How to Troubleshoot a Computer Mouse
It is frustrating when your computer's mouse stops working. There are ways to troubleshoot the problem. The problem could be with the mouse or the problem could lie with your computer. A computer's mouse should last for many years without any problems before you have to replace it with a new mouse.
Items needed:
- Cotton swab
- Alcohol
Instructions:
- Make sure that your mouse is not working. Check the connection to make sure that it hasn't gotten loose. Take the plug out and check the pins for damage. Replug the mouse and see if the mouse starts to work.
- Open the trackball to see if there is any built-up dust, fuzz or debris in the chamber. Use a cotton swab and alcohol to clean the area and remove any built-up dust, fuzz or debris. Check to see if the mouse starts working.
- Plug the mouse into another computer to check if it works with another computer. If it doesn't work, the mouse should be replaced with a new mouse.
- Reinstall the drivers, if the mouse worked in the other computer. Open the Control Panel and select the Device Driver tab. Uninstall any mouse devices that are listed. Plug the mouse into the computer and allow Windows to install the mouse drivers.
- Reboot the computer and check to see if the mouse works now. If the mouse still doesn't work after working in another computer, and after rebooting and reinstalling the mouse drivers there could be a problem with your motherboard and a technician should be consulted.