[JustWeave]

My DSs computer is a having a problem I hope someone can help me fix. The curser will lock up. Sometimes all I do is turn on the computer and it freezes during start up. Other times it will freeze while I'm doing something. Shaking the mouse doesn't help. The only way to shut down the computer is to hit the button on the tower. I use windows XP. Be gentle with your answer as I am a computer idiot. Thanks.

[Bobbi]

First thing I would do is check the battery. It might need replacing.

Believe me, most mice - mouses ? - do have a battery. A symptom of one needing replacement is as you've described.

I have USB, wireless and laser precision: each has a battery.

Might want to try inserting a new one and see how the mouse, then, functions .

If not the battery, and if the mouse connects to computer via serial port or USB, double-check to make sure that the contact is solid/firm.

If not those things, I'd either run a "repair" or do a clean re-install of the mouse's software. It may be a corrupt driver.

That's the sequence I'd run through.

[JustWeave]

Bobbi- I opened up the mouse and it doesn't have a battery. While it was open I did try to very carefully get rid of some of the junk in there. I left some junk behind as I know electronics are very fickle. The connection to the tower is solid. For now things are fine but I couldn't do anything earlier this morning. How do I do a repair if things start acting up again? Thanks.

[who moi]

the first rule of thumb is always to see if it is virus/malware related. So run those first. If they come up clear, then it could be other issues such as driver issues, drive update issues and such.

Is your mouse connected remotely (via USB stick) and uses batteries?

Or is it hooked up to your tower directly(via a line) and has a purple looking connector (we call those scuddsy connections)

if it is done via a line and doesn't use batteries, then it might not be the mouse itself at all but other issues such as its own applications.

You can try to reload your driver by inserting your original cd that came with your computer, it should say "drivers and applications" and let it run, look to where it says "mouse and pointing devices" and then try to reintall the driver that way.

but before that, I'd try to update your driver first (if that IS the case)
you can do that by going to your "Start" scroll to "My computer" and right click. scroll down to "manage"

find "device manager" and double click on it (left click)

find, "mice and other pointing devices"

double click on that. Your mouse info should be there. If it tells you the device is working properly, you can leave it alone or click on "troubleshoot" and try that.

If that still doesn't solve your problem, at the same window, click on the "driver" tab. And select update drivers. This is where you'll need your drivers and applications CD. (this is what Bobbie suggested I just added more details. LOL)

But I would try other things first before you do that.

Also, when was the last time you cleaned your cache, defragged, and cleaned out your system?

and are you using your original "arrow" pointing cursor or have you downloaded one of those pretty cursors designed by someone else. If so, uninstall those.

[Jomar]

Did you get the other problem sorted out , from your other thread?
It's the same computer correct?

The problems could all be related as Moi suggests - virus or trojans, spyware etc.

here's a link with some anti virus & such -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread46995.html
and the useful sticky- plenty of free pgms listed -
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread4535.html

[JustWeave]

They are two different computers. Sorry about the confusion there. More info on other thread when I leave here. So far so good with the mouse problem. That could change in a heartbeat though.

[Bobbi]

If all is working, so far, with the mouse, I'd use some compressed air to blow out the rest of the stuff you saw in there. Dust/dirt can slow the performance.

For repair, go to the Start menu (it displays with the Windows icon - bottom, right side of the monitor). Opt for Help and Support and input the key term Repair.

I'm using my Vista right now, and can't recall if XP's option to repair is under Add/Remove Programs (in the Control Panel).