I keep losing my cursor. Do I need a new mouse?

[CTyankee]

Since I'm ignorant when it comes to computers, I just shut down and restart, but that's a pain when I'm writing. Help!

[oregonjen]

1. Replace the battery in your mouse?

I don’t know, thought I would mention it just in case.

[CTyankee]

2. Oh, it has a battery?

OK I'll look into that. Sorry to bother anybody...

[oregonjen]

4. Not an annoying question at all!

Hope that suggestion helps.

[KarenS]

3. that's what I think,,,, n/t

[LuckyCharms]

5. If it is wireless:

Change the batteries in the mouse and also make sure that little receiver for the mouse that you plug into the USB port is seated..

If it is the kind with the ball in it (not sure if they still make those), make sure it is moving freely, maybe clean it off with some rubbing alcohol.

[CTyankee]

8. tbh, I'm not sure how to get the back open to change the battery or batteries and I'm scared of

screwing it all up. I have just put in a call to our computer person. He's coming to our house on Wednesday to help me format a little art slide show. Maybe he'll get back to me and tell me what to do.

Thanks for telling me this!

[LuckyCharms]

13. I might be able to help you if you can post a pic of the bottom of the mouse.

And don't feel bad...some of them are hard to figure out!

Does it look something like this?

[LunaSea]

6. If a restart makes it function again

it's probably not the battery.

Wired or wireless mouse?
If wired, try a different usb port.
If wireless, check your bluetooth settings and perhaps try
disconnecting any other bluetooth devices if you are using any.

[LuckyCharms]

7. One other thing if it is wireless...

there might be a little on/off switch in the bottom of the mouse. Sometimes that kind of gets stuck between on and off. Make sure that is firmly set to "on".

[CTyankee]

9. Just did that. We'll see if that works.

[Rhiannon12866]

18. Good point, I've run into that issue.

I finally had to get a new mouse when the one I had kept getting "stuck."

[ultralite001]

10. Update the mouse driver...

or use a different USB port... (if it's a USB mouse)...

That is all...

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

11. You might.

I've learned over the years that mouses can die and need to be replaced.

Actually, just go outside and find some 15 year old. They'll help you.

[highplainsdem]

14. LOL! Love the advice to just find a kid to help.

Too true, too often.

[CTyankee]

15. My computer guy is a very young looking guy (he's 28) who works in the IT department at a

local college (not Yale). He's used to old farts like me since some of the professors are in my age group, i.e. late 70s (ahem, I am 82). So he's perfect! He's working with me on a slide show presentation I am preparing for a family gathering with background music (by Rutter) "For the beauty of the earth." It is going to be beautiful. I hope to be able to somehow get it to DUers when it is ready. He'll know how I can post it here.

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

16. Gotcha!

I'm 73, and even though I was a very early computer user -- in January 1969 I went to work for the very second airline to get a computerized reservation system -- the technology has of course outpaced me. I am very appreciative that whenever I go into a technology store needing help, the young people there always treat me well and I never ever see them rolling their eyes at me. I suppose it helps that they all have parents and grandparents who need help.

[bucolic_frolic]

12. If the mouse has a cord, unplug it and then plug it in again.

Sometimes my drivers need a reminder.

[lastlib]

17. Just go into the Control Panel (or whatever they call it now), Mouse settings....

...and replace the cursor.

[nuxvomica]

19. If the cursor disappears and returns at times

And the mouse is wireless, it could be a "line-of-sight" problem between the mouse and the little dongle that plugs into the usb port because something is blocking the signal. The cause can be some seemingly benign change in the environment like putting a flower vase that sits between the mouse and the dongle on your desk .