Synaptics driver opens up features, but causes whacky behavior?

[EmKay]

I was thrilled, after booting my new Spectre x360 15 for the first time, to see that a download for Synaptics was offered for it on the HP site that turned on the "Momentum" feature (which means the mouse "throw" can be adjusted - take my finger off the touchpad, and the mouse will keep moving, so I don't have to inch along from one side of the screen to the other).

Unfortunately, that driver seems to be causing a problem similar to the one reported here:

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Erratic-mouse-movement/m-p/615...

The mouse - and maybe the entire computer - seems to occasionally, sporadically, unpredictably FREEZE UP, with that driver installed.  I've uninstalled the driver, to test my theory (so far, no freeze-ups since uninstall) -- but I REALLY want that Momentum feature.  

Any idea how to get a driver that works, and works with my computer?

Thanks 

[Jeet_singh · Accepted solution]

Hi @EmKay,

Thank you for showing your interest in HP Support Forums. It is a great place to find the help you need, from other users, HP experts, and other support personnel. I came across your post and wanted to assist you. I see from the post that you are having issues with your touchpad, don't worry as I have a few suggestions which should help you resolve this issue.

I recommend you to uninstall any generic synaptic drivers showing up for the touchpad (if available) under hidden devices from the device manager: 

• Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt. 

• At a command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:  set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 

• Type the following command a command prompt, and then press ENTER:  start devmgmt.msc 

Troubleshoot the devices and drivers in Device Manager. 
NOTE: Click Show hidden devices on the View menu in Device Manager before you can see devices that are not connected to the computer. 

• When you finish troubleshooting, close Device Manager. 

• Type exit at the command prompt. 

Note that when you close the command prompt window, Window clears the devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 variable that you set in step 2 and prevents ghosted devices from being displayed when you click Show hidden devices. 

And then download a new version of the synaptic drivers using this link: Click here

Next thing, I would suggest here is to update the drivers, using Windows update. 

If the issue persists, I would suggest here is to use an external mouse and check how it works.

Please respond to this post with the result of your troubleshooting. I look forward to hearing from you. 

If you wish to help others looking for the same solution as you've found, mark the post as Accepted Solution.

If you wish to show appreciation for my effort, please click the Thumbs up icon at the bottom of my comment.

And I Hope you have a good day, Ahead.

Regards,

[EmKay]

I performed all the steps, thank you.  Why is that Synaptics driver not available on the HP support site?

I'll use the computer for a few days and update whether the problem returns.

Thank you!

[A4Apollo]

Hi, @EmKay, I am the MrRobot. It looks like you were interacting with @Jeet_singh, but he is out of the office today so I'll take over from here.

I appreciate your efforts for trying out the steps.

TouchPad and ClickPad configuration options are located on the TouchPad properties page. Use the following steps to open the properties page and enable or disable individual settings.
In the Windows search box, type TouchPad.
From the results list click TouchPad settings.
Click Additional settings.
Click the TouchPad Settings or the ClickPad Settings tab. If you have a Synaptics device, the tab includes the Synaptics icon and might vary from the graphic.
You can adjust the TouchPad settings for scrolling, clicking, sensitivity, edge behaviors, and gesture actions to suit your personal preferences.
   NOTE:
Not all notebooks use a Synaptics TouchPad or ClickPad; however, all touchpads have similar features and configuration options.
The Properties window is divided into three areas to help you with TouchPad or ClickPad configuration.
The left side of the window lists gestures and actions. Click to highlight individual gesture or action. When highlighted, select the Help icon to find out more information or select the Settings icon to change the settings.
The lower right side shows the finger movement associated with the gesture or action.
The upper right side shows the on-screen response to the finger movements.
Turn on or off individual gestures by clicking on the checkbox next to each item. A checkmark in the checkbox indicates that gesture is enabled.

Refer this article to further troubleshoot touchpad issues.

Also, download and install HP support assistant on your PC. It will download the best and latest drivers for your PC.

Refer this article to know how to use HP support assistant.

Hope this helps!

Have a great day ahead! 🙂

[EmKay]

Not sure how to UNmark something as the solution, but this problem has come back.  I'm going to remove the Synaptics driver and leave it removed, and see if the problem happens during that time.