Mouse Stuck on Busy

[Guest]

Can anyone tell me why very suddenly my mouse pointer always indicate "busy"
(the hourglass icon)? This appears on the desktop from start-up and in every
program. Even when a program isn't running, it seems to indicate that one is
running. Perhaps it's not a mouse setting problem, but a system problem? I'm
running Windows XP Professional.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Can anyone tell me why very suddenly my mouse pointer always indicate "busy"
(the hourglass icon)? This appears on the desktop from start-up and in every
program. Even when a program isn't running, it seems to indicate that one is
running. Perhaps it's not a mouse setting problem, but a system problem?

See if the taskmanager (processes tab) gives you the clue. Otherwise, use
MSCONFIG (startup tab) to find the culprit. Scan the system for malware
as well.

 

[Guest]

Detlev -
Thanks for your response. Task Manager confirmed that nothing was/is
running in the background. I found another post with a suggestion from
someone else having the same problem and tried the solution - to simply
change the mouse pointer scheme, but it it didn't work. And, I've run
McAffee and Spybot. Honestly, I'm baffled. I feel stupid asking, but what
do I look for in MSCONFIG? Any help is really appreciated!

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Detlev -
Thanks for your response. Task Manager confirmed that nothing was/is
running in the background. I found another post with a suggestion from
someone else having the same problem and tried the solution - to simply
change the mouse pointer scheme, but it it didn't work.

Well, the mouse pointer is just the indicator and not the cause.

And, I've run McAffee and Spybot. Honestly, I'm baffled. I feel
stupid asking, but what do I look for in MSCONFIG?

"How to configure Windows XP to start in a "clean boot" state"
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310353/en-us (Method 2)

"How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility in
Windows XP" http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560/en-us

 

[HeyBub]

Can anyone tell me why very suddenly my mouse pointer always indicate
"busy" (the hourglass icon)? This appears on the desktop from
start-up and in every program. Even when a program isn't running, it
seems to indicate that one is running. Perhaps it's not a mouse
setting problem, but a system problem? I'm running Windows XP
Professional.

One can change the mousepointer to almost anything. Evidently someone
changed it from an arrow to an hourglass.

Open Control Panel, select "Mouse" on the "Pointers" tab select what you
want for a standard pointer.

I like the naked lady.

 

[Guest]

No, the pointer hasn't changed, but it's the pointer with the hourglass,
which in my scheme indicates that something else is running, loading, etc.
Once the other task is complete, the hourglass disappears and you're left
with just the pointer, as it should be. My problem is that the hourglass
never disappears, which would suggest that something else is going on in the
background, but it's not. I've confirmed that nothing else is running. I've
tried all of the suggestions (except for the configuration that was suggested
and frankly, even after reading the instructions, have no idea what to do)
and nothing has worked. I guess it's time for the Geek Squad...