Why does my mouse occasionally get mixed up? Could it be because I dropped it on the floor?

Question

It's a Microsoft IntelliPoint Optical Wheel Mouse. I've had it less than a year. It's always worked great, and still does most of the time, but lately it sometimes loses track of the cursor and will page up or down or across the screen. If I turn it over and gently shake it or place its wire in a different position, then it will start working right again. It's not a problem with the mousepad; I've experimented with several types of surfaces, and it works well on all of them, except for this occasional problem. It's been dropped on a linoleum floor a couple of times. Could that have damaged it in a way that would interfere with its usual smooth functioning - was something inside it knocked loose? If so, can you explain what it is, and what or whether anything can be done about it?

Answer 1

It could be from dropping it. The mouse could have an electronic component that sometimes has a bad connection because it is rattled out of place. Another problem which is more likely the explanation is that the wire has become worn out. This has happened to my mouse and I had to cut the wire and resolder it back in. What happens is that from moving it around so much, the wire bends a lot and wears out. Eventually it starts losing contact in certain positions because the wires are broken inside their insulation.

I dont know if you want to really solder it, so the good new is that those mice are really cheap these days (prob less than $20 from newegg.com ) So I would buy another if I were you.

Answer 2

You move the wire and it works?
I'd be thinking it's worn out and finished.
By the way, you don't need a pad for an optical mouse unless you are using it on a glass surface.

Answer 3

With optical mice you need to have a clean non shiney surface,,,,,
Try a plain white peice of paper and see if it helps,..
Lens could be dirty

Most mice jump because something will reflect the light and it "see's" it as the mouse being moved....

Give it a good blow and wipe, then try a few different mouse mats?

Answer 4

Sound like it may be damaged. I would replace it. Optical mice are fairly inexpensive.