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Computer Mouse Problems

Stephen Rampur
If you encounter common computer mouse problems, it is better to first troubleshoot them before purchasing a new one.
The computer mouse is a very essential part of the computer, as it helps the user in almost all functions that are required to be performed on the system. If you use it for a substantial period of time, you may come across some problems.
In case you are experiencing common problems, many people suggest to just throw away the old mouse and get a new one from the store.
Since the cost of buying a mouse is not too much, you may not even think of trying to troubleshoot the issues. However, commonly-faced problems can always be troubleshot instead of purchasing a new mouse. It should not happen that you get a new mouse, only to find out that dust was causing the problem in the old one.

Troubleshooting Computer Mouse Problems

If the mouse is not working at all, you first need to check the obvious causes for the problem. Locate the back of the CPU cabinet where the mouse is connected and check if it is properly connected into the USB port or the PS/2 connector.
You can even try to unplug the mouse and connect it back again to see whether it works. If you are using a USB mouse, you can check it by connecting to another USB port on the back of the CPU cabinet.
If the pointer of a ball mouse is not working in a smooth manner or hanging up at one place on the computer monitor; remove the base of the mouse, take the ball out, clean the dust and debris from the ball and also from the rollers, put the ball back again, and check if the mouse works.
If you are using an optical mouse, you are required to clean the optical eye located on the base of the device.
If the mouse is not working as it normally should, one of the causes can be a virus attack. A computer virus can also make the mouse to act in a disturbed manner. If this is the case, then you would require an antivirus software to detect the virus and delete it.
If all these steps do not seem to work, you need to pay attention to the device drivers. You can do a system restore to fix the device driver problem, or reinstall the drivers altogether. Other problems, like the pointer being too slow or fast, and double-click not working can be resolved from the mouse settings in the control panel.

Troubleshooting Wireless Computer Mouse Problems

If you are using a wireless mouse, the main problems can be related to the signal or the batteries dying out. In case a wireless mouse does not work, you need to check if the receiver is properly connected with the PS/2 or USB port.
If you are certain that the receiver is properly connected, you should then examine the batteries, which might be low. Change the batteries and then see whether the mouse functions as expected.
There can be times when a Bluetooth mouse gets disconnected from the computer after a considerable time of inactivity. In such a situation, you need to synchronize the connection with the PC again.
If none of these steps seem to work, then probably you are out of luck, and need to get a new mouse.