<p>Just have to share this. My computer mouse came inoperable without warning. Couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t move the curser any more…I could roll the little ball with my finger, but it just would roll properly on the mouse pad. I turned it upside down, took it apart–just twisted in the direction of the arrow–took out the little ball and saw a little wad of ‘stuff’ inside. I removed the ‘stuff’ with the tip of a pencil, put the mouse back together and now it works fine! The stuff looked like a wad of dog hair and blanket fuzz. Please tell me you’ve had a similar experience! I’m feeling a combination of pride and embarrasment. Proud I solved the problem all by myself and embarrased that my computer desk is apparently so grungy!! I know what you’re thinking…Get a life!</p>
<p>This is quite common with non-laser (i.e. trackball) mice. They get “gunky” from time to time.</p>
<p>That would be why I have had a wireless optical mouse for 3-4 years now ;)</p>
<p>No stupid ball to worry about and no cord to worry about :)</p>
<p>I’m embarrassed to say that given the same situation, I’m quickly at Staples to buy a new one. </p>
<p>I vaccuumed my keyboard on my laptop earlier this week, followed by spraying it the the high pressure “air” to get rid of all the imbedded cat hair. Thankfully, it’s a black keyboard, so I don’t get the full picture of how gross it probably is.</p>
<p>H bought some screen cleaner last week. I was amazed when I realized that the blurriness was not my old eyes, but pure disgusting gunk. Wow. I wonder what would happen if I actually mopped my kitchen floor???!!!</p>
<p>yep, have had the fun of cleaning that little booger out several times, then, voila, it’s like you have a brand new mouse. But yes, we have the wireless optical now, too. </p>
<p>Just curious, have any of you used the canned air to clean out a laptop? It was suggested to me that I should; I just don’t know where to spray it into?</p>
<p>You can spray the compressed air between the keys on the keyboard in in/around some of the ports. You may be surprised at what comes flying out of your keyboard…</p>
<p>Also, don’t forget to stick the little straw in or else it’s not as effective.</p>
<p>I know someone who was having a problem with his wireless optical mouse. He bought a new one. I asked if changing the batteries didn’t solve the problem. he said “there are batteries in a wireless mouse”? </p>
<p>Also, I recommend opening up the computer once in a while and using a delicate balance of vacuum and forced air to clean the insides. You’d be surprised what the fan can suck inside…</p>
<p>Trackball mouse hygiene:</p>
<p>As needed, remove the trackball and use some compressed air to blow out any debris from the inside of the mouse.</p>
<p>Examine your trackball and use a damp cloth or paper towel to remove any debris from the surface.</p>
<p>If you look inside the cavity holding the trackball, you will see some cylinder rollers which track the movement of the mouse. Frequently, these rollers will accumulate gunk from the surface of your mouse pad. Animal hair, dust, orange powder residue (Cheetoos anyone?) will be evident. Dampen a cotton swab in some window cleaner (squeezing out any excess fluid). Gently rub the cotton swab against the rollers to remove the gunk. Repeat as necessary.</p>
<p>Your mouse will thank you.</p>
<p>I’ve been self employed for years, which required me to work at one client’s place of business once a month or so. I personally can’t handle a cranky mouse and they had the world’s worst (I LOVE my wireless, rechargable optical - but back to story). I would regularly take it apart and clean out the lint for my own peace of mind. I would occasionally get the follow up call of amazement that the mouse thingy was working so much better!! </p>
<p>Really people - rechargable and wireless is the way to go. Your hand and arm will thank you.</p>
<p>michuncle- I do the exact same thing except I use alcohol instead of windex!</p>
<p>I’ve had an optical mouse for almost 2 years now (hooks into the computer using USB), but it got balky. So now I’ve gotten a wireless optical mouse this week. Only $20! </p>
<p>Probably should have gotten a rechargable one…</p>
<p>A wireless optical mouse for only $20? Where’d you get that? Usually the ones that cheap for for laptops.</p>
<p>They work just the same for laptops and desktops ;)</p>
<p>I like mine and I think my parents like theirs too. They were both cheap Logitech ones from WalMart and have lasted 9 months and 6 months. I think I’ve only changed the battery (AA) once or twice in that time too:)</p>