roving cursor

MargaretR · 12-05-2007, 10:14

I have a Dell laptop (which I use as a backup to my newer deasktop).
It is about 6 or 7 yrs old and uses WinME. The main reason for replacing it with a desktop was a 'roving/uncontrollable cursor' problem, which occurs frequently but intermittently. I have a USB mouse installed on it because I found the touchpad mouse cumbersome -could this be causing the problem? It happens even when the USB mouse is unplugged.
I would appreciate any suggestions for a cure.

I need a 'back up' pc that will work when my desktop has problems because internet access is my 'lifeline'

***Mr D*** · 12-05-2007, 11:18

I dont like the touchpad either on laptops.

Always find you catch it whilst typing, can you not dissabe it and use a plug in mouse only see if it is the touchpad?

MargaretR · 12-05-2007, 11:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by ***Mr D***

I dont like the touchpad either on laptops.

Always find you catch it whilst typing, can you not dissabe it and use a plug in mouse only see if it is the touchpad?

I will try that later today -thanks (will need to explore how its done

)

slinky · 12-05-2007, 11:28

I dont like the touchpad on my lappy either. I got myself a dinky mouse that lights up.....at night time it looks like I'm having a party in my livingroom

Not sure what the problem could be though.....if it just happened when your mouse was plugged in I would suggest

a) clean the mouse ball or window.

b) get a new mouse..... but you say it happens when it isn't plugged in??

MargaretR · 12-05-2007, 16:03

It may be a while before I can get back here with results - the cursor can't be put anywhere I want it to go, so cant open any windows whatsoever, in order to find out how to disable the mouse pad

***Mr D*** · 12-05-2007, 16:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by [email protected]

It may be a while before I can get back here with results - the cursor can't be put anywhere I want it to go, so cant open any windows whatsoever, in order to find out how to disable the mouse pad

Can you not use your keyboard to open the windows you need.

MargaretR · 12-05-2007, 16:32

Oh dear - stumped with this one - I know many people use keys instead of mouse for lots of things but I never learnt what was what. Those F keys have only pressed by me on the instruction of a pc doc during phone problem solving
I will wait for a time when the cursor behaves, which does happen now and again

***Mr D*** · 12-05-2007, 16:35

Use the Windows Key - Usually next to control and Alt.

And the the Arrow keys for direction.

The Tab key is also usefull.

I would suggest starting in control panel, Mouse see if it can be dissabled in there

MargaretR · 12-05-2007, 17:01

When I just tried pressing the windows button whilst the cursor was zooming all over the place, 4 windows opened all at once - none of which was useful. After 3 reboots I have got a working cursor again and have got up the window for 'Add/Remove programmes'. Here I have a choice between removing my mouse or removing my touchpad.
I am reluctant to remove touchpad because the System restore function long since ceased to function, and I only have one USB port which is needed for the broadband modem (not mouse) should I ever need web connection as a result of problems with my desktop pc.
So - I will uninstall mouse and report back.

slinky · 12-05-2007, 17:04

Yes Margaret try removing mouse first..... easier to install again if that isn't the problem.

MargaretR · 12-05-2007, 17:20

Mouse software removed = a cursor that is behaving itself.
I have tried using that 'Windows Button' --amazed - I suppose I could learn something about pcs every day - even something that is so basic that everybody else knew that but me

Thanks folks - my laptop back up pc will now function when I need it to - feel more secure - thanks for the help.