Erratic Mouse - can't control it!

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 with XPHomesp2 and a wired mouse. I cannot control the mouse and it is becoming very difficult to navigate anywhere with it (it's like I'm fighting with it). It just doesn't go where I want it to. I turned off the computer and removed the little ball inside the mouse, there wasn't really any dust. I also changed the pad the mouse sits on but it didn't help. What's wrong with my mouse? Do I need a new one. I know this is a small item, but I have extended coverage on the pc - is this covered or what type of mouse will work with a Dell Dimension 8400 if I need to purchase a new one? Can I get a wireless mouse?

Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

gsxr2601 · Answer

is your mouse on very fast settings? go into start>control panel>mouse and check your settings. I personally use an optical mouse. Currently I have a logitec MX518 very good mouse, and very cheap at best buy.

Libra1 · Answer

Thank you for your response. I checked the mouse settings and double click is set a little over to the right from the center, and pointer options are select pointer speed is in the middle and enhance pointer precision is checked.

The problem is when I move the mouse the pointer doesn't go where I want it to, I have to lift the mouse to another area of the mouse pad and that doesn't even work that well. I just checked the ball again and there is a white strip inside that has a few black dots or squares - I can't remove them with my finger. I checked the mouse on my HP and it doesn't have any black dots on that white strip.

Edit: I just browsed for the Logitec MX518 optical mouse. It seems it's a gaming mouse and uses USB. We don't do any gaming and I don't want a USB mouse. Can you recommend anything else that will work well with a Dell Dimension 8400?

Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

Message Edited by Libra1 on 04-22-200610:00 PM

Libra1 · Answer

When I cleaned the area where the ball is located, I noticed some black dots or squares on the white strip. This is the Dell mouse that came with the Dimension 8400. The mouse is working a little better, but not 100%. Are those black marks suppose to be on the white strip? If not, how can I remove them?

Thank you.

Sincerely, Libra

TonysPC · Answer

As well as cleaning the ball, have a look inside the mouse at the rollers or wheels that the ball rests on. You wil probably find these have dirt wrapped around them. It is difficult but you can carefully clean this off (using fingernails, cue tips etc) and this should make a big difference.   A permanent cure for this problem is to get an optical mouse (as a previous poster suggested) this is a direct replacement for your current mouse and has no moving parts so nothing to get dirty and cause problems. You don't have to get a fancy gaming mouse - I replaced mine with a Microsoft Optical mouse which can be used with USB or a conventional mouse socket.   Good Luck   Tony Message Edited by TonysPC on 04-24-200610:34 AM

Libra1 · Answer

Hi Tony,
Thank you very much for your reply. I was able to get the black marking off of the white roller band with my fingernail (there wasn't any dust). Although it is better, it's still not 100%. I will look for a Microsoft or Logitec Optical mouse. I'd like to just plug it in so it uses plug 'n play.
Sincerely, Libra

esoterica · Answer

Hello, you say you have another computer with a different mouse on it. Have you thought to try and switch mice between the two computers just long enough to see the problem is in your mouse.

Let me give you some good technical advice as well.

Take that PS2 ball mouse you currently have plugged into your computer and pitch it in the nearest garbage can or beat your nieghbors dog with it till it's in many small broken pieces.

Then march yourself down to your local WalMart and spend $5.00 buying yourself a brand new Logitech basic OPTICAL mouse that plugs into a USB port and use it if you want to or not. I'm not asking or suggesting you do this, I'm demanding you do it! DO IT RIGHT NOW WalMart is open 24hours everywhere.

Running a USB mouse instead of that old fashioned PS2 port mouse you say you like using will free up a port (internaly) on your system and use less system resources by doing so. I won't go into the technical reasons of why this is so much better for you, just trust me ok, do it, even if you don't want to do it, just do it.

It'll make me sleep better tonight, ok?

(I don't even want to say this, because I'm afraid you'll not listen and do it anyhow, but that $5.00 Logitech OPTICAL USB mouse from WalMart will also come with an adapter that allows the USB end of the mouse to plug into your old fashioned PS2 port your currently using, pitch that adapter in the pile of remains left over from beating the nieghbors dog with your old mouse, DON'T USE IT, or I'll never try to help you again.

Libra1 · Answer

Hi esoterica,
Can you please explain two things to me about using a USB mouse. Do I have to install software in order to use it? I've heard if you are using a usb mouse and have to reinstall Windows, the usb mouse won't be recognized. Is this true?
I didn't know the usb mouse is a newer type - if I have to install software can that cause any problems, and if it's usb, does it know what port to go to?
Thank you.
Sincerely, Libra

Windows General

Erratic Mouse - can't control it!

Was this post helpful?