These instructions are geared toward the single-click method of using your mouse. If you use double-clicking, you should compensate accordingly. Additionally, if any terms used in these instructions are unfamiliar to you, refer to the Glossary for their definitions. Menus and items you click on are shown in yellow.
Click on any of the questions below for the answers. To retract an answer for easier viewing of the questions, click on the question again, not the answer.
Q: Help! My mouse froze up. What can I do now?
A: When you cannot use either your mouse or keyboard to manipulate your computer, Ctrl/Alt/Delete should help you unfreeze it. To do this, first hold down the Control button. Do not release it. While holding down Control, press Alt. While holding down Control AND Alt, press Delete. Clicking on End Task should restore the mouse and keyboard functions. If this doesn't happen, press Ctrl/Alt/Delete again to restart your computer.
Q: My brother's computer uses a single click to execute and mine uses a double. Can I change mine to a single-click?
A: Yes, your mouse can be adjusted for either single-clicking or double-clicking. In the My Computer window, click on View, then choose Folder Options. On the General tab, click Custom, then click Settings, then click Single Click to Open an Item. Click OK to get back to the General tab, then click Apply and OK to set the change.
Q: I'm left handed. How can I reverse the mouse buttons to make it easier for me?
A: Click Start, choose Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel. On the Buttons tab of the Mouse Properties dialog box, click on Left-handed. Click Apply, then OK to set the change.
Q: Can I increase the double-click speed on my mouse?
A: Yes you can. To do so, click Start, choose Settings, then Control Panel. Double-click the Mouse icon in the Control Panel. On the Buttons tab of the Mouse Properties dialog box, drag the slider toward slow or fast in Double-Click Timing by positioning the mouse over it and holding down the left mouse button as you drag it. Double-click inside the test box to test the effect of your speed change. Click Apply, then OK to set the change.
Q: Do I really need a mouse pad?
A: A mouse pad provides a smooth surface for your mouse to move across, it protects your desk from scratches and it reduces the amount of dirt that gets inside. Additionally, hard plastic mouse pads attract less dirt and provide a smoother surface than fabric mouse pads.
Q: I'm always having trouble with my mouse not moving correctly. Is there a way to clean it?
A: Dust inside the mouse can make it stop responding properly. Regular cleaning can improve its performance. Open up your mouse from the back by turning the cover that holds the ball in. Brush or blow out any dirt or dust that's inside, especially around the rollers. You can use alcohol on a Q-Tip to clean the inside of the mouse and to loosen up any stubborn dirt around the rollers. Then replace the cover.
Helpful Hint: A pair of tweezers is very helpful for pulling out dust that has stuck to the rollers.
Q: My eyesight's not the greatest and I'm having trouble seeing the mouse pointers. Can the size be changed?
A: You can select a different set of mouse pointers that might help you out, such as an extra large set. To do this, click Start, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. On the Pointers tab, click on the down arrow to the right of the Scheme list box and select a different Scheme, such as Windows Standard (extra large). The new pointers will be displayed as you click each scheme. When you have the one you like, click Apply, then OK.
Q: Can I change an individual mouse pointer or do I have to change the whole pointer scheme?
A: You can do either. To change an entire scheme, see the preceding question. To change an individual pointer, click Start, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. On the Pointers tab, highlight the pointer you want to change, then click on Browse. In the Browse Cursors dialog box, highlight the cursor you want. A preview will appear in the Preview box. Click Open to return to the Pointers tab, then click Apply, then OK to change the pointer.
Q: Can the speed at which the mouse moves across the screen be adjusted?
A: Yes. To adjust the speed, click Start, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. On the Motion tab, hold down your left mouse button and drag the Pointer speed slider toward fast or slow. Click Apply, then OK.
Q: What are pointer trails?
A: Just what they sound like. Windows leaves a trail of pointers as you move your mouse around the screen. They can be helpful if you find your pointer getting lost or on some smaller screens where the pointer is hard to track.
Q: How do I add pointer trails to my mouse?
A: Click Start, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box appears. On the Motion tab, place a checkmark in the box marked Show pointer trails by left-clicking on it. Click Apply, then OK.
Q: How do I know when to left-click and when to right-click?
A: Generally, left-clicking executes a program or command and right-clicking brings up a menu from which you can select certain commands and then left-click on them to execute them.
Q: What's the difference between dragging and drag and drop?
A: Dragging is holding down the mouse button on an object and moving it to a new place in the same location, like in a window or on your desktop, then releasing it. Drag and drop is the same process, except it involves dragging something to an entirely new location, like a different folder or your recycle bin, etc. where releasing the mouse button drops the object into that location.
Q: I read somewhere where you can use the keypad for mouse clicks, but it doesn't work. Any idea why?
A: You can't use your keypad for mouse clicks until you've put that setting into your computer. To do this, click Start, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel. In the Control Panel window, click Accessibility Options. On the Mouse tab of the Accessibility Properties dialog box, place a checkmark in the Use Mouse Keys box by left-clicking on it. Then click on Settings. Slide both the Top speed and Acceleration settings to their fastest speeds. Click OK in the Settings dialog box to return to the Accessibility dialog box. Click Apply, then OK.
