Synaptics touchpad doesn't work

[Fzang]

I tried to install the synaptics touchpad configs and when I start it I get this error message


GSynaptics couldn't initialize.
You have to set 'SHMConfig' 'true' in xorg.conf or XF86Config to use GSynaptics

What do I do?

[spawn.]

Locate your 'xorg.conf' file and set 'SHMConfig' to 'true'

Type xorg.conf in the search box, then open as root (administrator); then scroll until you find SHMConfig and set to 'true' and SAVE.

E.G. let's say you find the file using the search method (on your local drive), but you cannot open as root (administrator) to make any changes, here's what you do:

Open Terminal
type 'gksudo nautilus' *This will open a new window of your files as root (administrator)

[Fzang]

There's no SHMConfig section in x.org, what do I do? Create it somewhere?

[spawn.]

If you decide to -add a section in to the configuration file-, I would recommend backing up the original first. You might have better luck if you added more repositories to your sources. That way, you can have more options for software in synaptic package manager.

What kind of computer do you have? I was able to find synaptic touchpad software for a complicated ThinkPad, no editing of any files. There may be another option if you are using a standard touchpad...?

[Fzang]

I have a Zepto Nexus (which you've probably never heard about) with a synaptics touchpad

[spawn.]

lol, you're right. I had to look it up. Did you install any synaptic software yet from Synaptic Package Manager?

[anubhavrocks]

Can you try


gnome-mouse-properties
also you can try xinput


I tried to install the synaptics touchpad configs and when I start it I get this error message


GSynaptics couldn't initialize.
You have to set 'SHMConfig' 'true' in xorg.conf or XF86Config to use GSynaptics

What do I do?

[Fzang]

It says I have the drivers installed but I just can't configure them because of this odd X problem...

[Fzang]

Bump! What to do? Can I add the missing entry somehow?

[anubhavrocks]

Bump! What to do? Can I add the missing entry somehow?

Can you provide the output of


xinput --list

[Nepherte]

Open your /etc/X11/xorg.conf file:

gksudo gedit /etc/X11/xorg.conf
and find the section that looks like:

Section "InputDevice"
...
Identifier "SynapticsTouchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
...
EndSection
The Identifier might be different, but make sure Driver is the same. Then add SHMConfig "True" to it:

Section "InputDevice"
...
Identifier "SynapticsTouchpad"
Driver "synaptics"
Option "SHMConfig" "True"
...
EndSection
Now you have to logout and login again.