Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

[newbie2000]

My computer, running WinXP Pro with 128 MB RAM, today has started acting very
strange. Although normally it has to be double-clicked to open a file or
folder, now it sometimes opens files/folders/e-mail with only one mouse
click, not two. However, it is very inconsistent, sometimes requiring two
clicks as normal, but sometimes requiring only one click.

Another symptom is that when a window is open, while browing the web, the
scroll bar on the right is very herky-jerky, but sometimes not - again being
inconsistent.

Both these problems occur pretty often - enough to be very annoying.

Another symptom is that it when I try to capture text by holding down the
mouse right-click button, it sometimes captures the text, but sometimes
refuses to, or will capture only a a small part of the text. This occurs on
web pages, but is even worse trying to capture text in this message I'm
typing right now.

Also, when I click and hold on the to blue line of a window, such as this
message I'm now typing, in order to move the non-maximized window, often
instead of moving the window it'll open it completely.

Also, when the cursor is placed at the edge of a non-maximized window to re-
size it, it often will not re-size it. If I try repeatedly, sooner or later
it will.

I use latest AVG AntiVirus and update it at least daily, and did an entire
system/computer scan, but am virus-free.

I ran spy bot search and destroy, anti adware, pest control tools, anti
spyware, anti rootkits, and also tried changing various mouse options but the
problem is still happening.

Can anyone please shed some light on what is happening, and a fix for it? Am
not very technical, so please be specific.

Thanks in advance, very much...

 

[Mart]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Please note that you've posted to a WinMe newsgroup - you ought to be
posting to one of the XP groups.

However, as all of the problems appear to be 'mouse' related, can you
substitute with another mouse? Cheap ps/2 replacements can be found at
Tesco's for as little as a couple of pounds or so.

Is the mouse a 'wireless' model? - i.e. does it use batteries?
Could be that the batteries are dying and need replacing - a common cause of
an erratic mouse.

Mart


"newbie2000" <u36034@uwe> wrote in message news:758a83d0ecb74@uwe...
> My computer, running WinXP Pro with 128 MB RAM, today has started acting
> very
> strange. Although normally it has to be double-clicked to open a file or
> folder, now it sometimes opens files/folders/e-mail with only one mouse
> click, not two. However, it is very inconsistent, sometimes requiring two
> clicks as normal, but sometimes requiring only one click.
>
> Another symptom is that when a window is open, while browing the web, the
> scroll bar on the right is very herky-jerky, but sometimes not - again
> being
> inconsistent.
>
> Both these problems occur pretty often - enough to be very annoying.
>
> Another symptom is that it when I try to capture text by holding down the
> mouse right-click button, it sometimes captures the text, but sometimes
> refuses to, or will capture only a a small part of the text. This occurs
> on
> web pages, but is even worse trying to capture text in this message I'm
> typing right now.
>
> Also, when I click and hold on the to blue line of a window, such as this
> message I'm now typing, in order to move the non-maximized window, often
> instead of moving the window it'll open it completely.
>
> Also, when the cursor is placed at the edge of a non-maximized window to
> re-
> size it, it often will not re-size it. If I try repeatedly, sooner or
> later
> it will.
>
> I use latest AVG AntiVirus and update it at least daily, and did an entire
> system/computer scan, but am virus-free.
>
> I ran spy bot search and destroy, anti adware, pest control tools, anti
> spyware, anti rootkits, and also tried changing various mouse options but
> the
> problem is still happening.
>
> Can anyone please shed some light on what is happening, and a fix for it?
> Am
> not very technical, so please be specific.
>
> Thanks in advance, very much...
>

 

[Joan Archer]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Or when the cat's chasing it <g>
Sorry Mart I couldn't help that one <g>
Joan

Mart wrote:
> Could be that the batteries are dying and need replacing - a common
> cause of an erratic mouse.
>
> Mart

 

