keriah

Q: Trackpad not working after HD replacement

Powerbook G4 Aluminum 12" -- I just replaced the HD on this computer, following the 22 steps at http://bit.ly/olVkoi  The PB is back up and running, and I have reinstalled the OS (10.4), applying all the offered Software Updates.  The trackpad (and its 'clicker'), however, is not working,  In fact, there is no place (that I can find) for "trackpad" in System Preferences.  (It's been some time since I used 10.4 -- wasn't it a tab of the Keyboard/Mouse settings??)

 

Any ideas on what to check?  Thanks!

Mini + Air11, Mac OS X (10.6.8), iPhones, iPods, iPad, MacBook Pro (10.6), PB G4 (10.4), ATV

Posted on Sep 12, 2012 3:50 PM

Close

Q: Trackpad not working after HD replacement

  • All replies
  • Helpful answers

  • by Knucklesmac,Helpful

    Knucklesmac Knucklesmac Sep 13, 2012 12:48 AM in response to keriah
    Level 4 (2,225 points)
    Sep 13, 2012 12:48 AM in response to keriah

    Hello,

     

    The first thing to check would be the ribbon cable is correctly attached to the logic board.

    Step 13 on your link shows you where the cable is located. Just remove the keyboard and under the keyboard pull up the ribbon cable to the bottom left. You may wish to check the pins are not bent or broken. Place back on and make sure it security in place. Try again after that.

     

    If that fails to proved you with a solution, I would then try resting the PMU. I had this very problem with my iBook.

    Resetting the PMU resolved this problem for me.

     

    Here is a link to resetting the PMU that may help you. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1431

     

    Best of luck

  • by keriah,

    keriah keriah Sep 13, 2012 9:14 AM in response to Knucklesmac
    Level 1 (25 points)
    Mac OS X
    Sep 13, 2012 9:14 AM in response to Knucklesmac

    Knucklesmac wrote:

     

    The first thing to check would be the ribbon cable is correctly attached to the logic board.

    Step 13 on your link shows you where the cable is located. Just remove the keyboard and under the keyboard pull up the ribbon cable to the bottom left.

    Thanks for the quick response.  I'm looking at the photo in Step 13 and want to be sure that I'm looking at the correct cable.  In the photo at Step 13 (http://bit.ly/QXS36E), is it the cable in the small SQUARE hole that is just to the left and a bit below the orange-circled screw hole?  (That cable was not removed as part of this process but, yes, it might have been dislodged inadvertently.  It had been suggested to cover the holes with tape while replacing the many, many tiny screws and when the tape was removed it might have pulled up that cable.)

     

    FWIW, I had found those PMU reset steps in another thread and I'd tried that ... no change.

     

    Does it make sense that if the cable is not connected correctly then the System Preferences would omit the tab for "Trackpad"?

  • by Knucklesmac,

    Knucklesmac Knucklesmac Sep 13, 2012 11:23 AM in response to keriah
    Level 4 (2,225 points)
    Sep 13, 2012 11:23 AM in response to keriah

    Hello,

     

    That is correct. You would have had to remove this when you removed the tracker pad cover. It would have been hidden under foil tap. You would need to reattach it when putting screwing down the cover. It don't matter about recovering it, unless you have some tap.

     

    If that cable is not connected, then your tracker pad would not work. If it doesn't work then yes it wouldn't appear in preferences at the time your reinstalled the software.

     

    Personally I would take the keyboard off and double check that you reattached.

    If you hadn't unplug it and just lifted off the tracker cover (Top cover) then it could have been damaged.