HP sensor panel/buttons issue - an interesting solution. Thoughts?

Hi all,

 

Just thought I'd share an interesting issue and solution with you!

 

I have an HP laptop which is equipped with sensor (Quick Touch) buttons for adjusting the volume and turning on/off wifi. From what I have noticed, it is only possible to turn on/off wifi via the panel. So when it suddenly stopped working a few days ago, I was not pleased. The LEDs were still on - but the panel was non-responsive.

 

Updating the Quick Touch buttons driver according to HP's troubleshooting instructions did not help.

 

Then I came across this solution:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Other-Notebook-PC-Questions/Touch-buttons-at-top-of-keyboard-not-working/td-p/145896

 

I tried out the hard reset, first removing the computer from the mains, then unplugging all peripheral devices (mouse, printer etc.), ejecting the battery and wandering away for about ten minutes. Then I rigged up the machine again, booted it up, and the sensor panel is working again...

 

Any ideas what could have caused such an issue? It seems to be quite common, but opinions are split as to the cause. I do not know how the other HP laptop models are built, but the battery on mine is located directly underneath the sensor panel.

 

Thoughts? :-)