floating and bouncing cursor

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Level 1

8 points

floating and bouncing cursor

We have made no changes in the last year to our mac or the mighty mouse, but today the cursor is bouncing or floating around the screen (doesn't seem to matter if it is showing as the arrow or the text editor). It is very difficult to control. Have tried cleaning (blowing on) the optical eye. No change. The mouse pad is not new either. Any ideas? Thanks for your help!

Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Apr 12, 2008 8:33 PM

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Answer 1

Apr 12, 2008 9:54 PM in response to finton

If you log out to go to the log in screen, does the mouse cursor still act erratically therre?

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Answer 2

finton Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 13, 2008 12:16 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Thanks for your reply. I logged out and then back in again. The cursor continued on its wayward course bouncing around the screen. Sometimes it seems as if it is drawn to the edges (sides or bottom), but I am not 100% sure of this.

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Answer 3

Apr 13, 2008 1:14 AM in response to finton

I was actually wondering if it was erratic when you are NOT logged into your normal account, such as on the login screen or in a different account.

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Answer 4

finton Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 13, 2008 1:35 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

I am sorry. Guess I wasn't clear in my answer. It does not seem to matter if I am on the log in screen or if I am logged into another account. The cursor is still erratic. When I did log into another account, it took 3 - 4 minutes before the cursor began floating, though it did float on the log in screen right away. In the second user, once it began the erratic behavior, it continued just as strong as it had for the original user. My hunch about the draw to the side or bottom of the screen remains.
Thanks for your patience.

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Answer 5

Apr 13, 2008 1:43 AM in response to finton

Since it seems to be system-wide, it may be the mouse itself. Take a look at the LED area really carefully for any dust or smudges. You wouldn't have another mouse to try, would you?

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Answer 6

finton Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 13, 2008 2:06 AM in response to Kenichi Watanabe

Nope. I think this is the only mouse we have. Will check tomorrow with the family to see if there is another one compatible with the Mac. I have checked the LED area and don't see anything. But this seems like it may be a place to explore since the trouble seems to be worse at sometimes and not as bad at others. Perhaps if I wait until daylight, I may have a better view. Will keep you posted. Thanks for your persistence.

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Answer 7

finton Author

Level 1

8 points

Apr 13, 2008 11:38 PM in response to finton

Spoke with Applecare today. They did some diagnostics (shut off, unplug power, restart, then remove mouse and re-pair it to computer) and decided that the mouse is bad. Guess I will have an interesting 5 - 10 business days until the new one arrives. Thanks for your help.

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Answer 8

Apr 14, 2008 1:19 AM in response to finton

If you have AppleCare, I guess they are sending you a free replacement. I had to get my Mighty Mouse replaced because the scroll ball got gunked up beyond the usual cleaning method.

Guess I will have an interesting 5 - 10 business days until the new one arrives.

You can use just about any USB mouse, so you should just get a cheap one at the local computer store to have as a spare. Or you can use Mouse Keys, which is turned on in System Preferences +Universal Access+ pane Mouse tab (use your keyboard numeric keypad in place of mouse).

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