Mouse Pointer Problem

[Rubicone]

What are some of the causes for a mouse pointer not responding to varying degrees? When moving the mouse the pointer does not go where it should making it very difficult to work with. TIA.

 

[mobobuff]

Well it'd be good to know what is moving the pointer, be it a mouse either ball or optical, or track-point, or a touch pad? If it's a ball mouse, try cleaning the ball and the rollers on the mouse. If it's optical, you might need a mousing surface with a more non-glossy texture. If it's track-point, they tend to refuse to go in certain directions once they've been worn in, and it takes more force than usual to get it to move in the direction you want, and it will often wander once you've stopped applying force. If it's a touch-pad, buy a cheap mouse and use that, touch-pads are a pain.

If the problem is more serious than that (like the pointer moving in a straight 45 degree angle in the opposite direction you push the mouse, or if there is any linear erroneous movement of the cursor) then it's possibly a mouse defect and you'll need to get a new device. You can find very decent ball mice for extremely cheap if you know where to look, and it's not uncommon to find good optical mice for ~$10-20.

 

[howdyduty]

Clean them mouse's balls Seriouisly, I clean mine ever other week or so. Helps with aiming in FPS.

 

[wormsnotincluded]

If its wireless, check the batteries.

 

[Jeff7]

If it's optical, what surface is it on? I've found that woodgrain patterns play havoc on the optical sensors of some mice.

 

[Jiggz]

So to sum it all up. If it's a ball equipped mouse, clean the ball or replace it with an optical mouse. If it's an optical mouse make sure you use light and even colored pads and clean the protective lens also. If the problem persists, try replacing the mouse and see if the problem goes away. If the problem persists, check the driver and try using a standard driver.

 

[Rubicone]

It's an optical mouse and a mouse pad is being used. Since it's not mine I am going to have check on whether the mouse pad meets the criteria indicated that may be needed so as not to interfere with its functionality. Any other suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

 

[Rubicone]

The problem seems to be occuring only when one is connected to the Internet. Mouse functionality is virtually down to zero. Any solutions to this mystery

 

[Dug]

Remove any 3rd party mouse drivers and reboot.

 

[Rubicante]

nice name! ...not as cool as mine, tho.
...its been said, but remove/reinstall the drivers, and make sure the mouse pad isnt the problem by changing the mousing surface. also, if its wireless, aside from checking the batteries, you may want to check the placement of the receiver... sometimes interference can pop up unexpectedly, or sometimes (its happened to me) the receiver falls on the floor and you dont notice, and spend forever trying to figure out the damn problem, only to discover that the receiver fell off the desk.