This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 8%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
With increasing frequency my optical mouse malfunctions. At first there are transient, short lived losses of power to the unit, i.e. the red light from the mouse fails and with this the ability to move the cursor on the screen. Spontaneously, the power and function of the mouse will return briefly only to be lost again. Eventually, however, the power loss seems to be permanent and will not return. The problem then can only be rectified by cutting power to the computer. When the system is restarted, the mouse functions normally for a variable, and it seems increasingly briefer, period of time at which point the process of the mouse function "dying" is frustratingly observed again. I have checked USB controller tabs and all seems well. I have looked for updates for my drivers and all is current. A solution to this problem would be much appreciated. Thanks
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
I have a Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical which must be at least 6 years old. I'm not sure how long a mouse should last. I am encountering the exact same symptoms. Initially, unpluggig and then re-plugging in the USB connection would restore functionality, but, increasingly, I have to reboot to regain mouse function.
Is the mouse just too old, and needs to be replaced? Any "experts" with advice on this??
On Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:59:49 +0000, TardisJDE wrote:
> Thanks for verifying what I suapected. I have already purchased a new wireless mouse, but I just wanted to investigate if there were any other solutions before I actually made the change. The new one wasn't very expensive, but I hate to give up 'old reliable'.
Worst case, if the new one and doesn't solve your problem, you can
reinstall the old one and look for another solution. Just keep the new
one to use as a replacement you will surely need not very far down the
line.
By the way, personally, I prefer wired mice, since they are less
expensive, don't need batteries, and have no disadvantage that a
wireless one solves.
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Ken Blake
Ken,
Thanks for verifying what I suapected. I have already purchased a new wireless mouse, but I just wanted to investigate if there were any other solutions before I actually made the change. The new one wasn't very expensive, but I hate to give up 'old reliable'.
On Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:59:49 +0000, TardisJDE wrote:
> I have a Microsoft Wheel Mouse Optical which must be at least 6 years old. I'm not sure how long a mouse should last. I am encountering the exact same symptoms. Initially, unpluggig and then re-plugging in the USB connection would restore functionality, but, increasingly, I have to reboot to regain mouse function.
>
> Is the mouse just too old, and needs to be replaced? Any "experts" with advice on this??
Yes, it's very likely that the mouse needs to be replaced. They are
not very expensive, so I would just do it.
Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP (Windows Desktop Experience) since 2003
Ken Blake
