Touchpad not working

[clifftopdweller]

hello,
another issue with my laptop! maybe the most significant.
is the fact that my touchpad doesn't work and hasn't for quite some months, and it's getting worse, and is effecting my use of external mouse more over past months. .. i just tried touching the pad now, and as always, when i do. it just selects from the point touch, and drags from there (as if i'm holding down the left button on mouse)..
so, becoming unworkable > have to close screen > which suspends the laptop > then mouse comes back online once activated again... so, i just have to avoid the pad at all costs!

so i found this previous post:
https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Touchpad-is-not-working/m-p/91...

which likely has solutions i can try.. but i'm just wondering

- if my laptop specifically has others areas to consider?

- and whether it's a 'simple' procedure to access the touchpad by opening up the back cover?

- i checked the driver manager now > says no drivers available/needed... not sure how to check individual drivers on linux and uninstall, as the above answer from post suggests?

- and just checked, my touchpad was enabled... but i've now 'disabled' it! so i won't have to suspend my screen anymore, hopefully.. will just keep to my mouse.

as i will be opening up my laptop soon, to change the CMOS battery. i will also check my mains battery (which isn't working).. as well as check my touchpad, if it's accessible.

thanks.

[clifftopdweller]

hi again,
just thought id check if was any advice.. as didn't get a response on my touchpad query.
i plan to open up my laptop, either today or tomorrow.. so want to cover all the issues i can once it's opened! (including changing the CMOS battery, checking main battery connections... and may well explore the touchpad (will refer to the HP manual i have on that process)... there could be some debri caught in there, or some connections not well attached, fingers crossed)...

if is anything else i can try, appreciate hearing, before i open her up (likely be tomorrow), as requires trip into town to get battery.
thanks.