nb mouse pointer grew legs

[techslave]

dell nb, fresh xp home install.

mouse pointer travels on its own.

any clues?

tia

 

[rvnguy]

techslave,

Too little information; mouse type mfg and the like.

I will take a WAG at it anyway.

I would guess this is an optical/laser mouse.

If correct, look at the surface that you are using the mouse over.
They do not like red(or variants) at all I think green is also bad.
Reflective surfaces the more mirror like the worse the problem.
Light colors (white or light gray) also can cause havoc.
Many pads have a plastic overlay also not particularly favorable.
Try a dark, matte surface of a fabric of some type.

And if I guessed wrong please post back and let me know what you have.

Hope This Helps


rvnguy
"I know everything..I just can't remember it all

 

[BadBigBen]

the mouse may just be dirty or damaged, either clean the mouse or get another...

Ben

"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."

 

[jimp56]

latitude c-series? if so this is a common problem with the trackpoint in the center of the keyboard (and/or the touchpad).

sometimes you can remove the keyboard, move the trackpoint 360' a few times, flex the keyboard a little (sounds nuts but it works) and then remove the "pencil eraser" tip to the trackpoint and it will stop after re-assembly. most likely cause was that clearance between the lcd panel and "eraser" tip was not enough, and lcd presses on tip, causing malfunction in the trackpoint.

you can remove keyboard by loosening all screws marked "K" on the bottom, then gently prying up the plastic cover strip over the power button, pull the KB loose, and (gently)disconnect the ribbon cable. there is a small plastic catch that must be slid up a little to loosen the ribbon.

also, you can download the synaptics software and disable the trackpoint in the software, which gives the cursor back once at the login screen.

last, if still under warranty, have them replace the keyboard.

 

[jimp56]

also, when done with all of this (if you give it a try) -- be sure ALL screws on bottom are tightened (another lat C series problem)

to be honest, the synaptics touchpad software would be the easiest to try.

even if not a Lat C-series, if it has the trackpoint in the center of KB, then same rules apply.

 

[techslave]

nb is inspiron 4000.

i like the software solution.. TY