> > Computer problem: I have this little pointer on the screen that is controlled by a mouse. When I move the pointer, it comes to the line around the box whereon I want to click. It stops. I move back and take a run at it and the pointer jumps clear across. Coming back the other way it stops at the line again. Sometimes it takes several tries before I can stop it on the place I want to click.
> > Possible solutions:
> > 1. Pop the ball out and clean it up. (I tried that.)
> > 2. Clean or replace the mouse pad. (Tried those too.)

>
> Did you clean the rollers, too? Those little wheels that register the ball motion are what need cleaning in my mouse far more often than the ball itself. Usually does the trick, even if the restored smoothness only lasts another day.


I think I know what Howard is describing (the uncontrollable jumpiness problem), and usually the only solution is to: 1) check you've got the latest mouse drivers which aren't in conflict with anything new that you may have installed; and failing that: 2) the internal electrical mapping sensors may have worn out, so get a new mouse. You've already said that cleaning the mouse ball (and rollers?) of built-up grimy lint doesn't help, and replacing the mouse pad so that the ball doesn't continually "slip" doesn't seem to help, either. Occasionally I've even taken out the ball and washed it with soap and water to make it less slippery. There's one other thing you could attempt, which is try reducing the mouse cursor's "sensitivity" settings so that it requires deliberate movements, forcing the mouse to move more slowly oncreen. But I don't think this will really work -- you'll probably need to get a newer mouse or install new drivers for it. Mmpf.

Wolfspirit