Tips for a sick mouse

Recently I have been experience strange problems with my mouse. My mouse was sick.

It is a Micro$oft Intellimouse Explorer 2.0.

It is an optical mouse connected via USB, or PS2(with an adapter).

The problem was that every now and then, the pointer would either lag (move slowly), or jump around the screen.

The first thing I did was to change the batteries. I figured it should be a simple no-brainer fix.

All was well for a little while, but then I noticed the problems again.

Thinking it might be a driver conflict, I reinstalled the drivers.

Same thing.

I started thinking about switching to a corded mouse.

But then the thought occurred to me, it is an optical mouse.

I cleaned off both lenses on the bottom of the mouse with a dry Q-tip, and the mouse was no longer sick. Use the cotton end for the emitter (big red lens) , break or cut the handle of the q-tip and use it, to clean the detector. (small black lens)

Apparently dust and other debris had accumulated there.

Moral of the story:

Never overlook the obvious.



Another tip, shake off your mouse pad before each computer session.
edit = clarity & title




[edit on 12/27/2006 by Mechanic 32]