How to install a serial mouse

[SINND3R]

Hey, I bought a PS/2 to Serial converter since the PS/2 ports on my old mobo no longer function. How do I go about setting up the serial drivers? I have the COM1 port assigned an IRQ, and in Windows it says the COM1 port is working properly, but then why can't I move my mouse? I know that the mouse works because it will work on my other system's PS/2 port. I am embarassed that I am asking this because we just got done with the I/O device chapter in my A+ Certification class and I got a 94% on the test.

[edrod13]

If you have two com or serial ports make sure that they are both enabled in the BIOS and have different addresses. Once they are enabled in the bios, windows should load the driver automatically on boot up. If your board has two, it could be that at one point you disabled one to free up an IRQ and it so happens to be that you have the mouse on that one. Let us know. HTH

Edrod13

[SINND3R]

I believe I had them both enabled. The ports themselves were activated and had drivers installed by windows. However, it didn't recognize that the mouse was plugged into it. I'm not sure what to do.

[edrod13]

Do you get an error message at boot up stating that a mouse was not detected? If all else fails maybe you could use a USB/ PS/2 adapter that some mice use. Maybe that will work for you instead. HTH

Edrod13

[SINND3R]

Well, here's an overview of my situation.
I'm trying to get an AMD K6-2 550mhz on an Asus P5A Socket 7 going for my mom so they wont have to use my system (specs below). When I went to put it together, I found that the keyboard PS/2 port didn't work. Find I figured, I'll just use the PS/2 to USB adapter I have, and that did the trick. So everything was going cool, until one day the PS/2 MOUSE port decided to quit. I tried the same PS/2 to USB adapter that hte keyboard was using on the mouse (and the mouse on my computer as well) and neither of them worked. So, I bought a PS/2 to Serial adapter, that is where I stand right now.

As for error messages, I get none. Windows boots up with a mouse cursor in the middle of the screen, but none is detected in Device Manager.

[morriswindgate]

Not all PS2 Mice will work with a Serial Port converter, this includes optical mice. This is probably what is happening in your case. I suggest the USB route since most PS2 mice that will work as a serial do not allow for a lot of the latest features.

[mike breck]

I would also try picking up a dirt cheap serial mouse from your local PC shop.
That should work if the ports are working.

[SINND3R]

Alright, I'll try it out... however I have a PS/2 to USB adapter that works when I plug it into a keyboard using either USB ports, but works on none of the mice on any of my computers.

[glc]

I have NEVER gotten a PS/2 to serial adapter working with a mouse except if the mouse actually came with it. As already suggested, go buy a real serial mouse. We buy Logitech 2 button OEM serial mice for $48 for a box of 10, so you SHOULD be able to find a serial-only mouse for $10 or less.