6 Tricks to Tame a Troublesome Mouse

Misbehaving mice cause some of the most common — and frustrating — computer problems. Jerky screen movements, frozen pointers, and mice that won’t roll are all signs of a sick mouse. Try these tips to keep yours in top shape.

Clean it. As it rolls around, the mouse collects dirt that can gum up its smooth glide. How you clean the critter depends on what kind you have. Try these cleaning tips and check your mouse’s manual for more specific care instructions.

For roller ball mice, unscrew the cap covering the ball, then remove the ball, rinse it off, and let it air dry. Wipe the rollers inside the ball’s cage with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, and blow out the fuzz with a can of compressed air. Put the dry ball back in the mouse, screw the cap on, and hook it up to the computer again.

Optical mice are much lower maintenance — just clean the little feet on the underside with a soft, dry toothbrush. Don’t forget to wipe down the surface the mouse sits on.

Play it safe. Remember to turn your computer off before you unplug your mouse. Then, after cleaning it, hook the mouse back up and, finally, turn on your computer.

Check the connection. A loose hookup or a crushed cord can keep your mouse from communicating with the computer. Make sure the mouse is plugged into the correct port on your computer and that the connection is secure. Then look for kinks in the cord or places where it could be squeezed under a heavy object like the monitor. If the cord is damaged, you may need to buy a new mouse.

Shop for a better pad. Roller ball mice work best on a mousepad that has a little texture to it. A slick surface like a desk, or a too-smooth pad won’t give the ball enough traction to move properly. Tr y rolling the mouse on different surfaces to find out what works best.

Test for damage. Dropping your mouse can break the delicate parts inside it. Shake it gently. A rattling sound could mean a piece has broken. If that’s the case, you may have to buy another mouse.

Restart your computer. A stuck pointer could signal a computer freeze, or you may have plugged in your mouse while the computer was turned on. In either case, rebooting could provide the cure. See Dealing with disasters on page 165 for help doing this.

Reinstall the driver. Your computer could have a simple case of amnesia and may not recognize your mouse. To jog its memory, you’ll need to plug in the mouse and reinstall its driver — the software that came with the mouse. The driver is usually on a floppy disk or compact disc. Read Installation made easy on page 101 for tips on how to install this software.

Treat your computer mouse like a pet, not a pest, and it could become your best friend.