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dougr

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Non-linear Mouse Operation

I have a strange problem with my mouse.  I noticed that the sensitivity going up the screen is less than 10% of the sensitivity going down the screen or left/right.  To be specific - to move the mouse pointer from top to bottom of my screen, or from one side to the other takes about 2" of movement on my mouse pad.  However if I move 2" in a VERTICAL direction on my mouse pad the mouse pointer moves only 1/4" to 1/2" on my screen.

Why this reduced sensitivity in the vertical direction.  I am assuming it is a software problem because I substituted another mouse and got the same effect.

I am running on Windows 98.  I am using a Microsft serial mouse with the Microsoft Standard Serial Mouse Driver dated 5-6-1998.

dougr
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dougr

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To: Jason_Shulenberger

I appreciate your answer, but my mouse seems NOT to have anything that looks like an LED near the rollers.  Also the second mouse I tried is a cheap generic non-microsoft mouse and it behaves the same way.  They both seemed to work fine on another machine.  Maybe I just got unlucky and hit 2 simutaneous identical defects.

Anyone other ideas before I go out and purchase a new mouse.

Note: On another machine I recently installed a LogiTech Optical Trackball and I am very happy with it.
Borrow a mouse, or buy the $2 variety. If it works you will know the answer. Open the mouse and turn the little wheels by hand. If that works, degrease the mouse ball, or find a better pad.
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ASKER

Thanks for your suggestions - I haven't fixed it yet, but I have not tried everything either.

dougr
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To: Jason_Shulenberger

You gave me some constructive suggestions and spent some of your time.  For these reasons I thought it would be nice to give you some points.

I did not feel that it was fair to rate your answer as "incorrect" since I have not had time to test it completely.

Thanks for the help.

Just for your information, I quite like the Logitech TrackMan Marble (too bad about the sexist name!).  It is based on Optical Tracking rather than friction and is easier to maintain.  I have had shoulder problems which my physiotherapist traced to using a mouse for 12 to 16 hours a day. I find that the thumb operated trackball can be held in any position (including my lap) and puts far less stress on my shoulder as I am not restricted to holding my arm in a rigid position all day.

I am curious if anyone else has had this experience.

dougr
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ComTech

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