[Mart]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

LOL

Mart


"Joan Archer" <archer_joan@NOSPAM.com> wrote in message
news:%23oCu8%23EzHHA.5376@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Or when the cat's chasing it <g>
> Sorry Mart I couldn't help that one <g>
> Joan
>
> Mart wrote:
>> Could be that the batteries are dying and need replacing - a common
>> cause of an erratic mouse.
>>
>> Mart
>
>

 

[Mike M]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Mart <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote:

> LOL

<G>

I'm currently also struggling with a wayward mouse (Microsoft Wheel Mouse
Optical) where the problem is that the wheel seems to have become what
might be thought of as frictionless. What I mean is that the slightest
movement of the mouse causes the wheel to scroll unless one holds it
static which in itself can cause further problems as I have the wheel
click set as a double click. I'm digging through s drawer of "bits"
trying to locate a spare. Ah, I've found a small laptop mouse which will
have to do for now.

Mike

 

[Mart]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Mike wrote :-

> I'm currently also struggling with a wayward mouse
> (Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical)

I've gradually been 'downsizing' my rodents, pensioning-off the older,
larger ones for smaller 'laptop' models. You don't realize how quickly you
can get used to the mini-mice until you have to revert back to an old
conventional one for some reason. Then, they're like pushing a brick around
your work top.

Mart


"Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
news:uJBGgsFzHHA.4928@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...
> Mart <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote:
>
>> LOL
>
> <G>
>
> I'm currently also struggling with a wayward mouse (Microsoft Wheel Mouse
> Optical) where the problem is that the wheel seems to have become what
> might be thought of as frictionless. What I mean is that the slightest
> movement of the mouse causes the wheel to scroll unless one holds it
> static which in itself can cause further problems as I have the wheel
> click set as a double click. I'm digging through s drawer of "bits"
> trying to locate a spare. Ah, I've found a small laptop mouse which will
> have to do for now.
>
> Mike

 

[Mike M]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Mart <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote:

> I've gradually been 'downsizing' my rodents, pensioning-off the older,
> larger ones for smaller 'laptop' models. You don't realize how
> quickly you can get used to the mini-mice until you have to revert
> back to an old conventional one for some reason. Then, they're like
> pushing a brick around your work top.

I also like the smaller laptop mice but they often have quite short tails
(leads) which is a constraint in my desktop setup so I have to use an
extension lead. The mouse I use with my laptop (which is due to return
this weekend after having been borrowed by a friend for the best part of
six months) is a small wireless mouse and I just love the freedom it gives
although I feel the way the shape of the receiver sticking out of the
laptop to be a bit of a weakness if one is moving the laptop around. A
problem I'm guessing might be avoided by using a bluetooth mouse with a BT
enabled laptop (which mine is not).
--
Mike

 

[Joan Archer]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

<g> It's surprising the trouble a mouse can cause <g>

You have the same type as me Mike, well all of us here in fact, never had
any problems with the wheel so far <g>
Joan


Mike M wrote:
>
> I'm currently also struggling with a wayward mouse (Microsoft Wheel
> Mouse Optical) where the problem is that the wheel seems to have
> become what might be thought of as frictionless. What I mean is that
> the slightest movement of the mouse causes the wheel to scroll unless
> one holds it static which in itself can cause further problems as I
> have the wheel click set as a double click. I'm digging through s
> drawer of "bits" trying to locate a spare. Ah, I've found a small
> laptop mouse which will have to do for now.
>
> Mike

 

[Ogg]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote..
> I've gradually been 'downsizing' my rodents, pensioning-off the older,
> larger ones for smaller 'laptop' models. You don't realize how quickly you
> can get used to the mini-mice until you have to revert back to an old
> conventional one for some reason. Then, they're like pushing a brick
> around your work top.

I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the little
mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that don't skimp on the
lead length.

 

[Mike M]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

> The key is to find mini-models that
> don't skimp on the lead length.

Spot on!
--
Mike M


Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:

> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
> don't skimp on the lead length.

 

[Heather]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead as
in metal or lead as in guide.

Having a blonde moment........lol.

HF
"Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>> The key is to find mini-models that
>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>
> Spot on! --
> Mike M
>
>
> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
>
>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
>> don't skimp on the lead length.

