Repairing a Mouse

How can I repair a mouse that doesn't work?

First I need to say that there are numerous kinds of mice. I feel it would be hard to talk about every kind and price range.  I will give an overall idea of what (if anything) you can do if your mouse doesn't work.  The oldest type of mouse has a ball on the bottom of it. If this ball gets dirty enough the mouse will become extremely hard to use.  There are three rollers under the ball that pick up dirt and grime from rolling them on a surface which is usually a mouse pad.

How can I fix this type of mouse? Be sure that your computer is turned off and that you disconnect the mouse cord. This makes it easier to work on and it will be easier on the computer.  If you leave the computer on the curser (arrow shaped pointer) will run wild and may activate a program or cause an unpredictable circumstance. Remove the cap on the bottom of the mouse and remove the rubber ball. If  you look inside you will notice the rollers I mentioned. You should be able to see the dirt that is wrapped around them. Get a cotton swab and some Isopropyl Alcohol. Wet the tip of the swab with the alcohol.  Now is the time consuming part.  You need to rub the roller until they are very clean. This may take a while so be patient.  If they are real bad you may need a knife or whatever works to loosen the dirt. Be careful not to damage the rollers no matter what you use. Now take the ball and rub it with a warm rag that is soaked in soap water.  Use a mild detergent and then rinse and dry the ball.  DO NOT!!! Use alcohol for the ball.  It is rubber and it may deteriorate if you do.  Reassemble and test the mouse.  If it is still erratic it may need to be replaced.  Wheel mice are no different as far as repair goes.  It is just an added feature that was added over time.

What about mice that don't have a ball? Now that's a different story.  Laser mice, trackball mice, wireless mice.  Mostly they can only be replaced. You can clean the light emitter (the "thing" that emits the light that detects movement and tells the mouse were to go) on the bottom of the mouse and the pads that the mouse glides on.  Sometimes the cord goes bad or they just stop working.  The main thing you need to know about wireless mice is the batteries. If a wireless mouse does not work, the first thing to do is replace the batteries.  Also, the latest thing is mice that use the USB port instead of the PS2 port.   If the mouse doesn't work either the driver is bad or the motherboard could be defective.  Try a different mouse or try the mouse you have on a different computer.  If that doesn't work you can try a PS2 mouse.  If that doesn't work you have big problems.  See an authorized technician if you don't know what to do.  It is easy to miss an easy solution so think through what your doing.

IMPORTANT !!! Be sure to clean off the mouse pad or surface the pad glides on.  This is were the dirt comes from in the first place.  I just use a mild soap and rag.  Be sure the surface is dry before you use it again.

That's about it.  It is mostly a throw away world but be sure the mouse is really bad before you panic.  Like I said, test it on another computer and/or try a different mouse.  Get a professional if need be.  Get an estimate before you do however.  They usually have a minimum that they charge.  It may be cheaper just to buy a new mouse.