Erratic Mouse/Keyboard behavior

Question

There seem to be numerous posts on this topic so let me explain exactly how Dell troubleshoots it. First, it needs to be determined if this a hardware or software issue. The one sure way to tell the difference is to boot the system into safe mode and see if the erratic behavior still occurs.If things appear to be fine, then most likely it is a driver or startup program that is causing the erratic behavior. If this is the case, then try clearing up the startup environment using the MSCONFIG tool and disable all items from the Startup tab. Information on how to use MSCONFIG can be found here. Once the particular startup program is found, then the hunt can begin to find out more information as to why that program is causing a particular issue.If the erratic behavior exists in safe mode, then the function of the device needs to be tested in a pure DOS environment. This can be done via the Dell Diagnostics program on the resource CD or available for download from here. Check the suspect device using the diagnostic; if the erratic behavior is still present, then it is not a Windows issue. The next thing is to eliminate a BIOS configuration possibility. You do this be defaulting the BIOS and clearing the NVRAM. To do this you can follow the instructions listed in these Dell KnowledgeBase articles;Restoring factory defaultsClearing the NVRAMIf the erratic behavior still exists, then more than likely a failure of hardware is present. The final test for hardware failure is to try a different item. Ensure you are using the same interface for the device. Testing the failure of a PS/2 mouse by using a USB mouse does not identify where the point of failure is. It could either be the mouse, or the connection on the computer, that is the main reason the same interface also needs to be used. If you do not have a replacement to test with, more than likely a request from tech support will lead to a replacement keyboard/mouse for two reasons, it is the most likely to fail and it is the least expensive and least invasive replacement to make.

esquire · Answer

Thank you for the info.

I would like to share an observation I have about erratic mouse behaviour in Safe Mode. Pls bear in mind it may or may not help a similar problem.

My T500 has a retail MS Trackball Optical with version 3.2 driver on PS/2 port, Windows 98 SE OEM - still the Dell factory install - and A07 BIOS. It too was uncontrollable in Safe Mode - I had to resort to using the keyboard to navigate. It behaved OK in normal mode, but not as good as I hoped - it skipped when I want to move the cursor too quickly.

I ran Dell Diagnostic and everything checked out OK. I also cleared NVRAM, but it didn't help.

I hardly ever had to enter Safe Mode (touch wood), and I noticed this behaviour ever since I was told to update to BIOS A07 (from A04) to fix a USB hub problem. The only setting that was changed because of the update was Enable Legacy USB Support. Out of curiosity, I disabled the Legacy USB support, and rebooted the computer.

The result? No difference in Windows still, except it now feels like it's booting and shutting down faster. Enter Safe Mode, and WOW! The mouse control returns to normal!

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jazznrnr · Answer

I have a Dimension 4100 (Windows XP)and Dimension 4000 (Windows ME).  Several months ago I began having problems with the mouse (optical and touch pad) on the 4100.  The mouse works fine for a while and then it starts moving toward the upper right corner and with-in a minute the mouse is impossible to retreive with either the optical or touch pad mouse.  I had a repair service check it out and they blamed it on viruses.  Well I have installed & reinstalled Anit-virus and spyware and still the 4100 has this same problem.  Well today my 4000 is starting to do the exact same thing.  I have read several postings on this but I haven't seen an answer to my particular problem.  Changing the mouse pad is not the answer as this problem also occurs with the touch pad mouse.  Any ideas out there??

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