Mouse scroll ball

This has happened to me several times. [Cleaning according to these instructions|http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1537] always works.

First unplug the mouse! Next, get a damp cloth (not soaked), and turn the mouse upside down (ball facing the floor). Rub the ball with the damp cloth until you think it's cleaned enough. Go over again with dry cloth. Done, and done. 🙂

XNAV

Good link. And it comes with a little movie too!

Cleaning didn't work for me. Still only scrolls one way.
I have AppleCare. I'm going to get a new one thru them.
Dale

I have a Mighty Mouse (5 months old) that exhibits the same problem - cannot scroll down using the scroll roller ball. Cleaning the mouse with a lint free cloth following the directions above did not work. I am concerned about applying a damp cloth to the roller ball. Don't see how that can help.

Just use a damp paper towel or even tissue. The slight dampness really helps out in my experience. Again, don't forget to flip the mouse over, and unplug the mouse.

The scroll ball is surrounded by tiny magnetic rollers that collect dust and oil from your skin. Honestly, the only way I got to be "like new" was to actually remove the bottom ring and take the thing apart. All you need are small fingers, a small philips screw driver, a tube of superglue, and a tiny bit of elbow grease. Just some good old fashion reverse engineering. But if you have Apple Care, try that first. They may give you a break and save you a 1/2 hour. Unfortunately, if you do remove the ring, it does not just snap back in. You will have to superglue it back on but not too much is needed.

Thanks for the response. I used a damp paper towel as you suggested and it still does not work. I called Apple support and they offered to send me a replacement mouse. However, since this issue is pretty annoying, I will take the mouse to my nearest Apple store (15 minutes away) and have it replaced.

It seems to me that quite a few people are having this problem (mouse not scrolling down). If this is not a hardware problem and is merely a dirty mouse, then Apple should have a more reliable way to clean the mouse.

Update... I went to the Apple Store this morning. They cleaned the scroller ball with an alcohol pad. It now works as new. The tech person said to use alcohol instead of moist paper towel as it cleans better.

Hi all!

I might have the solution.
Be brave and the only tools you need to have are: a small standard multi-bit screw driver and a scalpel.

Then visit this site: http://www.mightymouserepair.com

Update:

Check if the mighty mouse model is the same of the one in the pictures in that web site!!! The procedure mentioned in that URL only works with that models!

Message was edited by: Coyas