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Failing wireless mouse


Q. I have a laptop and a Microsoft wireless mouse. Periodically, I will hear an audible tone, very much like the Device Connect / Disconnect sound you hear when you connect new hardware. When this happens the wireless mouse is totally inoperable. The only way to navigate is to use the touch pad. After some extended period, without notice, the mouse re-activates itself and is useful once again. I never get any system alerts or messages as to what is happening, but I suspect it’s not too good. Do you have any ideas or suggestions?

A. Whenever you connect or disconnect an external device via USB, you will hear the sound you are describing.

Since the mouse stops working when you hear this sound, it is a pretty sure bet that your computer thinks the wireless mouse has been disconnected.

The most likely culprit is going to be a loose connection, a faulty mouse, radio interference or a failing USB port.

Check to make sure the mouse base station is connected to your computer securely. If that isn’t the issue try connecting to another USB port.

If that doesn’t clear up the problem and you have access to another computer, try installing the mouse on that and see if the problem persists. If it does then you have a faulty mouse and need to explore getting it replaced either through the warranty or buying a new one if the warranty has expired.

Categories: Input Device
Jay Lee