Laptop cursor not working and cursor file missing/corrupt

Question

I'm unable to use the touchpad on my laptop and after a lot of checking on my laptop, it says that a file called "pin_eoa.cur" is either missing or corrupt. It says that it contains the "Location Select" cursor. However, whenever I use command sfc/scannow, it says all files are working properly. How can I recover this file and fix my touchpad again?

Answer 1

Hi Sprocky. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 10 year Windows MVP, and Volunteer Moderator here to help you.

1. Update the Touchpad driver from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page, using the full model number, Serial Number or Dell Service Tag on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you also have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.
2. If that doesn't help then enter Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start button, go to Mice > Touchpad and then Driver tab. Choose Update Driver, then Automatic to see if it gets a better driver that resolves the problem. If not try Update Driver > Browse > Let Me Pick to try all previously installed drivers.
3. If that doesn't work then try uninstalling driver, Restart PC using keyboard to Ctrl Alt Del, on blue screen tab to Power Icon in bottom right, press Enter, arrow down to Restart, press Enter to restart to reinstall the driver.
4. See the troubleshooting steps here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/help/402786...
5. Go to Settings > Devices > Touchpad to go over the Settings. Then choose Additional Settings which opens the Mouse properties box. The Touchpad software installs a tab onto it - usually the last one - that should have more settings to check, including a checkbox to Disable Touchpad when USB pointing device is attached. This prevents palm drag from causing the cursor to jump
6. If this was caused by Windows Update(s) then you can check which were installed at Settings>Update & Security>Windows Update under Update History, then uninstall them from the link there, and immediately check for these again and hide with the Hide Updates tool explained here:

https://www.howtogeek.com/223864/how-to-uninsta...

You can also go into Repair Mode by whichever method works here: https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2294-advanc... to use the new Uninstall Updates button in Advanced Troubleshoot Options: https://pureinfotech.com/uninstall-updates-adva....

You can also use System Restore from within Windows or the above Repair Mode to get back before the problem began, then check for Updates with the Hide Update tool and hide them:

https://www.windowscentral.com/how-use-system-r...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

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Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Answer 2

I tried uninstalling the device, then restarting and updating the driver and that didn't work. So, I saved my files and tried to reset Windows. I thought it would reset all the cursor files, but it didn't. I still have the problem. I'm currently backing up my files to my hard drive so I can wipe my laptop completely, then reinstall Windows 10. Will that help? Also, is it possible for me to obtain that specific cursor file online or from microsoft so I can get the touchpad working?

Answer 3

Did you install the touchpad software from the PC maker's Support Downloads web page as I wrote about in my first post? You'll need this software if you Reset or Reinstall anyway so might as well download and try it first.

If you prefer to reinstall then follow the gold standard Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible Install of Windows which will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given, has zero reported problems, and is better than any amount of money could buy: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

To create bootable Windows 10 Installation Media (on another PC if necessary) install Media Creation Tool and follow the directions in the middle of the download page here: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...

Insert media, boot it by powering up PC while pressing the BIOS Boot Menu Key for your PC maker given in this chart: https://www.sysnative.com/forums/hardware-tutor...

If the media won't boot you may need to enter BIOS/UEFI Setup (pressing key given in chart in link above) to turn off Fast Boot or Fast Startup first.

Choose the boot device as a UEFI device if offered, then on second screen choose Install Now, then Custom Install, then at the drive selection screen delete all partitions down to Unallocated Space to get it cleanest, select the Unallocated Space, click Next to let it create and format the needed partitions and start install - this makes it foolproof.

You will get and keep the best possible install to the exact extent you stick with the steps, tools and methods in the linked tutorial. It's a better install than any amount of money could buy and a great learning experience that will make you the master of your PC because you will learn everything that works best and how to apply it with your own hands.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.