Member Avatar for Jane Curtis

I posted this in dead computers but now I see this is the right place for the question. Sorry.
Anyway I have a fairly old, okay, really old Sony Vaio laptop and the left-click button started to function intermittently a week or so ago. Then it was fine. This morning it is not working. Any suggestions as to how to fix? I am happy to do it myself, have fixed keys before, but never a left-click button. All suggestions appreciated.
Jane

jeez, I meant the RIGHT CLICK button. I need coffee.

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Dani AI

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A short diagnosis and practical next steps tailored to the reports here: saw an intermittent right‑click, describes pointer movement with left‑click and tap not registering, and flagged hardware as a likely cause. Two broad causes fit that pattern — software/driver/configuration problems, or a failing mechanical/contact switch or ribbon connector — so run the quick checks below before buying parts or opening the case.

  1. Noninvasive checks (do these first)
  • Test outside your installed OS: boot into Windows Safe Mode or a Linux live USB and try the touchpad/taps. If clicks work there, it is almost certainly a driver or OS setting.
  • Check mouse/touchpad settings (Control Panel -> Mouse -> Device Settings / Synaptics or VAIO Control Center): make sure tapping is enabled and no hotkey has disabled the pad. Also check Ease of Access (Mouse Keys off).
  • In Device Manager uninstall the touchpad driver, reboot, and let Windows load a generic driver; then install Sony/Synaptics driver if needed.
  1. Quick physical clues
  • If the pointer moves but left click never registers, that points to the mechanical switch under the button or a loose ribbon/contact. Try pressing different parts of the button and see if any spot registers a click — localized response strongly suggests a worn micro‑switch.
  1. If hardware is likely
  • Remove power and battery before opening. Reseat the touchpad ribbon and inspect contacts for dirt or corrosion; a careful clean with isopropyl alcohol and reseating sometimes fixes intermittent faults. If the switch or button housing is broken, the replacement part is usually the palmrest/button assembly (look up the Vaio service manual for your model and part number). Take ESD and warranty risk into account.

Short term: use a USB mouse while diagnosing. If help is wanted after these checks, report the model number and which tests changed behavior and that will narrow the advice.

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Member Avatar for sourcez

Ah they're all the same!

Well chances are it's just a dead button like you said, and if so you will need to open up your laptop.

If you haven't done this before, you need to be really careful and ensure you're grounded, in a dust free environment. You may also want to look around the web for a guide for taking your laptop apart (someone will have done it).

Then you can see what your button looks like - or you could just send it off to Sony if you don't want the hassle!

You would probably need a fairly specific part to replace it with - not sure of the availability without your laptop's model number.

Member Avatar for macenroe0

hi everyone first a very happy new year in advance.I read your thread and i am also facing the same problem with my sony .what should i do?any suggestions

Member Avatar for lew272

hi, im facing a similar problem with my sony vaio.
im a student and have had the laptop for roughly 2 years now and have for the most part whenever at a desk used a USB wireless mouse. While on vacation (having not brought my wireless mouse) i have been using the mouse that is part of the laptop with the touchscreen etc.

My mouse keys had been working fine, touch screen and all, then suddenly the left-click and tap do not work. the right click works fine, and i can move the mouse around, but the mouse does not recognize when it is over something, nor can i click on anything. i have read a few forums attempting to troubleshoot having found an emergency usb mouse but can not find a solution. any help would be greatly appreciated.
thanks

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