Engage Optical Mouse Troubleshooting

This troubleshooting guide assumes that the user is using Windows (XP/Vista/7). Note that instructions may vary for Windows 8, Mac OS X, or Linux.

The "Start Menu" is a box on the bottom left of the user's screen that can be accessed by clicking the Windows or Start button.

The "Control Panel" is a window that links to many computer settings. It is usually accessed from the start menu. There should be a button on the right half of the start menu labelled "Control Panel". Alternatively, there may also be a button labelled "Devices and Printers" that is a shortcut for most mouse settings. Note that if you don't have a usable mouse, you can access the control panel by pressing Windows Key + R, typing "control" in the dialog box that opens, and pressing Enter or the "Ok" button.

A broken mouse can be a uniquely difficult challenge. If you don’t have a backup mouse that works, navigating the computer can be tricky. Fortunately, if your keyboard still works, you can still do almost everything you could do with a mouse. This article explains how you can do many actions without using a mouse, but here’s a brief list:

• TAB: Allows you to move between various selectable items in your current program (switches between links on a webpage, for example). Note that SHIFT + TAB behaves the same way, but moves your selection in the opposite direction.
• ARROWS and ENTER: When using the menu at the top of a program (File, Edit, Help, etc.), you can use the ARROW keys to select which menu item you want to use, then hit ENTER to use it.
• ALT + TAB: Switches between programs that are running.
• ENTER: Generally can be used to Left-Click the mouse.
• SHIFT + F10: Can be used to Right-Click the mouse.
• WINDOWS KEY or CTRL + ESC: Opens the Windows Start Menu.
• ALT + F4: Closes the current program.
• WINDOWS KEY + R: Allows launching various programs. Type "control" and hit ENTER to launch the Control Panel.

When the computer is on, there is no light coming from the bottom of your mouse.

In the event of the mouse cursor not responding, make sure that your USB is connected to a usable USB port. Verify that the only mouse that is plugged into the computer is the one you are working with.

You’ve verified that the mouse is on (for optical mice, there is a light on the bottom), but moving your physical mouse doesn’t move the cursor on your screen.

The mouse might be unresponsive because you have it on a clear or shiny surface. The mouse needs a surface that is able to reflect the outgoing beam from the LED back up to the sensor in the mouse. Textured surfaces are better, because they allow the mouse to recognize movement easier. Choose a mouse pad that is not shiny or transparent. You can temporarily use paper or a folder of some type to place underneath the mouse.

If the bottom of the mouse is unclean, dirt can interfere with the sensor. Use a moist towel or wipe to clean off the bottom, so the light has a clear path back to the sensor.

Your mouse settings may be disarranged in some way. To fix this, go to your control panel (Start Menu or Windows Key -> Control Panel). Next, go to “Hardware and Sound” and look under “Devices and Printers” (note that “Devices and Printers” may be directly accessible from the computer’s Start Menu). Select the “Mouse” option. The settings will then pop up on your screen. Select “Default” and then exit out. This resets your mouse settings to the normal settings. If this does not work, then try restarting your computer. Unplug, then replug your mouse back into your computer after the restart process has finished.

During normal use, the mouse occasionally behaves irradically.

The mouse might be unresponsive because you have it on a clear or shiny surface. The mouse needs a surface that is able to reflect the outgoing beam from the LED back up to the sensor in the mouse. Textured surfaces are better, because they allow the mouse to recognize movement easier. Choose a mouse pad that is not shiny or transparent. You can temporarily use paper or a folder of some type to place underneath the mouse.

If the bottom of the mouse is unclean, dirt can interfere with the sensor. Use a moist towel or wipe to clean off the bottom, so the light has a clear path back to the sensor.

You can click the mouse buttons, but nothing happens on the computer; OR, you are unable to click the mouse buttons.

Ensure that there’s nothing blocking the buttons. Paper, crumbs, or food may be resisting the buttons or making them unable to properly click. Try blowing underneath the buttons, or use something small (like a paperclip) to remove larger obstructions. If you are unable to easily remove the obstruction, disassembling the mouse may be a viable option to check for any hidden blockages.

Your mouse settings may be disarranged in some way. To fix this, go to your control panel (Start Menu or Windows Key -> Control Panel). Next, go to “Hardware and Sound” and look under “Devices and Printers” (note that “Devices and Printers” may be directly accessible from the computer’s Start Menu). Select the “Mouse” option. The settings will then pop up on your screen. Select “Default” and then exit out. This resets your mouse settings to the normal settings. If this does not work, then try restarting your computer. Unplug, then re-plug your mouse back into your computer after the restart process has finished.

If your mouse is old or has been in use for a while, the buttons may be worn down so much they are not effective. If so, you may be able to repair them by filing down the worn parts.

Any USB mouse cable is prone to damage if you trip on it, close it in a door, or let your cat chew on it.

If part of the cable itself is damaged, you can cut out the broken portion and solder together the internal wires.

If the USB plug itself is damaged, you can cut off the plug and solder a new tip on.