USB Wireless Mouse Stops Working

Question

I have a Dell XPS desktop PC with a Dell USB wireless mouse, running Windows 10. The receiver for the mouse is inserted in one of the four USB3 ports on the rear of the PC.

When I insert a USB3 memory stick in one of the front USB slots, the mouse stops working. When I "eject" the stick, mouse operation resumes.

I encountered this problem when copying files to a USB stick I use to update the navigation software and music on my automobile.

How can I figure out what's happening, and more importantly, how can I get the mouse to work in this situation?

DELL-Chris M · Answer

* Which specific XPS desktop model?* Test the USB 3.0 memory stick in the remaining three rear USB 3.0 ports. Does the same issue occur?* Then move the receiver to a front USB 3.0 port. Test the USB 3.0 memory stick on the front and rear USB 3.0 ports. Does the same issue occur?

ColinM_Campbell · Answer

My XPS is an 8700; the service tag is .

I tested the USB 3.0 memory stick in the rear ports, and in every case, the mouse pointer wouldn't move.

I moved the receiver to the right front 3.0 port, and inserted the memory stick in the front left. The mouse pointer wouldn't move.

Leaving the receiver in front, I tested the memory stick in all four of the rear ports. The mouse pointer moved. I could open another window, etc. In other words, everything worked as expected.

I would prefer to have the mouse receiver out of sight in the rear, but at least I know that I can switch it when I need to update this memory stick.

I read that rear USB 3.0 ports may have more bandwidth than front ports - could this explain why switching things around solves my problem? Even so, I don't understand why the mouse receiver needs to be in a front port when this stick is in the rear.

Thanks for your help!

DELL-Chris M · Answer

Odd issue. All of the USB 3.0 ports have the same bandwidth. You can try to let Intel update any chipset drivers, reboot and retest. Also consider getting an external $9.99 USB 3.0 hub to plug into the rear of the XPS and testing the receiver in it.

ColinM_Campbell · Answer

I did the Intel update process. It found one update for Wireless, so I installed it. Right this minute, I have the USB Mouse receiver plugged in a rear USB 3.0 port, and the USB 3.0 memory stick that was causing me problems plugged into a front port. The mouse is functioning properly!

Thanks for guiding me through this fix!

Windows General

USB Wireless Mouse Stops Working

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