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2211
July 7th, 2004 19:00
Delayed response to mouse commands
I have a Dimension 4100 desktop with a Pentium III running Windows ME. After 3+ years of excellent operation, I have begun experiencing delays in the execution of commands initiated by clicking the mouse. Examples include:
1. click the "x" box in the upper right of a document to close it -
there is a delay of several seconds before the document closes, during
which time the arrow stays on the "x" even when I move the mouse.
2. click on the e-mail button on the ATT Worldnet homepage - delay of
several seconds before executes.
3. click on the Word icon on my taskbar - delay of several seconds
before program opens.
This problem occurs intermittently and does not seem to be related to the number of applications I have running. Also, I have observed no other operating problems other than that described above. However, I have also just noticed that the clock on the computer has been running slow - it loses around 2 hours a day. When I restart the computer, the clock resets and I experience no
problems with the mouse for several hours, then the problem begins to occur and gets worse over time.
I have run Norton's Speed Disk, scanned the computer for viruses
and run Spybot Search & Destroy. I checked the programs running at startup and noticed nothing unusual or that wasn't there prior to the onset of my problem.
One more thing - a couple of weeks ago I installed a new printer. It uses the USB port, which I had not used before. Could any of this be causing the problem?
NVRambo
1.9K Posts
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July 7th, 2004 19:00
Especially if your mouse is USB, unplug the printer.
jay3795
4 Posts
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July 9th, 2004 15:00
NV Rambo,
The mouse is attached via parallel port, not USB. Also, you don't say what unplugging the printer will do. Are you recommending I keep it unplugged - not a practical option.
NVRambo
1.9K Posts
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July 9th, 2004 23:00
Additionally, I won't ask why your mouse is "attached via parallel port" versus PS/2 or USB.
Something has changed on the system since your mouse was operating normally. Negating any known changes would probably help.
jay3795
4 Posts
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July 16th, 2004 12:00
NVRambo
1.9K Posts
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July 17th, 2004 01:00
System losing time:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;189706&Product=winme
CMOS battery type:
http://www.batterybob.com/product.asp?intProdID=101632
I think you've got utilities (AV, firewall) running in the background, and that your USB printer software is automatically starting each time you boot the system, thereby slowing/hogging the system resources.
Particularly look at the programs that are checked/enabled to start with Windows on your msconfig/startup tab:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;q281995
I tend to think it's a software and/or driver issue, but changing the CMOS battery is inexpensive. Check the date and time in BIOS (DEL) at the Dell splash screen before you change it. If the time is correct in BIOS, then you don't have a battery issue.
Good luck.
jay3795
4 Posts
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July 27th, 2004 15:00
Thanks for all your help. Here's the latest. I went into system configuration and unchecked 3 programs associated with my new HP printer to stop them from launching on start-up and running in the background. These are Port Resolver (Hpbpro.exe), Status Server (Hpboid.exe) and Status Client (a long file name assocated with the HP toolbox and ending in statusclient.exe). The result is the clock in the system tray keeps time and the problem with delayed response to some mouse commands has disappeared.
Have I solved the problem or is there still something wrong that needs to be fixed (e.g. replace the CMOS battery)? What could have been causing the problem in the first place? Do you know why the HP printer programs were set to launch on start-up? What are they intended to do? By the way, the latest response I received from Dell support was that there is a conflict between the printer software and the operating system and they recommended I reinstall the operating system after reformatting the hard drive. This seems drastic to me and I am reluctant to do it.