configuring to left hand mouse

Question

When I try to configure a Dell USB optical mouse for left handers it don't work.  I have selected just about every mouse available and it does not take.  The microsoft Intellipoint software is loaded...V 5.2.    Anyone have any ideas.  Thanks.

Dev Mgr · Answer

Are you maybe using a Logitech (Dell) mouse? Dell used to offer Microsoft mice, but most of their current mice are from Logitech.

VicDoe · Answer

That could very well be.  How could I tell if it was Logitech?

Dev Mgr · Answer

The Dell branded Microsoft mice have the Microsoft (and Dell) logo on them and on the bottom it will mention Microsoft too (on this Intellimouse here at my desk it has Microsoft on the top and bottom). The Logitech I have here at my desk has Logitech mentioned in really small letters on the bottom right (it says Suzhou Logitech Electronics).

samch · Answer

anyone ever found a cure for this illness? I am using the dell optical mouse that came with my laptop and want to switch the left and right click buttons. However the mouse settings within the Control Panel don't seem to affect anything.

If I remember correctly, with a microsoft mouse connected I get a checkbox to "switch main control buttons", but I don't see anything like that with the dell mouse connected. When I change the mouse control options within the drop downs and hit ok, nothing changes with the mouse clicks. Thanks.

sam

stonent · Answer

Cut off your left hand? :D

samch · Answer

Did you happen to ever find a fix to this problem? I am having the same problem with a Dell Latitude. Thanks

dg1261 · Answer

Brings back memories from a decade ago.  Microsoft had just come out with the Microsoft Mouse, with that ergonomic curve in the left side.  The box said it worked for both right-handed and left-handed people.  When a magazine reviewer asked Microsoft how the curve fit into a user's left hand, Microsoft replied that their research showed most left-handers use the mouse with their right hand.   Seriously, though, I also use a mouse with my left hand.  However, I've never bothered to switch the mouse buttons.  I left-click with my middle finger and right-click with my index finger.   Regardless of which hand you use, using a mouse is always a learned skill, so I see no compelling reason to learn it with the buttons in a non-standard configuration.  I work on a lot of other people's computers, and I can always operate a client's computer with the mouse in my left hand without having to tinker with their system's settings.  It also saves me from having to mentally translate written instructions that say to 'left-click' or 'right-click' something.

samch · Answer

not bad advice, that is how I've been using it in the mean time. however, it bugs me when things don't do what they're supposed to. I'm still hoping for a solution... thanks

bobbloke_1 · Answer

yes i'm left handed and use a mouse with my right hand, its what you have to do in a right handed world you just get used to it. like using scissors you can't use them in your left hand.

samch · Answer

The tyranny! It sounds like I may be stuck, but one would think that this would be at least a semi-common application. Lots of dell's, plenty of lefties...

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configuring to left hand mouse

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