The mouse pointer on your Windows laptop slowly drifts in one direction even when you are not touching any input device. You unplug the external USB mouse, but the drifting continues. Which action should you try first to troubleshoot the problem?
Verify that none of the arrow keys are stuck.
Disable the laptop's touchpad and test for drift again.
Turn on Scroll Lock.
Replace the mouse because its driver is conflicting with the touchpad.
Cursor drift that persists after removing an external mouse often points to a built-in touchpad that is overly sensitive, has a driver fault, or is physically damaged. Temporarily disabling the touchpad forces the system to rely on an external pointing device and confirms whether the touchpad is the source of the unwanted movement. Replacing the mouse or checking arrow keys and Scroll Lock are unlikely to stop drift that still occurs with the mouse disconnected.
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What are common reasons for a touchpad to malfunction?
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How can I disable the touchpad on my laptop?
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What steps can be taken if the touchpad is still malfunctioning after disabling it?