The touchpad "tapping" questions answers and solutions mega-thread

tommytomthms5 · 10-30-2007, 04:35 PM

I'm surprised this isn't already a sticky! I mean c'mon theres tons of touchpad "tapping" related threads created nearly every day! (Not all are on these forums in particular.) So I make the trhead and you make it stick okay?

Question: What is "tapping"?

Answer: On most modern laptops you will notice that the "little rubber thing" is quickly being replaced with a small black/silver square called a touchpad. Touchpads range in size and sensitivity but most have the option of "tapping". Tapping is when you simply tap the pad with your finger and it causes your on-screen mouse to register a click.

Question: Why is tapping a problem?

Answer: Technically its not! However in linux it has a tendency to be "hyper-sensitive". That means that with nearly the slightest touch it will register a click or bounce around the screen.

Question: Can it be fixed? How?

Answer: Yes and No... There are many success stories but it would seem that what works for some may not for others. thats the reason for this thread. For those who can't seem to fix it to ask for help and for those with success the give that help.

My trick: What worked for me

Ubuntu 7.10

Open up the terminal
type:

Code:

sudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
[password]

(If you prefer try vim or vi or w/e editor you want.)

Look for:

Code:

Section "InputDevice"
        Identifier      "Synaptics Touchpad"
        Driver          "synaptics"
        Option          "SendCoreEvents"        "true"
        Option          "Device"                "/dev/psaux"
        Option          "Protocol"              "auto-dev"
        
EndSection

Then right before the the "EndSection" part add

Code:

Option "SHMConfig" "1"
Option "UseSHM" "1"
Option "TappingOff" "1"

Save and exit

Then in terminal type:

Code:

sudo apt-get install gsynaptics

Now after its installed hit on your keyboard [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[Backspace]

IMPORTANT

At the login screen BEFORE you login hit [Ctrl]+[Alt]+[F2]

Login there

Then type:

Code:

sudo apt-get --reinstall install gnome

After its done type:

Code:

reboot

After it loads back up login and test it if it still taps then go into terminal again

Code:

sudo gsynaptics

From there just turn it off

Anyone else have something to share please do!!!

acid_kewpie · 10-30-2007, 05:44 PM

not really "megathread" material, but i'd suggest translating what you've written there into an article for our tutorial site, or i guess this thread could just be moved to the success story forum.

tommytomthms5 · 10-30-2007, 05:46 PM

where ever you put this make sure it can be seen by allot of people.....

acid_kewpie · 10-30-2007, 05:50 PM

well with all due respect, it's only a potential fix for a reasonably obscure harware issue.

tommytomthms5 · 10-30-2007, 06:01 PM

ok leave this here and ill see about translating it into a web page or as you said the tutorial section of this site