Any computer experts around?

[karmakanic]

I have a computer which was working fine up until I decided to move it from the city out here to the farm. When I powered it up here at the farm, it booted up ok, then windows loaded, and then it came up with an error message "windows cannot detect a mouse installed". Of course a mouse was installed, so I checked the connections, then went and got another mouse, then opened the case and checked for loose connections, obviously broken wires, ect. Still getting the same message, and without a mouse it's kinda hard to do any troubleshooting in device manager. Anyone have any idea how to proceed from here, other then throwing it away?

TIA,
Dave Perry aka karmakanic

 

[Gary_in_Indiana]

Depending on what it is, I don't think I'd immediately go to the "throw it out" mode (unless, of course, you want to upgrade, anyhow). Simply put, it has to be either hardware or software (I know... DUH). You've eliminated the mouse and mouse software already. The only other software thing I can imagine might be Windows itself. Since I'm sure you have everything backed up completely, /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif you could try a reformat then reinstall Windows. If that doesn't get it done I'd be tempted to spend the ~$35 diagnostic fee and have a shop tell me what it is. Good luck.

 

[Wingnut]

not sure what you checked for under broken/loose wires ... but if you hgave tried several mice, then it's likely to be on the "inside.
I'm not sure which type of mouse connection you have ... but whichever'll have a cable running from the port to the motherboard. Make sure it's pushed down (seated) solidly.
It could ALSO be a firmware problem ... wherein your BIOS thinks it's looking for a different port than you're using ... when you boot up, go into the BIOS and check your settings.

and it always helps to squint and cross your fingers ... remember, thuis is magic .... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif

 

[Wingnut]

oops .... on re-reading your message ... the very first thing I'd do is suspect a BillyGates problem .... go to control panel, go to System Settings and then check to make sure your mouse is still being recognized (i.e. no X beside the mouse)

 

[rotr]

Sounds like the mouse driver is not being seen by the OS. Thus you cannot use the mouse.

Use the Alt and Ctl and tab keys (or if you have the Windows button on your keyboard) to move around the desktop and to use the Start menu.

Get into Control Panel and reinstall your mouse software. Then reboot. This should fix the problem.

Ron

 

[Hawkflyer]

<font color=blue>...then windows loaded...</font color=blue>Saw it right off, that's your main problem. Ever think about a Mac? By the way "Windows" is spelled "Windoze". /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gifAs you might guess my answer would be the one you suggested. But since you insist on keeping the thing... have you checked inside the mouse connections for bent or missing pins? This can cause exactally the problem you describe.

 

[rockyridgefarm]

When moving th PC there are three likely problems:

An interface, such as a card is out of alignment, remove each card and reinstall, making sure they've seated well.

The interface for the mouse is gone, try a serial mouse, if its a PS2, or PS2 if its serial

PC's are a lot like old refrigerators, they work great until moved, a multilayer pc board could have a hairline crack, where you'd never find it. Time to upgrade...

You might just need a new tractor, or implement

 

[karmakanic]

Thanks for the replies guys.

The son of a friend, whiz-kid computer geek type (who actually makes a living teaching folks to fix these things) looked at it and spend 45 min or so chasing his tail. Apparently something happened to the serial port. It has a serial port mouse, and no ps/2 port, so he suggested I get a ps/2 card and install it. I'll give that a try

Thanks again for the replies,
Dave

 

[JohnMiller3]

Use the other suggestions of using the keyboard to navigate...

I'd boot up in safe mode, go to the control panel, system properties, and "delete" the windows mouse references...

While you're there, look at the ports and see if the both serial ports are available, now delete them...

put the windows system into shutdown and turn off the machine.

Plug a serial mouse into the port, and if you have a p/s2 port plug a mouse also there...

You should be able to turn on the machine and windows will detect "new" hardware and set up the com ports and in turn the mouse should start working... (windows will automatically refresh/restamp it's vxd files)

It's highly unlikely any loose wires inside... sounds more like a Windows mouse system driver got corrupt/missing...

Good luck... /w3tcompact/icons/smile.gif