Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
Mouse Troubleshooting
If you are experiencing problems with your mouse, you need to look in only two general places—
hardware and software. Because mice are simple devices, looking at the hardware takes little time.
Detecting and correcting software problems can take a bit longer, however.
If your system refuses to recognize the mouse, try using a different mouse that you know works. If that
doesn't resolve the problem, the port you are connecting the mouse to might be bad. If the mouse is
connected via USB, try a different USB port. If a motherboard-based PS/2 mouse port goes bad, you
can replace the entire motherboard—which is usually expensive—or you can just use a USB mouse
instead.
I have had problems in which a bad PS/2 interface mouse caused the system to lock right as the driver
loaded or when third-party diagnostics were being run on the system. Try unplugging the mouse to see
if the system will boot; if it does, the mouse or PS/2 mouse port (meaning the motherboard) may be
the problem.
To troubleshoot wireless mice, see the section, “
Troubleshooting Wireless Input Devices
.
”
Cleaning Your Mouse
If you notice that the mouse pointer moves across the screen in a jerky fashion, it might be time to
clean your mouse. For an optical/laser mouse, this is easy—merely turn the mouse over and clean the
dust or dirt off of the sensor. For a mechanical mouse with a roller ball, this jerkiness is caused when
dirt and dust become trapped around the mouse's ball-and-roller assembly, thereby restricting its free
movement.
To clean a mechanical mouse, turn it over, open the cover panel, and remove the rubberized ball.
Wash it in soapy water or a mild solvent, such as contact lens cleaner solution or alcohol, and dry it
off.
Now take a look at the socket in which the roller ball normally rests. You will see two or three small
wheels or bars against which the ball usually rolls. If you notice dust or dirt on or around these
wheels or bars, you need to clean them. The best way is to use a compressed air duster, which can
blow out any dust or dirt. You also can use some electrical contact cleaner to clean the rollers.
Remember, any remaining dirt or dust impedes the movement of the roller ball and results in the
mouse not working as it should.
Put the mouse back together by inserting the roller ball into the socket and then securely attaching the
cover panel.
Alternative Pointing Devices
Because of Windows, many users spend at least as much time moving pointers around the screen as
they do in typing, making pointing device choices very important. In addition to the mouse, several
other popular pointing devices are available:
• TrackPoint (pointing stick)
• Touch pads
• Trackballs
All these devices are treated as mice by the OS but offer radically different options for the user in
terms of comfort. If you're not satisfied with a regular mouse, look into these options.
