Dell Lattitude C600 - Wild cursor

[jimenvais]

The cursor on my Dell Latitude C600 usually behaves at first, using either the keyboard joystick or the touch pad. But at some stage it invariably starts to move and become impossible to control. Sometimes, after a time it starts to behave again - especially if it´s left alone! Shutting down and rebooting doesn´t help.
Please someone... What can be done about this problem?

[MacGyver]

try to reformat your computer it might have a virus

[techie99]

I have seen this on several computers and its usually a driver issue. A driver is a program that tells your computer how to interact with a particular device.

Try to uninstall your mouse driver and replace it with a newer version (usually found from the manufacturer's site). If you arent sure of who makes it or you're using the newest one, try to install a generic (i.e. Microsoft) mouse driver.
**PLEASE NOTE: A WORD OF CAUTION... THE DEVICE MANAGER IS A DANGEROUS PLACE TO GET CURIOUS CHANGING ANY OF THE SETTINGS (EVEN THE MOST BENIGN LOOKING) MAY RESULT IN A FAILURE OF A CRITICAL DEVICE TO WORK PROPERLY. FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS AT YOUR OWN RISK!!! I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU MESS YOUR COMPUTER UP!!!**

Having said that, Most of these settings are reversible and shouldn't (NOTE: SHOULDN'T) damage your computer perminantly.

Instructions to do this vary slightly from operating system to operating system... For most versions of windows, right-click on MyComputer and choose Properties... Then click on the Hardware Tab (up top), from there choose device manager, in a few moments you will see a list of all the hardware devices installed in your computer, find the mouse and click Properties. A Window will appear and will give you the option of uninstalling the device or installing a new driver. Uninstall it and restart Windows. When Windows has restarted it should inform you that it found a new device (your mouse).

If it is still jumpy go to the manufactur's site to find a new driver and follow their instructions. If that doesnt work, there are many generic drivers online and a quick google search will help you there. Again, follow the instructions.

If all else fails, replace your mouse. The cost of formating (and loosing your data) even with data backup (more $$$) and the headaches associated, buying a $10 mouse from walmart isnt a bad idea (not to mention you can return it if not the fix)

And last, but not least... GOOD LUCK!! [/b]

[repairguy]

[Vym]

You may want to try using the driver software (check for Synaptics in the system tray) to disable the trackpoint/joystick and just use the touchpad. It sorted the erratic pointer with my dual-input Dell.

[John Doe]

This is typical fault in C-series Latitude models. No virus, just mechanics.
You need to replace the keyboard and/or touch pad.

[darkstar]

This is a known problem with the dell c-series John Doe has the correct solution.

[wwoef]

If you, like most people, don't need the cursor, you may disconnect it.
First, unscrew 4 small bolts from the bottom - they have the letter "K" next to them. Then from the right side, carefully pull up the keyboard. You will see that two flatcables, a narrow one and wide one, are connected to the keyboard connector. Carefully loosen the narrow flatcable from the connector and reassemble all.
Your cursor will be perfect now! Simplissimus!