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Configuring the Synaptics Touchpad Options in Vista and Windows 7

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This document pertains to HP Notebook PCs with Windows Vista and Windows 7.
HP provides Synaptics TouchPad software with most notebooks. Synaptics TouchPad provides enhanced support for the touchpad, incorporating utilities to allow for tapping and greater sensitivity than what Microsoft's default drivers provide.
With Synaptics TouchPad installed on your notebook, you can "tap" and "double tap" your touchpad with your finger, and interact with the operating system in exactly the same way as clicking and double clicking on your mouse. Thus, double tapping a folder would open it.
You may also:
  • customize the tapping preferences
  • change the sensitivity of the touchpad to suit your needs
  • turn on/off the touchpad
This document is for notebooks that support Synaptics software. If you have different software, visit the software manufacturer's website for updates and further information.
Verify that Synaptics TouchPad software is in use
Follow the steps below to open the Mouse Properties settings window and determine if Synaptics TouchPad software is installed and in use on your notebook:
  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize > Mouse Pointers . The Mouse Properties settings window will open.
    Alternately, click Start and type Mouse in the Search field, and select Mouse when it becomes available in the program list. The Mouse Properties settings window will open.
  2. Verify that the Device Settings tab is present in the Mouse Properties window.
  3. If this tab is not present, you will need to obtain the Synaptics TouchPad software.
    1. Open a browser and go to the HP Software & Drivers web site.
    2. Enter the product name/number in the Search field and press Enter .
    3. Select your operating system.
    4. On the Software & Driver downloads window, under Drivers - Keyboard, Mouse, and Input Devices, select the link to the most recent version of Synaptics TouchPad. Click Download Only . When prompted, click Run to install the driver.
    5. Once the installation is finished, open the Mouse Properties window and verify that the Synaptics TouchPad software has been installed, and set up the user preferences.
Once you have verified that you have the Synaptics TouchPad software, you can set up the tapping preferences and the sensitivity of the touchpad .
Set up tapping preferences
If the Synaptics TouchPad and software are installed on your machine and turned on, follow the steps below to learn how to customize the tapping settings for your use.
  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize > Mouse Pointers . The Mouse Properties settings window will open.
    Alternately, click Start and type Mouse in the Search field, and select Mouse when it becomes available in the program list. The Mouse Properties settings window will open.
  2. On the Device Settings tab, select the Synaptics TouchPad device and click Settings .
  3. In the Properties for Synaptics TouchPad window, expand the Tapping topic.
    1. Select Tap and Drag , and read the information provided on how to set this option to drag items on your desktop by using the touchpad. The default setting is on.
    2. Expand the Tap Zones topic, and read the information provided on how to set up your touchpad to conduct different actions, depending on where you tap on the pad. The default setting is off.
Once you set up your tapping preferences, if you find that the touchpad is too sensitive or not sensitive enough, you can change the sensitivity settings .
Set touchpad sensitivity
If the Synaptics TouchPad and software are installed on your machine and turned on, follow the steps below to learn how to customize the sensitivity settings for your use.
  1. Right-click on the desktop and select Personalize > Mouse Pointers . The Mouse Properties settings window will open.
    Alternately, click Start and type Mouse in the Search field, and select Mouse when it becomes available in the program list. The Mouse Properties settings window will open.
  2. On the Device Settings tab, select the Synaptics TouchPad device and click Settings .
    • For Windows Vista, in the Properties for Synaptics TouchPad window, expand the Sensitivity topic.
    • For Windows 7, in the Properties for Synaptics TouchPad window, expand the Pointing topic, and then expand the Sensitivity topic.
  • Select the PalmCheck option to adjust the sensitivity of the touchpad to avoid erratic cursor movement caused by accidental touching of the pad during normal typing.
  • Select the Touch Sensitivity option to adjust how much finger pressure is required to move the mouse on the screen and how responsive the touchpad is to taps.
You can go into the Properties for Synaptics Touchpad to change the sensitivity at any time. If you wish to disable the touchpad, see Turn off the touchpad .
Turn off the touchpad
Most HP notebooks come with an on/off button near the touchpad. If you do not wish to use the touchpad at this time, press this button. Press it again when you wish to use this accessory again.
If the notebook does not have an on/off button for the touchpad, touch and hold the top-left corner of the touchpad for approximately 5 seconds to disable it and do this again to activate it. When the touchpad is disabled, a small light will illuminate on the touchpad and an icon will appear briefly of the touchpad with a line through it. When the touchpad is activated, a small light will turn off on the touchpad and an icon will appear briefly of the touchpad.
Alternatively, if the notebook does not have an on/off button for the touchpad, and you wish to turn the touchpad off, open the Mouse Properties window, select the Device Settings tab, and click the Disable button. You may re-enable the touchpad from here at any point.
To learn more about using the Synaptics touchpad commands, see HP Notebook PCs - Using Multi-Touch Touchpad .


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