- Search for an updated driver from a local disk or over the Internet.
- Roll back the driver currently in use to the previously installed
driver (under Windows XP).
If you are still stymied, visit the web site established by the device manufac-
turer and visit the support or knowledge base section in search of suggestions.If the mouse or other pointing device is working only intermittently, there
may be a problem with software settings. Or the settings may have been gar-
bled by an improper shutdown, a power surge, or other momentary problem
with your laptop.Go to the mouse control panel and start by resetting everything to the
manufacturer’s suggested settings. (These may be called the default.) Check
through the choices for speed, acceleration, sounds, colors, and other options
to see if any are assigned to unexpected or unwanted choices. The gateway
to the device driver and additional pointing device settings is through Device
Manager or by double-clicking the mouse icon within Control Panel. Figure 11-4
shows an example of the Properties page, with additional tabs, for an Alps
Pointing Device. Note that you can launch a troubleshooting wizard from this
tab as well.Figure 11-4:
The General
tab for the
pointing
device
reports that
it appears to
be working
properly.
Although
this is an
internally
connected
touchpad,
the system
considers it
a piece of
hardware
that is
plugged in
to a PS/2
mouse port.182 Part III: Laying Hands on the Major Parts