Backlit keyboard with PTP touchpad replacing non-backlit keyboard with PTP touchpad

[capnpip]

Due to unforseen cat angst, the case on my HP 17-ca2096nr was broken at a hinge point.  Laptop continued to be completely functional and otherwise (internally) undamaged, but lid had to be propped up because hinge could no longer be anchored to the base.  Ordered an appropriate replacement palmrest (original has a PTP touchpad and cannot be swapped with a non-PTP touchpad), but the original keyboard was non-backlit and the replacement is backlit. 

The new keyboard works exactly as the original, and the backlit function does not work - however, the new touchpad is completely non-functional.  Original touchpad is 73H1 PTP and replacement is 73H3 PTP, which are supposedly compatible; specifically the 73H0 is the non-PTP and cannot be switched with either of the others.  

Palmrest was purchased along with several other items in a combined order using Affirm, and the store offers refund but not replacement due to low stock - refund will not enable me to purchase another palmrest with Affirm until the remainder of the order is paid off (in 12 months) as it was the last of my credit.  So I'm stuck with either this non-working touchpad or a laptop with a lid that cannot be closed.  I wish simply getting an exchange for one with a touchpad that isn't DOA was an option, but sadly it is not.

So I have a good palmrest with a dead touchpad, and a good touchpad in a broken palmrest, and was hoping to simply switch the touchpads out.  Started with the broken palmrest, and was able to remove the touchpad, but not without breaking every single plastic rivet holding the unit in place in the process.

The primary question: is there a way to remove the touchpad from the unit without breaking the palmrest in the process?  If I must I can simply not try and use an external mouse, but I still want the option of the touchpad.

The secondary question: is it possible to enable the backlit function of the new keyboard somehow?  It feels like it should simply be an UEFI setting or driver configuration, as everything *except* the FN+F5 button works on the new keyboard, which was not included on the original.  If it were simply a power feed issue for the light the new ribbon should have taken care of that - as some 17-ca models have backlit keyboards and some do not.  I can't imagine the physical connection at the board being completely different between them (since both keyboards otherwise function perfectly apart from that feature), just an option left disabled (the same way the m.2 port is disabled  when only a SATA drive is pre-installed, but can be enabled when/if an m.2 SSD is later installed).

I don't *need* the backlt function, the replacement palmrest having it was incidental, but -as I now have it- it'd be nice to be able to use it.

[Pallipurath]

Hi @capnpip 

Welcome to the HP Support Community.

Thank you for posting your query.

I understand that you replaced the broken palmrest on your HP 17‑ca2096nr with a new one that has a backlit keyboard and a supposedly compatible PTP touchpad. The keyboard works but the backlight doesn’t, and the new touchpad is completely non‑functional. You tried removing the touchpad from the old palmrest to swap it, but the design uses fragile plastic rivets that break during removal.

Touchpad Issue

• Check driver compatibility
• Ensure the correct Synaptics/Precision Touchpad drivers are installed.
• Go to Device Manager → Human Interface Devices / Mice and Touchpads and confirm the touchpad is detected.
• If not, reinstall drivers from HP’s support site.
• Confirm hardware support
• The 73H1 and 73H3 PTP touchpads are listed as compatible, but some palmrests use plastic rivets that make swapping difficult.
• Unfortunately, HP palmrests are not designed for touchpad removal without damage. If rivets break, the touchpad cannot be securely re‑mounted.
• Workaround
• If the replacement touchpad is dead, the most reliable option is to continue using an external mouse.
• Attempting to transplant the old touchpad is risky unless you have access to replacement rivets or adhesive mounts.

Backlit Keyboard Issue

Check BIOS settings

• Enter BIOS (F10) → look for Keyboard Backlight or Action Keys Mode.
• If no option exists, your motherboard may not support backlighting.

Driver/UEFI limitations

• Backlit keyboards require motherboard power lines and firmware support.
• If your system shipped with a non‑backlit keyboard, the connector may not provide power for the backlight, even though the ribbon fits.

Hope this helps, Please revert if the issue persists.

Take care and have an amazing day!