 

[Eric]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

I believe that would be as in cord, or tail. The thing sticking out of the
mouse which connects it to the PC.
You can avoid that issue with cordless mice, though I've seen other problems
with erratic behavior in cordless ones.
Some laptop mice now also have retractable cords, where the cord is stored
inside the mouse.
I've also had some erratic behavior with my optical mouse, which goes away
if I pick it up and put it back down.

"Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead as
> in metal or lead as in guide.
>
> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>
> HF
> "Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
> news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> The key is to find mini-models that
>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>
>> Spot on! --
>> Mike M
>>
>>
>> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
>>
>>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
>>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>
>

 

[Mart]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead pipe' - his
mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!

That 'blond' enough?

Mart


"Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead as
> in metal or lead as in guide.
>
> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>
> HF
> "Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
> news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>> The key is to find mini-models that
>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>
>> Spot on! --
>> Mike M
>>
>>
>> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
>>
>>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
>>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>
>

 

[Eric]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

If you're just looking for a definition, try the dictionary
(http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary).
Look up "lead", select [noun]. I believe that would be:
3 : an insulated electrical conductor connected to an electrical device

"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
news:uubuGDVzHHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead pipe' - his
> mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!
>
> That 'blond' enough?
>
> Mart
>
>
> "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead as
>> in metal or lead as in guide.
>>
>> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>>
>> HF

 

[Mart]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Not so sure, - my guess was more along the lines of the transitive [verb]
and apart from their minor misprint, option 1c seems appropriate :- "to
serve as a channel for <a pipe _leads_ water to the mouse>"

Mart


"Eric" <someone@microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:%237BoBLVzHHA.1484@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> If you're just looking for a definition, try the dictionary
> (http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary).
> Look up "lead", select [noun]. I believe that would be:
> 3 : an insulated electrical conductor connected to an electrical device
>
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> news:uubuGDVzHHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead pipe' - his
>> mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!
>>
>> That 'blond' enough?
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>> "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead as
>>> in metal or lead as in guide.
>>>
>>> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>>>
>>> HF
>
>

 

[Heather]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Yep, that is about "blonde" enough for this redhead. (G) Now I forget
what in heck I was asking about. Sigh.....

Mart, don't grow old. Mind you, the alternative is not so hot
either......LOL!!

Da Blonde

"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
news:uubuGDVzHHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead pipe' -
> his mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!
>
> That 'blond' enough?
>
> Mart
>
>
> "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead
>> as in metal or lead as in guide.
>>
>> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>>
>> HF
>> "Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
>> news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>> The key is to find mini-models that
>>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>>
>>> Spot on! --
>>> Mike M
>>>
>>>
>>> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
>>>
>>>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
>>>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
>>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>
>>
>
>

 

[webster72n]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Mart's got the right idea, no matter how 'blunt' (or is it 'blond' or
'blonde'?), the subject. All it takes is a little 'imagination'.
When it comes down to it, it all started with water, didn't it?
Who said, we weren't 'broad-minded'?

Harry.


"Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:%23ZhmKYWzHHA.3768@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Yep, that is about "blonde" enough for this redhead. (G) Now I forget
> what in heck I was asking about. Sigh.....
>
> Mart, don't grow old. Mind you, the alternative is not so hot
> either......LOL!!
>
> Da Blonde
>
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> news:uubuGDVzHHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> > My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead pipe' -
> > his mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!
> >
> > That 'blond' enough?
> >
> > Mart
> >
> >
> > "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> > news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> >> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead
> >> as in metal or lead as in guide.
> >>
> >> Having a blonde moment........lol.
> >>
> >> HF
> >> "Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
> >> news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
> >>>> The key is to find mini-models that
> >>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
> >>>
> >>> Spot on! --
> >>> Mike M
> >>>
> >>>
> >>> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
> >>>
> >>>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
> >>>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
> >>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>
>

 

[Mart]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Heather wrote :-

> Mart, don't grow old.

I don't 'do' old, Heather - well, apart from first thing of a morning.

