Mouse problem in MicroSoft Excel97

[Michael Trotz]

Since installing Windows XP, I have been experiencing a problem in Excel 97
involving use of the mouse. The program works OK for a while after the OS
has been started (sometimes for a few days, as I tend to keep the computer
on for prolonged periods). However, without warning, I lose control of the
mouse in Excel only - other programs continue functioning normally. Whenever
I try to navigate around a spreadsheet, the effect is to select multiple
cells, as though the Control key has been pressed. Once the problem starts,
I am unable to access menus, select cells, or do anything else with the
mouse or keyboard. I have to close the program using Control-Alt-Delete and
then restart it. Upon restarting, however, I have to work entirely with the
keyboard- as soon as I touch the mouse I lose control of the program
entirely and have to force the program to close as described earlier. The
problem can only be solved by rebooting the computer - and then it reappears
a few days afterward. Other programs continue functioning normally when I
switch to them, including Word.

I previously was using Windows 98 and this problem never appeared - it has
only become a factor since installing XP (Home Edition).

I am using a Thinkpad (i Series) with an IBM mouse and 256k of memory.

Could anyone suggest what I can do to solve this problem?

Thanks in advance.

Michael Trotz

 

[Quaoar]

Since installing Windows XP, I have been experiencing a problem in
Excel 97 involving use of the mouse. The program works OK for a while
after the OS has been started (sometimes for a few days, as I tend to
keep the computer on for prolonged periods). However, without
warning, I lose control of the mouse in Excel only - other programs
continue functioning normally. Whenever I try to navigate around a
spreadsheet, the effect is to select multiple cells, as though the
Control key has been pressed. Once the problem starts, I am unable to
access menus, select cells, or do anything else with the mouse or
keyboard. I have to close the program using Control-Alt-Delete and
then restart it. Upon restarting, however, I have to work entirely
with the keyboard- as soon as I touch the mouse I lose control of the
program entirely and have to force the program to close as described
earlier. The problem can only be solved by rebooting the computer -
and then it reappears a few days afterward. Other programs continue
functioning normally when I switch to them, including Word.

I previously was using Windows 98 and this problem never appeared -
it has only become a factor since installing XP (Home Edition).

I am using a Thinkpad (i Series) with an IBM mouse and 256k of memory.

Could anyone suggest what I can do to solve this problem?

Thanks in advance.

Michael Trotz

It is likely to be video driver related; make sure that the refresh rate
is at default, you have the latest XP driver, and move the video
acceleration down one or two notches to see if that help. Setting zoom
at 100% might also help.

Q

 

[David McRitchie]

or the mouse drivers is more commonly suggested. I used to have
the problem and don't anymore. I never had the zoom set to anything
but 100%. More information and suggestions
http://www.mvps.org/dmcritchie/excel/ghosting.txt