Doing this involves editing the registry, it is recommended to do a manual system restore point before doing this.
You will need to make a file called gestures.reg, open notepad and paste the following:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Right Edge Pull]
"ActionType"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Left Edge Pull]
"ActionType"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Right Edge Pull Extended Zone]
"ActionType"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Top Edge Pull]
"ActionType"=dword:00000000
Save this file somewhere, with the .reg extension.
Now run it, some warning boxes may come up, you will need to press Yes when they do, after the operation has finished, reboot your PC and they should now be disabled.
If you want to re-enable these gestures, then you will need to do the same but use the following text when saving the file:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Right Edge Pull]
"ActionType"=dword:00000002
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Left Edge Pull]
"ActionType"=dword:00000002
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Right Edge Pull Extended Zone]
"ActionType"=dword:00000002
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Synaptics\SynTPEnh\ZoneConfig\TouchPadPS2\Top Edge Pull]
"ActionType"=dword:00000002
This strange touchpad problem only occurs on latest driver (which is currently SmartGesture_Win8_64_VER225). On older drivers everything works good (but unfortunately without those nice animations and better touch user experience). I reverted back to SmartGesture_Win8_64_VER214 and everything's good at the moment.
Best Answer
Unfortunately I'm having the same issue, and when you contact Asus for support, they are unable to resolve the issue, hence they become dismissive by trying to get you to claim warranty.
It's unfair that we have to modify our use for our devices and functions that we paid for, due to lack of support. But if we must, I've found that completely uninstalling the software and letting windows' default drivers will get it working for basic functions (point, click, and tap).
Lastly, using a mouse will get you running, but defeats the purpose of Windows 8. By all means this is truly an awful way to experience Windows 8 or 8.1, but since Asus is lagging on this matter, it's another quick fix to get you going.
For some odd reason, an older driver/software of the Asus Smart Gesture works well with Windows 8.1. Uninstall current driver/software, restart, Download the 2.2.0 Version, install, restart, and there you go - a fully working touchpad with gestures enabled without the bugs.