How to troubleshoot issues that you may experience when you use a Microsoft pointing device

This article describes how to troubleshoot issues that you may experience when you use the Microsoft pointing devices that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

Use the following methods in the order that they are presented. After you use one of the methods below, determine whether the issue is resolved. If the issue is not resolved, use the next method.

Note Because there are several versions of Microsoft Windows, the following steps may be different on your computer. If they are, see your product documentation to complete these steps.

Verify the version of the operating system

The Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer USB requires Microsoft Windows 98 or a later version of Windows. Microsoft Windows 95 OSR2 and earlier and Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 are incompatible with the Wireless IntelliMouse USB.

The Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer Bluetooth requires Microsoft Windows XP with Service Pack 1 (SP1) or a later version of Windows.

The Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 2.0 and the Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0 require Windows XP with SP1 or a later version or Microsoft Windows 2000 with the latest service pack installed.

Note Check the system requirements for the Microsoft pointing device that you are using to determine the required operating system.

To confirm the version of the operating system that you are using, use one of the following methods.

Windows Vista

1. Click the Start button, click Control Panel click System Maintenance, and then click Welcome Center.
2. Note the version of the operating system that you are using.

Microsoft Windows XP and earlier versions

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click System.
3. On the General tab, note the version of the operating system that you are using.

Connect the receiver or Bluetooth transceiver directly to a USB port

If the wireless mouse receiver is connected to a PS/2 port (this does not apply to Bluetooth) on the computer, or if the mouse receiver/transceiver is connected to a USB hub, disconnect the receiver or transceiver. Then, connect the mouse directly to a USB port on the computer.

Verify that the USB is configured correctly

Windows Vista

To resolve this issue, follow the steps in the appropriate section.

The computer is connected to the Internet

View the "Troubleshoot USB device problems" topic on the following Windows Online Help and Support Web site:

The computer is not connected to the Internet

View the "Troubleshoot USB device problems" topic in Windows Help and Support on the computer's hard disk by following these steps:

1. Click Start, and then click Help and Support.
2. In the Search Help box or in the Search online Help box, type Troubleshoot USB device problems, and then click Search Help.
3. In the list of topics, click Troubleshoot USB device problems.
4. Click the link that best describes the problem that you are experiencing.
5. Follow the suggestions to troubleshoot the problem that you are experiencing.

Windows XP and Windows 2000

Verify that the Hidclass.sys, Hidparse.sys, and Hidusb.sys files are in the Windows\System32\Drivers folder. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type hidusb.sys.
3. In the Look in box, click My Computer, and then click Find Now.
4. In the list of found files, verify that the Hidusb.sys, file is located in the following folder:
   Windows\System32\Drivers
5. Repeat these steps for the Hidparse.sys and Hidclass.sys files.

Reinstall any missing files

If the Hidusb.sys, Hidparse.sys, or Hidclass.sys file is missing from the Windows\System32\Drivers folder, extract a new copy of that file from the Windows CD, and then install the file in the Windows\System32\Drivers folder.

To do this in Windows 98, follow these steps:

1. Insert the OEM Windows 98 CD-ROM in the CD or DVD drive. Press and hold down the SHIFT key as you insert the CD-ROM to prevent the Windows Setup program from starting automatically.
2. Click Start, click Run, type sfc, and then click OK.
3. Click Extract one file from installation disk.
4. In the Specify the system file you would like to restore box, type the name of the missing file, and then click Start.
5. In the Restore from box, type the following line
   drive:\Win98
   Note In this example, drive is the drive letter of your CD or DVD drive.
6. In the Save file in box, type the following, and then click OK:
   drive:\Windows\System32\Drivers
   Note In this example, drive is the drive letter of the hard disk where Windows 98 is installed.
7. Click OK, and then click OK again.
8. When you are prompted to restart your computer, click Yes.

Repeat these steps to reinstall each file that is missing.

To do this in Windows XP, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, and then type SFC /scannow in the Open box.
2. Click OK.

This runs the System File Checker. The System File Checker will compare the System files and replace any incorrect versions. You may need the Windows XP CD.

Download and install the latest version of IntelliPoint

If you are currently running Microsoft IntelliPoint 4.0 or earlier, download and install the latest version of IntelliPoint. To do this, visit the following Microsoft Web site: To determine whether you are running an earlier version of IntelliPoint, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to Find, and then click Files or Folders.
2. In the Named box, type msmouse.vxd.
3. In the Look in box, click My Computer.
4. Click Find Now.
5. In the list of found files, right-click the Msmouse.vxd file that is located in the C:\Windows\System folder, and then click Properties.
6. Click the Version tab.
7. Note the version of the Msmouse.vxd file, and then click OK.

If the version of Msmouse.vxd is earlier than 11.40.657, download and install the latest version.

Select a slower pointer speed

If you are experiencing performance issues such as jerky mouse pointer movement, select a slower pointer speed in mouse properties. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type control main.cpl, and then click OK.
2. On the Pointer Options tab in the Motion box, select a slower pointer speed.

Switch to a different channel

Note This does not apply to the Bluetooth mouse.

1. Press the button on the base unit. The green light should start to blink.
2. Watch the computer monitor for several seconds. If a dialog box appears, follow the instructions that appear on the screen. Otherwise, go to step 3.
3. Press the Connect Channel button on the bottom of the mouse.
4. Watch the green light on the base unit. It will be steady green if the synchronization was successful. If not or if the mouse still does not work, try the procedure again before you continue with the next section.

Examine the desktop environment

Items such as desktop fans, metal furniture, and fluorescent lights can interfere with the signal from the mouse. Test the mouse in a different location.

Change the batteries

If the symptoms continue to occur, try installing a fresh set of batteries in the mouse. Then, test the performance again.

Verify the position of the Microswitch

If the Wireless Notebook Optical Mouse no longer works or lights up, the Microswitch on the bottom is stuck in the "off" position. To resolve this issue, "unstick" the switch. Typically, pushing on the switch manually will "unstick" the switch.