External mouse not working - use correct mouse type

External mouse not working - use correct mouse type

Document number: 32006

If your mouse is not working, ensure you're using the correct type of mouse. The place where you attach your mouse is called a port. Some types of mice can only be used on one kind of port. Other mice can be used on more than one port type. The standard issue mouse may be either a PS2 port mouse, or a USB port mouse. With the proper adapter you might be able to use that mouse on a different kind of port. Just because you have the adapter does not mean your particular mouse can use it. If you have a PS/2 only mouse, using the adapter won't make it work through the serial port even though everything fits together properly. If you have a serial only mouse, the mouse won't work on the PS/2 port even if you have an adapter that will physically connect them. The USB mouse is often touchy about using the PS/2 adapter.

Sometimes a mouse with a specialized feature, such as a scroll wheel, is not compatible with both ports on standard PeopleSoft builds, see information below for possible resolutions.

Review the information below to properly match your mouse to the port you are using.

Do your mouse and the port you are using for the mouse match?

Which port are you using? Check the place the mouse is connected.

Is it a PS/2 port?
Is it a serial port?
Is it a USB port?

Are you using an adapter? An adapter fits on the end of the mouse cord to change the connection from PS/2 to serial (or vice versa) or from USB to PS/2. If you are using an adapter you must confirm that the mouse will support more than one kind of port.
What kind of mouse is it? Turn the mouse over and see if the label will tell you.

If the label on the mouse does not specifically say what kind of port the mouse can use then assume it is compatible only with the kind of port its plug is designed for. For example, the "Logitech for Toshiba" mouse supplied with some desktops has a PS/2 plug end and is a PS/2 only mouse.
Is it a "PS/2" or "mouse port" mouse? The label may simply read "PS/2 mouse" and it will have a round PS/2 (mouse) port connection on the end. It can only be used with the PS/2 or mouse port, not the serial port.
Is it a serial mouse? The label may simply read "Serial Mouse" and it will have a serial port connection on the end. It can only be used on the serial port, not the PS/2 or mouse port.
Is it both a serial mouse and a PS/2 or mouse port mouse? The label will read something like "Serial-Mouse Port Compatible" or "Serial-PS/2 Mouse" and will have a round PS/2 port. With the proper adapter it can usually be used on either port.
Is it a scrolling mouse such as the Microsoft IntelliMouse (with a scroll wheel between the two buttons)? The Microsoft IntelliMouse says that is it "Serial and PS/2 Compatible" but it will not work consistently on the PS/2 Port on some machines. Continue reading for more information
Is it a USB mouse? The PS/2 adapter does not work consistently with the USB mouse.

Is the mouse you are using compatible with the port?

If you are not using an adapter, then the mouse type and the port type are probably compatible.
As noted above the mouse must be of a type that can use the type of port you are plugging into.
The Microsoft IntelliMouse may not work properly on some machines even though it is supposed to. When installed as a serial mouse you should be able to use it as a standard mouse, but the scroll wheel may not work.

Are you using the correct PS/2 port? Do you have two PS/2 type ports on your computer? If you have two PS/2 (round) type ports on your computer, one is for the keyboard. Make sure the mouse is plugged into the port intended for the mouse.
Are you using a PS/2 splitter? A PS/2 splitter allows the keyboard and the mouse to share the same PS/2 port. If you use a Y splitter for the PS/2 port try switching the keyboard and mouse plugs. That is, connect the keyboard to the plug marked "mouse" and the mouse to the plug marked "keyboard." If that doesn't work try switching them back again.
If the mouse is not compatible with the port either replace the mouse or use the correct port. To get information on how to replace the mouse see the document 75025 — How to Order a Computer Mouse. You can also try uninstalling then reinstalling the mouse drivers. For more information see document 39002 — Installing your mouse

If the mouse and the port the mouse is attached to match the mouse should work properly. If the mouse still does not work properly continue the troubleshooting process. A simple check is to borrow another mouse and see if it works. If it does then replace the mouse. To get information on how to replace the mouse see the document 75025 — How to Order a Computer Mouse. If your internal mouse (or AccuPoint) is working and you prefer standard mouse instructions see document 39021 — How to troubleshoot mouse problems. If you need keystroke instructions see document 39030 — How to use keystrokes to troubleshoot mouse problems.