MS Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 periodically becomes slow, jerky and unreliable

Anonymous
2010-08-30T03:34:12+00:00

Just in the last couple of days, my mouse - a Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 that I've owned for about a year and have until now been very happy with - has developed some strange, intermittent problems. Every so often, for no obvious reason, pointer movement becomes slow and jerky and it starts ignoring the majority of my clicks - I typically have to click the button three or four times to get it to register even a single-click. The one thing that works pretty much as expected at such times is the scroll wheel.

The problem is intermittent and unpredictable. One moment it will be as smooth as I could ask, the next it's an exercise in frustration to do the simplest tasks, then eventually the problem vanishes, as suddenly and mysteriously as it appeared. I'd say this happens about once an hour, maybe a little less, for anywhere from about 3 to about 20 minutes at a time.

I changed the batteries, then (several hours later) installed the software from Microsoft's site rather than just using the driver that comes with Win7 (the latter advice was from a similar thread from this site). Neither has helped; the problem still comes and goes as it pleases, not noticeably more or less often than before. At times when this happens, the wireless signal is (according to the aforementioned software) very good, and CPU activity is usually not particularly high, so neither of those things is the problem either.

Any ideas?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-05-31T10:00:46+00:00

    Rob:

    Thanks for the idea about replacing it, but I bought it on 01.28.07.

    It is showing no signs of impending failure, and I am extremely pleased with it.

    It's the best pointing device that I have owned to date.

    I might purchase a Penguin-like pointing device in the future because it is even more ergonomic than the 5000 but not until this one dies.

    However, I prefer Microsoft products. I have had the best results with them. Perhaps MS will soon have a Penguin-like device.

    Here's the url for the Penguin: http://www.alimed.com/penguin-mouse-24264.html?gclid=CJPQ9OvLmK4CFRLGKgodslKPHw

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-05-31T00:43:29+00:00

    Everyone:

    Some months ago, I posted a solution that is still working for me. The mouse that I have works flawlessly as long as I have at least one non-rechargeable alkaline battery in it.

    If I put two rechargeables in it, the movements are jerky, slow, and unpredictable.

    Rick I don't doubt that your work-a-round does exactly as you state. I have seen a few others

    claim that it worked for then. However it does not work on either of my present 5000, my

    3000, or a TouchMouse. So I suspect your mouse has an issue which is not the usual

    norm. If it is still under warranty I would get it replaced.

    Hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-05-31T00:22:16+00:00

    Everyone:

    Some months ago, I posted a solution that is still working for me. The mouse that I have works flawlessly as long as I have at least one non-rechargeable alkaline battery in it.

    If I put two rechargeables in it, the movements are jerky, slow, and unpredictable.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-05-30T23:56:40+00:00

    Hi,

    Well I have 3 5000 mice one of which failed after 1 1/2 years and the other two are

    4+ and 2 1/2+ years old with constant use (and abuse). My thinking is there must

    have been a bad productioon run or two, or possibly part of some several production

    runs are failing.

    If you have one that does not work properly exercise the warranty if it is still in place.

    If needed check your mouse for warranty.

    http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/default.mspx

    Wireless Mouse 5000 - 3 year Warranty I believe is the correct one

    http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseandkeyboard/ProductDetails.aspx?pid=012&active\_tab=systemRequirements

    Microsoft Hardware Warranty Info.

    http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/Warranties.mspx

    The mouse comes with 90 tech support from day of 1st incident which would start when

    you contact Microsoft at the below number.

    If the mouse is defective check with the seller or Microsoft.

    MS Hardware Support and Warranty Claims

    Tech Support 1-800-936-5700 for MS Hardware.

    Hope this helps.

    Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle <- Mark Twain said it right.

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  5. Anonymous
    2012-05-29T20:30:47+00:00

    Running on one battery is not the answer.

    Nice opinion, but 4 different PCs running successfully with this mouse on one battery for almost two years says otherwise. I explained this in a review on Amazon and several people replied saying it now worked for them as well, one person stating it worked, as odd as it sounds (which I do agree). RF mice are enough of a headache, but there's a design flaw somewhere in the circuitry of the 5000. I can't prove it obviously, I can only offer consistent repeatable examples, but several mice over two years all working properly on one battery is enough for me. Who's going to actually troubleshoot the design on a $40 mouse? No one, so it is what it is. Glad your resoldering trick worked, I may explore one of mine just for kicks. But don't discount a potential fix based on textbook knowledge, it solves nothing. Cheers.

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