Encountering the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error can be frustrating when you’re trying to use your Windows PC. Fortunately, there are several tried and tested solutions that can help you overcome this common touchpad driver issue. This error typically pops up during startup or when you’re attempting to use your laptop’s touchpad, indicating a driver-related problem.
This guide aims to provide simple and effective methods for resolving the touchpad error so you can continue working without disruptions. We’ll walk you through each step, ensuring you can tackle the issue even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy. Let’s get your touchpad back in working order swiftly.
Renaming the Problematic Driver File
Driver conflicts can often lead to the ‘Set User Settings to Driver Failed’ error. A quick way to address this is by renaming the trouble-causing ‘apoint.exe’ file. Follow these easy steps:
- Navigate to “This PC” in any folder, open “Local Disk (C:),” and proceed to “Program Files” or “Program Files (x86)” directory.
- Locate and open the “Apoint2K” folder. If it’s not there, or installed in a different location, trigger the error message, then press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
- In “Task Manager,” click on “More details,” identify the “Alps Pointing Device Driver” under the “Processes” tab, right-click and choose “Open File Location.”
- Back in Task Manager, right-click the “Alps Pointing Device Driver” again, and select “End Task.”
- In the “Apoint2K” folder, rename the “apoint.exe” by right-clicking it and selecting “Rename.” Change the name to something like “apoint_old.exe,” and save the changes.
- Finally, restart your PC to see if the error persists.
Reinstalling Touchpad Drivers
Out-of-date or corrupted touchpad drivers can be the root of the “Set user settings to controller failed” issue. Reinstallation of the touchpad drivers might be the solution you need:
- Use the shortcut Windows + R, type “devmgmt.msc,” and hit Enter to open Device Manager.
- Expand “Mice and other pointing devices,” right-click on the listed Alps Pointing Device, and choose “Uninstall Device.”
- Visit the touchpad manufacturer’s official website to download the latest drivers and follow the instructions provided to install them.
- In Device Manager, click “Action,” then “Scan for hardware changes” to allow Windows to reinstall any essential drivers.
- Restart your computer and check if the touchpad is now working without errors.
Disabling Touchpad Driver Startup
In cases where your device does not utilize a touchpad, preventing the associated drivers from initiating on startup can rectify the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error:
- Open Task Manager with the shortcut Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Switch to the “Startup” tab, locate the “Alps Pointing Device Driver,” right-click it, and choose “Disable.”
- Restart your PC to check if the solution has resolved the issue.
Halting the Alps Device Service
By stopping the primary service of the Alps device, you can potentially eliminate the error:
- Hit Windows + R keys, input “services.msc” into the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
- Search for “Alps SMBus Monitor Service” on the list, right-click it, go to “Properties,” hit the “Stop” button, and then set the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”
- Afterward, reboot your PC and check if the error message has disappeared.
Conclusion
These troubleshooting steps should help you solve the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error on your Windows device. If you’ve tried these solutions and are still experiencing issues, or if you require more in-depth assistance, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for support. Sharing our guide with your peers is a fantastic way to support us and help others who might face similar touchpad errors.
FAQs
What leads to the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error on Windows?
Typically, this error is triggered by conflicts with touchpad drivers or outdated driver software and often appears during system startup or when trying to use a touchpad on a laptop.
Is it possible to fix the “Set User Settings to Driver Failed” error by myself?
Absolutely. With the guidelines provided, you can rename the problematic driver file, reinstall up-to-date touchpad drivers, disable unnecessary startup of touchpad drivers, or stop the related Alps service to resolve the issue yourself.
