How to Install a Serial Mouse on a Windows XP Computer

Serial Connector

A serial extension is a pin connection that is a female 9-pin DB-9 connector. The serial port on a computer is useable to transfer data from one PC to another, a printer as well as a mouse. A serial mouse hooks into the serial port of a computer. It pushes in and tiny screws keep the device in place. This type of device is outdated after Windows 98. However, a serial mouse can function in all versions of Windows, including Windows XP.

Things You'll Need

• PC with serial ports Serial mouse drivers

Instructions

1. Look at the back of your computer. You will need at least one serial port to install a serial mouse. The port is a metal connection with nine pins. A screw hole is on both sides of the connector.

2. Turn off your computer. Before you install or hook up any devices, you must shutdown your PC.

3. Line up the serial mouse connector with the serial port on the PC. Push in firmly. Screw the tabs to the PC tower with your fingers. Wiggle the connection, if it is secure move on to Step 4. Tighten the screws if the cord is loose.

4. Turn on your PC. As Windows boots up, it will recognize the serial mouse. However, the application is unsure of how to use it. Insert your serial mouse driver disk. If you do not have a disk, look at the mouse for the manufacturer and/or model number. Version Tracker and Input-Drivers have a list of several serial mouse manufacturers. They are free to download.

5. Install your serial mouse drivers. Insert the disk or click on the downloadable ".exe" file. Follow the on-screen instructions. Every type of serial mouse installs differently. Typically, you click on the "Install" tab. Then wait until the process is complete. Reboot your computer.

Resources

• Version Tracker
• Input-Drivers
• Clean a PS2 or Serial Mouse