[98] drag & drop not working

[chaszal]

When I try to drag a window, an icon, or a slider bar, it's as if the mouse cursor isn't catching it, or when sometimes it does catch it momentarily after a few tries, it lets go before I've moved it very far. I'm stumped. Could it be the mouse? the software? windows? It just started a couple of days ago, sporadically, and has been getting worse. I have rebooted, run sfc, scanreg fix. Couldn't see any pertinent control panel mouse settings to change. Any ideas of what to check or do would be appreciated.

Chas

[BIG JOHN]

Hi Chas, why dont you try a system restore back a few days before the problem started, if that dont fix it I would tend to think it might be a problem with the mouse. BJ

[BIG JOHN]

Oops, just noticed you are running 98, system restore dont apply, try another mouse. BJ

[SuperSparks]

I agree, it could be that the left mouse button is not making a good contact. I'd definitely try another mouse before anything else.

[lgbpop]

Agreed, most likely the mouse.

If you want to try a System Restore, 98's "version" is done in DOS. Reboot into DOS and at the blinking cursor, type in scanreg.exe /restore then Enter; if there are any restore points they will be listed. Choose one and go from there.

In the above command, note the space after .exe.

[chaszal]

Hello, gentlemen,
Thanks to all of you for responding. The mouse was an optical cordless so I didn't understand how it could be a contact problem. I ran Goback, made no difference. I ended up buying a new mouse; unfortunately I had to buy a new mouse and keyboard combo (which the old one was) because they somehow connect/transmit together, but both new ones are inferior in features and performance to the old ones. I'm going to contact Logitech -- it says on the box (yeah, I still have it) that there is a five year limited warranty. Uh-huh, we'll see. Anyway, thanks again.
Chas

[lgbpop]

The mouse was an optical cordless

That makes no difference. The contact inside the mouse, beneath the left button, may not be functioning properly--no matter how the mouse transmits signals to the motherboard, if the signal can't be initiated there'll be no signal. At any rate, did you ever try changing the surface beneath the mouse? Some surfaces reflect or distort the optical pickup. Try a plain piece of paper.

[SuperSparks]

I had to buy a new mouse and keyboard combo

Did replacing the mouse solve the problem?

As lgbpop says, all mice use electrical contacts for the buttons, the optical bit only applies to the mouse's movement.

[chaszal]

Yes, SuperSparks, the new mouse (also optical cordless) worked fine. However I'm returning the new "desktop duo"; the mouse was smaller and uncomfortable under my hand, and the keyboard lacked some features I liked. Igbpop, you may have the ticket, and thank you for the enlightenment regarding "contact" where optical mouses are concerned. The new mouse seemed very sensitive and slid too easily on my bare desk surface so I put it on ..... a piece of paper. After I uninstalled and returned to the old mouse, the paper remained and I found that the old mouse was working much better. I wondered why (was it the mouse's fear of being deported? ) It's still malfunctioning sporadically, but, useable. Thanks again for your help. I'm still going to contact the manufacturer, and will let you know what ensues.
Chas

[poppy4]

chazal,
The white surface makes opticals work best for me, and if it is wireless, the batteries may be low, altho I've found that my Logitech wireless optical mouse doesn't need battery replacement near as often as other brands.
...just my 2cents..

[skiuba]

just my 2 cents too. did you try to reset the mouse with the transmitter. aim the mouse at the transmitter press the reset button on the tranmitter and the mouse and see if that does it.

jim

[chaszal]

Hi poppy4, and skiuba,
Yes, the white surface does help (anything other than the wooden desk surface) Although it's odd because the mouse worked just fine for a year and a half on any surface. I'll try the reset, good idea, can't hurt. Thanks.
Chas