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Is there any software or hack that will disable the touchpad if a mouse once the mouse is plugged? Then enable it once the mouse is unplugged.

Extra information that might help...
- It's a Gateway NX680XL - Using Synaptics TouchPad
- Drivers are updated to 14.0.3
- No such options within Windows Mouse Properties
- No such options within Properties for Synaptics TouchPad

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This could depend on both your hardware and your operating system, so state the exact model of your touchpad (if you don't know, which is likely, give the exact model of your laptop) and your operating system. – Gilles Nov 25 '10 at 23:14
The model is a Gateway NX860XL. – SgtOJ Nov 26 '10 at 2:03
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2 Answers

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My Synaptics touchpad, on my Asus notebook, has a setting to turn itself off if an external mouse is plugged in. Check your manufacturer's website for updated touchpad drivers and you might find the solution you're looking for.

EDIT:

This link came up. Give it a shot.

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Yes, I know some laptop will come with software or drivers that do this. However, this isn't is the case with my Gateway. Thanks for the quick answer Randolph. – SgtOJ Nov 25 '10 at 21:09
Which model do you have? Acer makes Gateways so maybe there is something you can use? – Randolph West Nov 25 '10 at 21:29
The model is a Gateway NX860XL. It's about 3 years old. Currently it's my primary laptop but will be replaced very soon. Just waiting on my new ASUS G73JW-A1. I heard that the ASUS laptops do come with this feature. But I am trying to get it for the Gateway too. – SgtOJ Nov 26 '10 at 1:51
I've updated my answer with a URL to a driver download for Windows 7. – Randolph West Nov 26 '10 at 3:19
Install the synaptics driver and you'll be able to do that. It sounds like for some reason the driver wasn't installed yet, but if you download that, it should work. – nhinkle♦ Nov 26 '10 at 4:21
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What is, if your laptop along with the software doesn't support this feature then it isn't possible for the touchpad to automatically enable or disable when a external mouse is plugged in?

That is what I am reading in forums like this one.

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Even checked bios. – SgtOJ Nov 28 '10 at 1:29
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