computer mouse problem - help please

Silly mouse has gone all jerky - the cursor sometimes follows its movements and sometimes ignores it. Is this a fixable problem or just a sign that it's time for a new mouse? It's driving me crazy.

Is it an optical mouse with a red light? If so clean out the area where the light is mine was like yours and it was full of dust.

does the light stay on and glowing? our old mouse started to turn off it's light, the usual problem is a broken wire, the broken ends rub and sometimes pass current, and sometimes don't.
if the light stays on, a simple clean usually does the job for an optical.

If its a wireless mouse, it might need a new battery. Otherwise, what the others said...

Another possibility is that it's the old-fashioned mouse with a rubber coated ball and optical sensors driven by 2 small rollers placed at 90 degrees apart.

There should be a ring on the bottom of the mouse which can be turned to release the ball. Once the ball is removed, have a careful look at both rollers and you will probably find they are coated in sticky grunge/hair etc. Get a cotton bud and dip it into Iso-Propyl Alcohol or Meths and use the bud to clean both rollers. You may have to scrape off the final remnants with your finger nail.

Finally, give the ball a good clean as well if it shows any signs of dirt. In my experience, the ball usually stays clean, and only the rollers are dirty, but whatever, just make sure that both parts are clean.

Reassemble, and it should be good as new

Bang it on your desk! Works for me!

maggies mum;167040 wrote: Bang it on your desk! Works for me!

If you're REALLY pissed off with the cost of buying a new one, tie it to a tree branch by the cord so it dangles in the wind and use it for shooting practice

Haha! I would but I'm not a good shot, it doesn't help that I can't see out of my right eye! And I'm right handed! Might have to stick to my sledgehammer method!

GrantK;167036 wrote: Get a cotton bud and dip it into Iso-Propyl Alcohol or Meths and use the bud to clean both rollers. You may have to scrape off the final remnants with your finger nail.

Gin works well

Don't you be wasting gin! Good grief!

GBpeter;167046 wrote: Gin works well

So does whisky, I'm pleased to report . Thanks all.

maggies mum;167045 wrote: Might have to stick to my sledgehammer method!

eh what? you mexican?

the small rollers will pop out ok if your are careful and its much easier to clean