Mouse Problems

M

mcp6453

My audio computer with a Biostar U8668D motherboard has just started
experiencing mouse problems. The motherboard has the latest
(end-of-life) BIOS. XP is updated and patched to the latest, including
SP3. In fact, the only thing that has changed has been SP3.

On an increasingly regular basis, when the mouse pointer is moved across
the screen, the computer loses communications with the Microsoft
Intellimouse Optical. The light on the mouse goes out, and the mouse is
not functional. The mouse was originally installed as a PS2, so I
connected it as a USB. It worked (even without rebooting the computer)
but it, too, eventually lost communication.

The mouse drive is version 6.2 from Microsoft. As a test, I reinstalled
the software, but doing so did not solve the problem. There are no
events in Event Viewer to suggest a reason for the problem. Because of
the age of the computer, I'm thinking that I am going to have to rebuild
it and stick with SP2. If there is some other cause to investigate,
please let me know. Thanks!
 
M

mcp6453

You know, I never even thought of that. Your suggestion is definitely a
good one. In fact, it reminds me of the time many years ago that the
mouse did not move smoothly across the screen. After I wasted a lot of
time troubleshooting, I discovered that some papers had gotten under the
edge of the mouse pad and made it not level.
 
A

Antares 531

Another thing you might want to check is lint in the mouse LED
sensors. This can interfere with the mouse's movement being sensed by
those LED sensors.
 
B

Bob I

Lint won't "kill" power to the mouse. ;-)

Antares said:
Another thing you might want to check is lint in the mouse LED
sensors. This can interfere with the mouse's movement being sensed by
those LED sensors.
 
A

Antares 531

Okay, if you say so. I was thinking that if the mouse LED signal is
blocked the computer would sense this as "no mouse connected" and
switch off the power to the mouse connector?
 
B

Bob I

Interesting concept, but a couple problems, XP doesn't switch off PS/2
ports also, it would have to be a pretty big ball of lint to completely
block the receiver lens.
 
R

Ray Shafranski

Mouse cables always fail due to fatigue in the conductors.
A cordless mouse completely solves this.
OK a cordless mouse needs a couple of alkaline AA batteries once a month but
it's a price worth paying.
 
U

Unknown

Batteries last much longer than a month.
Ray Shafranski said:
Mouse cables always fail due to fatigue in the conductors.
A cordless mouse completely solves this.
OK a cordless mouse needs a couple of alkaline AA batteries once a month
but it's a price worth paying.
 
B

Bob I

First, I'm not the one with the issue. Secondly, it only "cures a broken
wire. Thirdly, as to the price a wireless mouse exacts, well it depends
 
A

Antares 531

First, I'm not the one with the issue. Secondly, it only "cures a broken
wire. Thirdly, as to the price a wireless mouse exacts, well it depends
on the circumstances, but batteries are only one of the costs.
I've used a Track Ball mouse for years. It doesn't have to be moved
around, and the cord isn't as likely to fail from excessive flexing.
Besides, once you get used to a Track Ball you'll find they are much
easier to use. Gordon
 
K

Ken Blake, MVP

Mouse cables always fail due to fatigue in the conductors.
A cordless mouse completely solves this.
OK a cordless mouse needs a couple of alkaline AA batteries once a month but
it's a price worth paying.


Considering how inexpensive regular corded mice are, and how long they
typically last before the cable or anything else fails, my view is
that, from a financial point of view, you're way ahead buying a new
corded mouse every now and then, rather than constantly replacing
batteries.

I'm aware that many people like wireless mice, but I personally see no
real advantage to them (except perhaps with a laptop).
 
U

Unknown

First off the batteries last about a year. Batteries cost about 20 cents
apiece unless you buy them at a supermarket.

Advantages:
The ball and shaft don't get dirty and require cleaning.
There is no cord to tangle and/or break.
They work on almost any surface.
Computer need not be close to the mouse.
 

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