Optical mouse skips/ unrecognized

[vince809]

hi, i had my optical mouse for about 1 and a half years to 2 years and now the mouse is begining to not move for a moment..or it skips along the screen. Also sometimes...my mouse is being unrecognezed by windoxs xp then 10 seconds later.. it is recognized again...any1 know a solution? How do u clean an optical mouse? I know theres a way w/ a q-tip but dunno how its done. and i recently started leaving my comp on for days.. can that be a cause too?

**edit** oh , and I have a Microsoft Intelli mouse

[jong2k4]

Skipping optical mice usually has to do with the surface it is being used on. Did you recently change desks or repaint it or anything?

The only things that can be cleaned on an optical mouse are the diode and the lens. I wouldn't recommend using a q-tip, I would use a lens cleaning cloth, you can get them from camera shops. However, I have never heard of an optical mouse needing cleaning. If the mouse is always used on a clean surface and stored with the diode/lens facing down they should never get dirty.

Also check that you have correct drivers; I have never had a problem with native drivers going bad, but I suppose it could happen and would explain why your mouse is occasionally unrecognizable.

[icallmedan]

Additionally, make sure you wires are completely plugged in. The wire may constanly be pulled in and out of the PS/2 or USB plug, and therefore XP will think it is being removed and put back in.

[vince809]

thanks for the reply,

Nope...didnt change the surface, and have native drivers...the surface of the mouse is a mouse pad..I think the mouse is just getting worn out from 2 years of use..I think i should just get a new one for about $15-20.

[icallmedan]

If you have the money, and don't mind spending it for a new one. Go for it.