How to Repair a Tablet PC Input Device

The beauty of a Tablet PC is that the input device, a digital pen, is more natural than using a keyboard. With the input device, you can point to files to open them, write notes on the desktop of your Tablet PC and even write text in your email or word processor. Occasionally, though, you may start to have problems with your input device and need to repair it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tablet PC
• Operating system CD for your Tablet PC
• Spare pen for your Tablet PC

Troubleshoot Problems With the Input Device of Your Tablet PC

1. Try using the spare input device for your Tablet PC. Depending on the model of the Tablet PC that you own, you may be able to use your finger in place of the pen. If the new input device that you try to use with your Tablet PC has the same problems, there may be either a software or hardware problem with the Tablet PC, rather than a problem with the input device itself.
2. Install the latest drivers. You can check for driver updates through "System Information" in your Control Panel. If there are no new drivers available, reinstall the current drivers to ensure that they are not the problem.
3. Create a backup copy of the files that you need. If the input device and its drivers were not the problem, there may be a problem with the operating system on your Tablet PC or its hardware. The repair process could lead to a loss of data.
4. Use System Restore to restore your computer to a point in time when the input device was working properly. You can select among any restore points that your Tablet PC created prior to the time when you first noticed problems with your Tablet PC.
5. Reinstall the operating system if your problem persists after using System Restore. Performing a clean install of your operating system will erase the contents of your Tablet PC in their entirety. If your input device continues to malfunction after reinstalling the operating system, the problem is not related to the software.
6. Contact the manufacturer of your Tablet PC to schedule service. If the problem with your Tablet PC is related to the hardware, you may not have the tools or knowledge needed to repair it. Trying to repair your Tablet PC yourself could also void your warranty.

Tips & Warnings

• Some models of Tablet PCs require a battery in the input device. Check the owner's manual to determine if your Tablet PC uses such an input device.
• If you cannot find an input device that is made by the manufacturer of your Tablet PC, you may be able to find a third-party device that is compatible with it.
• If your Tablet PC is no longer covered by its warranty, you may want to use a computer repair service near your home. This may be more affordable and more convenient than sending your computer to the manufacturer for repair.
• You will need an administrator account to install drivers on your Tablet PC.

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