring behind the button that may keep it lifted, but the sensor becomes insensitive. You're not likely to be able to fix it, but you might find some workaround by popping off the button and checking it out. I was able to keep the button going for a few more days before a repairman showed up, at least.
posted by FuManchu at 7:56 AM on August 5

If you are tech savvy, you might be able to order an OEM replacement touchpad from eBay and install it yourself. What sort of laptop is it?
posted by ostranenie at 10:02 AM on August 5