Help re mad mouse

[greenpaul]

Hi to all the computer experts. About two weeks ago, my mouse took on a mind of its own, jumping about all over the place. I've got up to date anti-viral software (Norton) and ad aware stuff, ran all the checks and no viruses are apparent.
I changed the mouse, but still no better. I've de-installed the mouse software and re-installed it, again no change. This is driving me crazy. Any ideas of what I can do?
PS I've got a cat but it doesn't chase plastic mice.

Paul

[aabram]

Hi to all the computer experts. About two weeks ago, my mouse took on a mind of its own, jumping about all over the place. I've got up to date anti-viral software (Norton) and ad aware stuff, ran all the checks and no viruses are apparent.
I changed the mouse, but still no better. I've de-installed the mouse software and re-installed it, again no change. This is driving me crazy. Any ideas of what I can do?
PS I've got a cat but it doesn't chase plastic mice.

Paul

I'll send you Misty....She'll sort it out :D

Annabel

[RedjackRyan]

Paul, is it an USB mouse or a Serial connected mouse? I know you said you changed it out for a different mouse, did you do that with a new mouse or just a different one you had lying around? If it wasn't brand new, you can try cleaning the rollers.. on the underside there should be a little door that you can open to remove the mouse ball, inside there will be a number of rollers that may have some dirt/gunk built up on it. Just scrape that off with the tip of a fingernail and see if that helps.

If its not dirt build up, there may be a problem with the serial or usb port you are using. Try a different one if possible (USB) if its a serial port though, you're pretty much out of luck unless you want to take it to a PC shop.

[Amy in Vermont]

Would your computer happen to be a Dell laptop in the 3-6 year old range? Like a Latitude C600? If it is, I have a cure....

[greenpaul]

It's a serial connection, and a home PC, not a laptop. Thanks for the comments / advice. I have cleaned it but no joy there. May have to buy a USB mouse and see how I get on.
Thanks again

Paul

[DaveM]

This may sound obvious, but you might want to consider an optical mouse rather than the "ball" variety. They never need cleaning and last practically forever, as such things go. Most are plug 'n play, but if not, there is generally a driver disk included.

I have been using a GE optical mouse purchased at K-Mart for $9.95 for at least four years.

[Dee]

I got an optical mouse with my system a couple of year ago and it works wonderfully.

[paularoid]

Had the same problem with a client's computer. They had a Micro$oft mouse using the native Windoze driver. Cleaned it but it was still jumpy. Went and got a Belkin optical mouse (it was on sale) and the thing locked everything up after installing. Took the Belkin back and got a Logitech at twice the price ($20 rather than the sale price of $10 for the Belkin). The Logitech solved all the problems and the client is ecstatic even though they spent extra.

Both the Belkin and the Logitech were optical where the original Micro$oft was not. Go with what works, but make sure of the return policy beforehand. You don't want to get stuck with a mouse that you can't use because you couldn't return it. The Belkin came from Office Max and they took it back (30 day return policy) without a problem. The Logitech came from Staples (14 day return policy).