roving cursor
 

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'

Re: roving cursor
 

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?

Re: roving cursor
 

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

Re: roving cursor
 

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 :D

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??

Re: roving cursor
 

:mad: 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 :mad:

Re: roving cursor
 

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

Re: roving cursor
 

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

Re: roving cursor
 

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

Re: roving cursor
 

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.

Re: roving cursor
 

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

Re: roving cursor
 

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