FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Computer glitch

butch | Posted in General Discussion on June 18, 2006 04:40am

I’m always amazed at the wisdom at this site..but this is a shot

into the dark as I have no idea what is going on.

So my question is, my cursor on my computer(the thingy you move

with your mouse) will move by its self when I’m on the computer.

It will be sitting still and I’ll go to click something and the

cursor as moved to the other side of the screen and I’ll have

to slide the mouse around so that I can locate it to move back

to where I need it. It happens only a few times in the course of

an hour or so.

So does anyone have any ideas as to what is happening?

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    jarhead | Jun 18, 2006 05:46pm | #1

                  Sounds like your mouse is hungry!! Searching for goodies.......

                            Semper Fi

  2. Sasquatch | Jun 18, 2006 05:51pm | #2

    Get a new mouse.  Most likely, it is sending signals as if it were moving.  The cursor on the screen just responds to that.  This most likely is a hardware failure of the mouse.  It is highly unlikely that the mouse software is defective, because when software is defective, the whole thing would likely not work.

     

    1. butch | Jun 18, 2006 06:04pm | #4

      Iv'e got another mouse so I'll trythat, I was thinking maybe I had a virusor trojan or sumpthin like that.thanks!

      1. User avater
        skip555 | Jun 18, 2006 06:10pm | #5

        try cleaning it http://www.fonerbooks.com/r_mouse.htm(assuming its not optical )

        1. butch | Jun 18, 2006 06:36pm | #7

          it is an optical....

  3. User avater
    Gunner | Jun 18, 2006 05:58pm | #3

      Your either hacked or have a virus. You might have a defective mouse. Heck they are cheap enough buy another one and see if it still happens.

     

     

    Rock the Tipi!

  4. User avater
    MarkH | Jun 18, 2006 06:19pm | #6

    Cat is playing with the mouse.

    Seriously, mine does that if the cord gets twisted and pulls the mouse.

  5. User avater
    IMERC | Jun 18, 2006 06:42pm | #8

    it's looking for another mouse....

    in knows there is a cat in the nieghborhood and is trying to hide...

    replace the insurbordinate little bugger...
    it's nurons are out of sync...

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  6. chile_head | Jun 18, 2006 06:57pm | #9

    Try changing the surface that the mouse sits on. For whatever reason (or because it has a red LED), my mouse just doesn't like working on my green desk. As long as I use it on top of the never-ending stack of paperwork, it's just fine, though.

  7. User avater
    IMERC | Jun 18, 2006 07:10pm | #10

    if it's the old style trak ball it'd full of trash...

    optical.. the reader is dirty...

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!

    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. butch | Jun 18, 2006 07:33pm | #11

      the reader is dirty..I resemble that remark......how do I clean a dirty reader? :-)

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Jun 18, 2006 07:58pm | #12

        take 'em to the showers...

        open it up and clean the opticale plates if you can...

        it you can't get to them...

        get a new one...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->

        Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

  8. User avater
    SamT | Jun 18, 2006 08:45pm | #13

    Optical mouse. Put a pad under it.

    Edit: Tollyaso

    SamT



    Edited 6/18/2006 1:46 pm by SamT

  9. BOBABEUI | Jun 19, 2006 01:00am | #14

    Butch,

    Is the PC your using a laptop, with an 'pensil eraser' style mouse? If it is, the mouse is starting to fail and needs to be replaced.

     

    1. butch | Jun 19, 2006 02:52am | #16

      You nailed the laptop...but what is a "pencil eraser" type mouse?

  10. BryanSayer | Jun 19, 2006 02:28am | #15

    This is unlikly, but do you have a logitec mouse with "smart jump" turned on?

    How about anything vibrating the table the mouse is sitting on?

    1. butch | Jun 19, 2006 02:54am | #17

      YOu guys are good...got a logitech mouse but what is smart jump?

      1. BryanSayer | Jun 19, 2006 06:50pm | #18

        Smart jump is a setting in the logitec software that has the cursor "jump" to the default box (the one with the attention) when a new window pops up. Open the logitec mouse software, look at the motion tab, and see if "smart move" is enabled. I doubt this is your problem though. For this to be the problem, something would have to be opening over where the cursor moves.I'd suspect either vibration or dirt, though virus/hack is a possibility.

        1. Jess | Jun 19, 2006 08:44pm | #19

          This is known as "mouse drift" and is quite common, especially in Dell laptops.....(Dude is it a Dell?!) No virus, just kinda annoying. I work in the business and it happens to me sometimes too...I run a Logitech trackball when in the office, and still see it from time to time.-Jess

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools

From building boxes and fitting face frames to installing doors and drawers, these techniques could be used for lots of cabinet projects.

Featured Video

Micro-Adjust Deck-Baluster Spacing for an Eye-Deceiving Layout

No math, no measuring—just a simple jig made from an elastic band is all you need to lay out a good-looking deck railing.

Related Stories

  • Guest Suite With a Garden House
  • Podcast Episode 688: Obstructed Ridge Vent, Buying Fixer-Uppers, and Flashing Ledgers
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Finding the Right Fixer-Upper
  • Keeping It Cottage-Sized

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data