Wandering mouse pointer

[Guest]

I am running Windows XP Professional SP2 on a Toshiba Satellite Pro (6000)
(came pre-installed). Recently, the following problem started appearing.
Periodically, the mouse pointer will start to wander on its own for several
minutes, and just as suddenly stop wandering and work normally. This seems to
happen regardless of what type of pointing device i am using. The laptop has
a built-in "Intelli-point" (like IBM's "J stick" but between the G and H keys
on the keyboard), and I have recently switched to an external Microsoft
Comfort Optical Mouse 3000, which plugs into the USB port. The problem occurs
in either scenario. I have updated the drivers and the BIOS. I have research
the Toshiba and Microsoft web sites and knowledgebases, but cannot find
anything that helps me solve the problem. It is very anoyong to "chase" the
pointer when it is wandering to perform useful work, as this is my work
computer, and I am part of the IT staff. I am open to any ideas.

 

[Harry Ohrn MS MVP]

Check here http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;256043
for a possible cause/solution. If that doesn't apply see below

I've seen optical mice wander before. In my experience it seems to be an
issue with sensitivity or what the mouse is resting on. Some mouse pads
seems to work better for me. Often light coloured pads, shiny pads, or even
desktops without a pad are part of the problem whereas dark coloured, solid
color pads work better. Another issue may have to do with the mouse settings
in the Control Panel. Try slowing down the Motion setting in the Pointer
Options. I've also seen this happen with damaged mice. Do you have a way to
disable the intelli point on the keyboard? It might be the source of the
problem as well.

 

[Lemmer]

Check here http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;256043
for a possible cause/solution. If that doesn't apply see below

I've seen optical mice wander before. In my experience it seems to be an
issue with sensitivity or what the mouse is resting on. Some mouse pads
seems to work better for me. Often light coloured pads, shiny pads, or even
desktops without a pad are part of the problem whereas dark coloured, solid
color pads work better. Another issue may have to do with the mouse settings
in the Control Panel. Try slowing down the Motion setting in the Pointer
Options. I've also seen this happen with damaged mice. Do you have a way to
disable the intelli point on the keyboard? It might be the source of the
problem as well.

FWIW - I had an optical that would just fly accross the screen without
warning. I was using the mouse on a light colored desktop (no pad).
I put a sheet of printer paper as a pad and have not had the problem since
YMMV

 

[Jens Uwe Theilen]

(...)

Try a new battery if the mouse is wireless.
This fixes the problem on my desk...