Mart


"Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:%23ZhmKYWzHHA.3768@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
> Yep, that is about "blonde" enough for this redhead. (G) Now I forget
> what in heck I was asking about. Sigh.....
>
> Mart, don't grow old. Mind you, the alternative is not so hot
> either......LOL!!
>
> Da Blonde
>
> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
> news:uubuGDVzHHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead pipe' - his
>> mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!
>>
>> That 'blond' enough?
>>
>> Mart
>>
>>
>> "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>> news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that lead as
>>> in metal or lead as in guide.
>>>
>>> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>>>
>>> HF
>>> "Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
>>> news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>> The key is to find mini-models that
>>>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>>>
>>>> Spot on! --
>>>> Mike M
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
>>>>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
>>>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Heather]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Me either........but I am very definitely not a *morning person*.
However, my doctor (and Elayne) seem to delight in telling me I am OLD!!
It is all relative, to coin a bad pun.

Heather

"Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
news:u8xyB2XzHHA.4652@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
> Heather wrote :-
>
>> Mart, don't grow old.
>
> I don't 'do' old, Heather - well, apart from first thing of a morning.
>
> Mart
>
>
> "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
> news:%23ZhmKYWzHHA.3768@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>> Yep, that is about "blonde" enough for this redhead. (G) Now I
>> forget what in heck I was asking about. Sigh.....
>>
>> Mart, don't grow old. Mind you, the alternative is not so hot
>> either......LOL!!
>>
>> Da Blonde
>>
>> "Mart" <mart(NoSpam)@nospam.nospam> wrote in message
>> news:uubuGDVzHHA.4476@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...
>>> My guess is that Mike really means 'lead' (metal) as in 'lead
>>> pipe' - his mouse is so active that it needs to be water-cooled!
>>>
>>> That 'blond' enough?
>>>
>>> Mart
>>>
>>>
>>> "Heather" <figgyd@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
>>> news:uQ$8hBUzHHA.600@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...
>>>> Mild curiosity here.......what is "lead" length???? And is that
>>>> lead as in metal or lead as in guide.
>>>>
>>>> Having a blonde moment........lol.
>>>>
>>>> HF
>>>> "Mike M" <No_Spam@Corned_Beef.Only> wrote in message
>>>> news:OyfNuTQzHHA.1164@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>>>>>> The key is to find mini-models that
>>>>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>>>>
>>>>> Spot on! --
>>>>> Mike M
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>> Ogg <no-spam-wanted@at.all> wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> I concur! I thought I was the only one who had an appeal for the
>>>>>> little mice for regular use. The key is to find mini-models that
>>>>>> don't skimp on the lead length.
>>>>
>>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>
>

 

[Greegor]

Re: Sudden Abnormal mouse erratic behaviour

Do you have a "WinModem" or "SoftModem"?
Have you removed one without removing the DRIVERS?
Read up on what's wrong with them and their drivers.

Do you have other drivers loading your system down?
Driver loading can make a computer act like it has
the computer equivalent of ADHD in people.

Look up how to clean mouse balls.
(I find cleaning the rollers more of an issue.)
There are many explanations of this online.
Several refer to the half serious half humorous
IBM document from early 1980's on
How to Clean Mouse Balls.


On Jul 22, 2:20 pm, "Joan Archer" <archer_j...@NOSPAM.com> wrote:
> <g> It's surprising the trouble a mouse can cause <g>
>
> You have the same type as me Mike, well all of us here in fact, never had
> any problems with the wheel so far <g>
> Joan
>
>
>
> Mike M wrote:
>
> > I'm currently also struggling with a wayward mouse (Microsoft Wheel
> > Mouse Optical) where the problem is that the wheel seems to have
> > become what might be thought of as frictionless. What I mean is that
> > the slightest movement of the mouse causes the wheel to scroll unless
> > one holds it static which in itself can cause further problems as I
> > have the wheel click set as a double click. I'm digging through s
> > drawer of "bits" trying to locate a spare. Ah, I've found a small
> > laptop mouse which will have to do for now.
>
> > Mike- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -