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‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
On Friday, February 5, 2021 11:12 AM, Florian Zieboll via Dng <dng@???> wrote:

> Am 4. Februar 2021 20:13:49 MEZ schrieb g4sra g4sra@???:
>
> > ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐
> > On Thursday, February 4, 2021 6:59 PM, Florian Zieboll via Dng dng@??? wrote:
> > Thanks for the reply Florian
> >
> > > Am 4. Februar 2021 18:15:06 MEZ schrieb g4sra via Dng dng@???:
> > >
> > > > Does anyone know how to re-enable a Synaptics Touchpad in Linux after it has been turned off in Windows using Fn+F9 ?
> > >
> > > If this key combo really changed something "in hardware", i assume that a "hard reset" of the notebook(?!) should solve the issue...
> > > Usually, this is accomplished by removing all power sources and periphery, and then holding down the power button for 15-20 seconds. The idea is to remove any stored electricity (from ac adapter, battery, capacitors) to clear all non-persistent storage.
> >
> > That is what googling said too, unfortunately it didn't work.
> >
> > > Your devices miles may vary, the manual should mention it.
> >
> > The manual is not much use at all, being digital it won't even serve purpose in the WC.
> >
> > > libre grüße,
> > > Florian
> >
> > By first installing Windows 7 and then the Synaptic drivers on an old HDD I was able to restore touchpad functionality with the Fn+F9 switching. This is a programmable multi-gesture touchpad which I guess may have flash memory.
> > There has got to be a better way....
>
> Hallo g4sra,
>
> as you replied off-list and I don't know of any better way, I bring the issue back to the list:

Thanks for that. This email client will not reply to the list. It considers to do so a security issue because of an authentication failure. If I post directly to the list then the message thread is lost.

I have tried something new.. it will allow me to CC, so I have done that replying directly to you, deleted the To, and promoted the CC, so if the message id has remained intact this may be a way around the problem.


> Perhaps someone has a hint on resetting the device, if you'd reveal its make and model?

Laptop make is mostly irrelevant as the hardware is self-contained as manufactured by Synaptics. I believe the communication is SMBus in this instance, I know of no way to interrogate the touchpad itself other than by what is reported using Synaptics drivers for Windows.

>
> Another idea out of thin air: Did you remove the CMOS battery - or does the notebook provide a button (or pins) to reset the bios password?
>

Yes, I did a thorough cold power-up.


> libre Grüße,
> Florian
>

I am looking for a 'Linux software' solution to this problem.
Currently grepping the kernel source to see if any giveaways in the DTB sources.