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The Kitchen Table

I have a jumpy mouse, need help!

17 years ago

My computer mouse (the curser) jumps around on the screen.

I know it is the mouse. When my old ball mouse did this, I knew I had to clean the ball and rollers.

This is one of those kinds with the red light under it and no ball. I don't remember what it is called, but does anyone know how to correct this problem?

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Comments (12)

glenda_al
17 years ago
restart your computer!
hayjud_mn
Original Author
17 years ago
I tried that and it didn't work.
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When I replaced my mouse a couple of years ago, I kept it simple and went with a MicroSoft optical mouse, full size, with tail (cord) - no batteries, no fuss. it has a scroll Wheel and one side button. I use the scroll wheel a lot; don't use the side button. I did not install the driver tht came with it, but used the generic driver that was already in Windows. that way, the side button does not work and I don't get bothered with accidentals clicks on it. Anytime I want to activate it, I'll install the driver. It has served me well. I've clicked the left button so often that the finish on the plastic has worn off. The optical sensor has no moving parts and rarely wears out. The wear out items are the button switches. The sensor on this mouse will work on my pant leg and many other surfaces. Optical mice works best on surfaces that have an even, finely spaced pattern. I am finding that the regular mouse pad made by Allsop works well. In the bag with my laptop, I have a minature version of an optical mouse. It works, but after many years using a full size mouse, I find it ackward and revert to the standard mouse (also stored in the bag).
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kris_zone6
17 years ago
Change the batteries.
hayjud_mn
Original Author
17 years ago
It doesn't have batteries. It is wired.
golfergrrl
17 years ago
1. blow or use canned air in the hole where the red light is. could be just a piece of fuzz caught.
2. try another surface. opticals don't like some mousepads, especiall light colored ones.
3. unplug and plug back in
4. could be a trojan, but doubt it.... scan your puter
5. set you cursor speed slower... in control panel...mouse
6. could be cpu usage is at 100% when mouse starts jumping..
Open Task Manager (right click the task bar and left click Task Manager) and to to the Performance tab.
When the mouse is sticky CPU could be running at 100% i.e. the PC is so busy it can't move the mouse so it feels jumpy.
If this is so click on the Processes tab and find the process using all the CPU time.
This should give you an idea of what program is causing the problems.
If the process name is obscure do a search for it on Google for what it relates to.
7. last resort... buy a new mouse.....lol.
golfergrrl
17 years ago
I meant to add that you could ask at the computer help forum. There are many knowledgable folks there.
hayjud_mn
Original Author
17 years ago
"Optical" that's it!

Thank you LindaKathy, I am keeping your directions.

My poor little mouse must have been over worked all it's life. I have always used it on a mouse pad and it's almost white.

I blew into the hole and I'm using the mouse on the desk surface instead. So far it seems to be under control.

Thank you all!
colleenoz
17 years ago
When my optical mouse gets idiosyncratic I always check the little hole where the red light comes out (note, don't look at it directly, look at it sideways). Usually there's a cat hair stuck in it :-)
lattefairy
17 years ago
That's what my optical mouse started doing before it stopped working. It would do crazy stuff like that. The area around the wheel would get kind of warm too.
phyllis__mn
17 years ago
It's probably time to get a new mouse.....or a cat,Judy!
hayjud_mn
Original Author
17 years ago
LOL
Phyllis, I think I'll settle for a mouse.
It must have had dust near the light. It's working fine now. I have had this mouse for a few years already and I often wondered if it ever needed any maintainence. You know me, I'm too tight to replace a mouse that is still working......

I'll keep in mind that the optical work better with a dark pad and I'll watch for one at a garage sale.
zeetera
17 years ago
ok, Phyllis gets the prize. I opened the thread to see who the smarty pants was who suggested that she get rid of the cat. Phyllis came close. LOL.

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