Mouse Pointer is getting messed up

Anonymous
2010-01-02T17:00:18+00:00

Hi,

I'm using Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit and have nothing fancy -- regular wired mouse, keyboard, etc.

Every once in a while, my mouse pointer gets messed up i.e. turns into a strange looking line/bar. This seems to happen when I have a few applications running but couldn't tell you if a particular application seems to be causing the issue.

Any idea how I can prevent this issue?

Thanks,

Sam


Thanks,

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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Anonymous
2010-08-12T02:01:36+00:00

A Quick fix has been found, does not prevent the problem from reoccurring though, go to control panel-> Hardware -> mouse -> pointer options and set Pointer Trails to yes.

hope this helps (It works for me)

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Anonymous
2010-01-03T15:21:52+00:00

Hi Imsam67,

Welcome to Microsoft answers.

This might be an issue related with the drivers for the mouse after installing Windows 7; you may try updating the drivers for the mouse from the Device Manager and check.

·         Are you using Desktop computer or Laptop?

1.         Click Start.

2.         Type Device Manager in Start search.

3.         Expand Mice and other Pointing devices in device manager window.

4.         Right Properties.

5.         Click on driver tab.

6.         Click Update drivers.

7.          Click OK.

Check if any exclamation marks are shown with the device. The exclamation mark shows an issue with the driver installed.

Refer the link to update the drivers: Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Update-a-driver-for-hardware-that-isnt-working-properly

I also suggest that you manually download the drivers from the manufacturer’s website and try installing the same on the computer and check.

You may also try connecting mouse to different port and check, this is to narrow down the issue if the issue is with mouse or with ports. You may also try connecting different mouse to the computer and try connecting this mouse to different computer and check.

Swathi B 

  • Microsoft Support.

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77 additional answers

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  1. Anonymous
    2011-02-19T00:34:06+00:00

    I had the same problem and fixed it, try placing your secondary monitor on the left side.

    Right click on the desktop and click screen resolution, then drag monitor #2 over to the left side.

    Takes a little getting used to if this is not how your monitors are set up - but it works!

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  2. Anonymous
    2011-03-16T00:17:26+00:00

    Works like a charm!

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  3. Anonymous
    2011-05-15T02:11:04+00:00

    I just started having this problem randomly in XP with an ATI x1950 which is no longer supported with driver updates.  Thanks you Glenn for the tip, it's much easier to move back and forth from my second monitor plus i don't get stuck with pointer trails. 

    Looking closely it appears that the strange cursor is actually 8 small cursors stacked vertically.  I don't play games but it could be happening during flash playback. 

    If it is a ATI driver issue it has been around since Catalyst 10.2.

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