How to Install a New Mouse

It used to be that installing a new component in the operating system was a large task, with many steps to perform and items that had to be checked and then put in the correct order to make sure the new hardware worked. The process has become more simple, and this task now is not as burdensome.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Click on "Start" in the lower left-hand corner of the desktop screen. Select "Control Panel" from the menu and click on the "Performance and Maintenance" link.

2. Select the "System" link, then pick the "Hardware" tab found at the top of the System Properties form and then click the "Device Manager" button.

3. Expand the list by clicking on the "+" next to Mice and other pointing devices in the list. Perform a right mouse click on the mouse name that is shown.

4. Move the mouse cursor down to "Uninstall" and perform a left mouse click. Select "OK" in the dialog box that will appear.

5. Choose "No" on the next dialog box that will have the message that the system must be restarted in order to complete uninstallation of the mouse.

6. Click on "Start" and then "Shut Down" to shut down the system. Unplug the old mouse and replace it with the new mouse. Restart the system.

Tips & Warnings

• Mice come in two different types of connections: PS/2 and USB. Ensure that the new mouse has the proper connection or that an adapter comes with it.
• The BIOS setting can be accessed when the computer is booting by pressing the appropriate key for the system. Once in the BIOS setup menu, look for any settings about USB devices.
• If changing from PS/2 to USB mouse, check the BIOS setting before replacing the mouse.

Resources

• For more information on pointing devices, visit Tomshardware.