Acer laptop computers come with built-in touchpads to control cursor movement onscreen. Depending on the sensitivity and settings of the touchpad, it may register undesired motions as mouse controls, causing the cursor to jump erratically. The software drivers that Acer includes with its systems have sensitivity options that help alleviate this problem and ensure that only deliberate touchpad motions and taps cause the cursor to move.
Step 1
Click on the Start menu and open the Control Panel. Choose an "Icon View" option from the "View by" dropdown menu, then click the "Mouse" icon.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Navigate to the "Device Settings" tab and click on the Synaptics device in the list. If you have installed and use custom software other than a Synaptics application for controlling the touchpad, select it instead. Click the "Settings" button.
Step 3
Click the "+" symbol to expand the "Pointing" section in the left frame, and then the "Sensitivity" section. Click on "PalmCheck." If you have replaced the Synaptics drivers, the menu may use a different set of options.
Step 4
Click and drag the bar to the right, closer to the "Maximum" setting. An increased PalmCheck setting will help decrease cursor jumping due to accidental palm activations, a common occurrence when typing.
Step 5
Click on "Touch Sensitivity." Click and drag the bar to the right, closer to the "Heavy Touch" end. This will ensure light brushes by fingers or accidental activations by other objects will not cause the cursor to jump.
Step 6
Click "Apply" to test the settings, and "OK" when satisfied to save the changes and close the window.
Video of the Day