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Computer problem - maybe mouse related

Posted: 2004-03-10 04:43am
by Shinova
I move my mouse across the screen. Periodically, at irregular intervals, the cursor hangs mid-way, then skips over to where the cursor is supposed to be.

Winamp or video files play fine though, so I'm wondering if this is just a problem with my mouse and I need to get a new one or so. And as I'm typing this message, there doesn't seem to be any gaps or hangups like my mouse does.

Does this mean all I have to do is replace my mouse (which is at least 3 years old, admittedly) or is it a more serious problem?

Re: Computer problem - maybe mouse related

Posted: 2004-03-10 05:05am
by Comosicus
Shinova wrote:I move my mouse across the screen. Periodically, at irregular intervals, the cursor hangs mid-way, then skips over to where the cursor is supposed to be.

Winamp or video files play fine though, so I'm wondering if this is just a problem with my mouse and I need to get a new one or so. And as I'm typing this message, there doesn't seem to be any gaps or hangups like my mouse does.

Does this mean all I have to do is replace my mouse (which is at least 3 years old, admittedly) or is it a more serious problem?
If it's a ball mouse it may require cleaning. Remove the ball and clean the two thin cilinders that catch the movement. Or you could remove the entire cover and do a better cleaning.

If it's an optical mouse maybe you need a new one.

Try another mouse if you can and see if the things go the same.

Posted: 2004-03-10 10:44am
by Coaan
If it's optical, did you have to install any drivers for it to work?

If not, did it need drivers anyway?

I've had a few mice that have done this before....it may be the ball if it's not optical...but more than likely, it's a fault with the software rather than your mouse.

Posted: 2004-03-10 02:12pm
by Shinova
It's wired and optical. And no, it never needed drivers in the first place. Just plug it in and it goes.


Just so you know, my mouse has completely died now. You don't fully realize how important a mouse is until you try to surf the net with only a keyboard. ^_^


Anyway, it looks like I'll have to get a new mouse. Everything else seems okay.


And the problem first started occurring from out of nowhere. It was working fine, and then it suddenly starts lagging, while everything else still worked fine. So I'm pretty sure it's the problem with the mouse itself (it was getting pretty old anyway).

Posted: 2004-03-10 02:42pm
by phongn
As I posted on SB, Microsoft may send you out a free replacement (I can't recall their warranty terms, it varies depending on the model). The wiring probably came loose at the top of the mouse, so if you know someone who can take a look at it that might save you some time.

Posted: 2004-03-10 04:38pm
by Shinova
I was actually thinking of buying a better one anyway. It was getting old enough as it is.


The best ones available to me right now are the MX 700, or the Bluetooth (also by Microsoft).

Or is there another one you would recommend?

Posted: 2004-03-10 06:12pm
by Companion Cube
Argh, I know your pain. My old mouse died on me, then the free replacement died as well. The present one is holding up fine, however. :)

Posted: 2004-03-10 06:52pm
by phongn
The MX700 is probably the best wireless mouse you can find, but Microsoft has their 'tilt-wheel' thing that some may like.

Posted: 2004-03-10 08:10pm
by Tribun
Pah, wireless and optical. That's only needless tech-nicknack for me.

I still use Logitech cable mouses with normal innards.

Posted: 2004-03-12 07:13pm
by Vertigo1
phongn wrote:As I posted on SB, Microsoft may send you out a free replacement (I can't recall their warranty terms, it varies depending on the model). The wiring probably came loose at the top of the mouse, so if you know someone who can take a look at it that might save you some time.
Actually, his may be one of the MS mice that had the bent ribbon cable inside the case. (I'm talking a 90 degree bend here. Anyone that can wire worth a damn knows thats a BAD idea for thin cabling like that.) They've long since fixed that.

Posted: 2004-03-12 07:48pm
by salm
Tribun wrote:Pah, wireless and optical. That's only needless tech-nicknack for me.

I still use Logitech cable mouses with normal innards.
harr, mineĀ“s even got two mouse wheels. :)

Posted: 2004-03-12 07:51pm
by Shinova
Anyway I got a neato wireless microsoft mouse. It's got more sensitivity than my old mouse.


Anyway, I like my new mouse. :) Thanks anyway for all the input.

Posted: 2004-03-12 08:13pm
by Vertigo1
Shinova wrote:Anyway I got a neato wireless microsoft mouse. It's got more sensitivity than my old mouse.


Anyway, I like my new mouse. :) Thanks anyway for all the input.
Glad you like your mouse, but I'm gonna tell you right now it was a mistake. The Logitech MX700 has a rechargable base. :)

Posted: 2004-03-12 08:32pm
by Uraniun235
Feh, you people and your wireless mouses... :P

Posted: 2004-03-12 09:18pm
by Shinova
Vertigo1 wrote: Glad you like your mouse, but I'm gonna tell you right now it was a mistake. The Logitech MX700 has a rechargable base. :)
I have rechargebles, so I don't have to really worry about that.

Posted: 2004-03-12 09:24pm
by Einhander Sn0m4n
Tribun wrote:Pah, wireless and optical. That's only needless tech-nicknack for me.

I still use Logitech cable mouses with normal innards.
At least upgrade to an optical. Your accuracy in FPS games will jump up by AT LEAST a third!

Posted: 2004-03-14 03:13am
by Vertigo1
Shinova wrote:
Vertigo1 wrote: Glad you like your mouse, but I'm gonna tell you right now it was a mistake. The Logitech MX700 has a rechargable base. :)
I have rechargebles, so I don't have to really worry about that.
Keep some charged all the time because you'll be going through them every couple of days... (vs. two months with lithiums)