Attention IT experts!

**Blackbird** · 11th October 2008, 16:59

We have a problem with our desktop pooter that has got worse over the last few days. The mouse progressively gets worse in controlling the pointer movement the longer the PC is operating for, with erratic movements and sometimes jumping back a whole screen when connected to the net. It's a PS2 mouse and I initially suspected a broken wire or something similar. however, I stuck on a spare mouse and got the same result. I'm now inclined to think that it's a problem with the PS2 port on the PC. Just looking from the back without opening it up, the port seems to be part of a card which has other functions on it too. If that is the case, I'm wondering whether it would be cheaper/easier to buy a PS2/USB adapter as I have USB ports for Africa rather than replace a card with the PS2 port on it. Any comments or anyone experienced similar problems?

Cheers in advance,

Geoff

**James Deuce** · 11th October 2008, 17:03

Buy a USB mouse. You can easily find one for less than $20.

In fact, PM me your address and I'll post you one tomorrow.

**FJRider** · 11th October 2008, 17:08

Maybe the surface you are running the mouse over...???

**fliplid** · 11th October 2008, 17:08

from non-techi, might just be a build up of crud on the rollers in the mouse. take ball outta the mouse and clean off the crud- fluff and other stuff kinda build up. tweesers seem to work reasonably well...
let's see where this goes eh?

**Blackbird** · 11th October 2008, 18:32

Originally Posted by James Deuce

Buy a USB mouse. You can easily find one for less than $20.

In fact, PM me your address and I'll post you one tomorrow.

Jim, you're pure gold and thanks so much - I owe you! Seeing you're FRIEND status, you should be able to see my new address on my personal page.

Thanks too for the other helpful posts. In the face of such willing assistance, I will not spare my blushes and come totally clean. The phrase "spare mouse" should have been more accurately described as "new PS2 mouse" which I purchased in Thames a few days ago as I was certain that the mouse was at fault as it was so old and cruddy. So much for certainty, blush..... At least I can foist my new Genius optical mouse onto Mrs B for her laptop, not that she normally uses one.

Sigh....

**Gremlin** · 12th October 2008, 01:48

just an fyi (as jim seems to have you sorted)

You can convert a usb mouse to ps2, but afaik, you can't convert a ps2 mouse to usb

**Trumpess** · 12th October 2008, 08:32

I have the same problem too. But not as technical as your mouse Blackbird.
I have a Microsoft Basic Optical mouse that plugs into my USB port, and it has a mind of its own. This is on my laptop not my PC.
It has always done this ever since purchase, and I thought it was down to some technical info that wasnt box checked somewhere properly.
So is it the mouse??

**Blackbird** · 12th October 2008, 09:12

Originally Posted by Trumpess

I have the same problem too. But not as technical as your mouse Blackbird.
I have a Microsoft Basic Optical mouse that plugs into my USB port, and it has a mind of its own. This is on my laptop not my PC.
It has always done this ever since purchase, and I thought it was down to some technical info that wasnt box checked somewhere properly.
So is it the mouse??

I had a similar problem on a previous PC. Not quite a mind of its own but super sensitive to any movement. Easily fixed in this instance, went to Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options and pushed the slider to the Slow end of the scale.

Good luck anyway!

**TerminalAddict** · 12th October 2008, 09:48

logitech g5 or g9 .. and no more problems ever in the mouse department !!!

**YellowDog** · 12th October 2008, 10:05

Mate, it's a hair!

Just take the roller cover off and pick out all of the grime, dirt and hairs from the ball and the rollers. Clean the ball with washing up liquid and it will be like new.

BTW: Most mice don't have roller balls and instead use an optical infra-Red eye. This avoids the problems you are having and also means that you don't need a mouse mat. A new mouse will be very cheap and save you a lot of frustration. USB or PS/2 doesn't really matter. Over 90% of them are now USB and it will mean you will be able to use it in the future.

**Lurch** · 12th October 2008, 14:04

Originally Posted by Trumpess

I have the same problem too. But not as technical as your mouse Blackbird.
I have a Microsoft Basic Optical mouse that plugs into my USB port, and it has a mind of its own. This is on my laptop not my PC.
It has always done this ever since purchase, and I thought it was down to some technical info that wasnt box checked somewhere properly.
So is it the mouse??

The problem with optical mice is that they require a non reflective surface. Ditch your mousepad (if you use one) and make sure the desk surface you are using it on isn't glossy. To prove the point try the mouse on a plain piece of printer paper and see if it is better.

**Trumpess** · 12th October 2008, 21:03

Originally Posted by Blackbird

I had a similar problem on a previous PC. Not quite a mind of its own but super sensitive to any movement. Easily fixed in this instance, went to Control Panel > Mouse > Pointer Options and pushed the slider to the Slow end of the scale.

Good luck anyway!

Thanks Blackbird.
Going there now to check it out
Cheers

P.S ... hope you get yours sorted.
It can be very annoying