Troubleshooting: General

Troubleshooting: General

If you encounter general problems with your pen tablet, refer to the following table. For entries with multiple solutions, try them one at a time until you have solved the problem.

Also see troubleshooting Help topics for:

Pen and touch
Wireless connection
Mac- and Windows-specific

For additional information, visit Wacom Customer Care or Technical Support.

General problems

The computer does not have an available USB port.

Check if there is an available USB port on a USB hub. If not, you will need to add a USB hub or USB card.

A tablet status LED does not illuminate.
  • Verify that the tablet USB cable is properly connected to the tablet and to an active USB port.
  • If connecting to a USB hub device, make sure the hub is connected to an active USB port and that the hub is active.
  • Try using another USB port or USB cable.
  • If in wireless mode, see Wireless connection problems.
The computer does not go to sleep.

When you are not using your tool(s), such as a pen or mouse, remove them from the tablet surface or the tablet will continue to send data, keeping the computer awake.

Because some metallic or other conducting objects can also cause the tablet to send data, it is best to keep the tablet surface clear of all objects when not in use.

The screen cursor is very erratic or jumps to unexpected locations. On rare occasions the tablet may receive interfering radio frequencies from a computer monitor or nearby AM radio station. If you notice interference from a monitor, move the tablet at least six inches away from the monitor, or change the monitor refresh rate or monitor resolution.
The tablet is set to ExpressKeys Right (or ExpressKeys Left), but at the log on screen the tablet seems to work upside down. Reinstall the tablet driver software and change the default orientation of the tablet. See the instructions provided in the Quick Start Guide that came with your pen tablet, and Installing the driver.
When working in some applications, the ExpressKeys or Touch Ring perform a different function than what is set in the Wacom Control Panel.

Some applications can override and control the ExpressKey and Touch Ring functions. See Integrated applications.

For application-specific settings, be sure you have updated the settings for the application you are working with. See Application-specific settings.