How to Fix a Laptop Mouse

Laptop mice are great inventions, but unlike their larger, sturdier desktop cousins, they are quite fragile and temperamental. Once you get used to the convenience of a laptop mouse, it becomes hard to live without. Replacing them is costly and may be unnecessary. If your laptop stops responding to your portable mouse, try to fix it with these simple cleaning and maintaining techniques before you buy a new one.

Things You'll Need

• Fine-point pen
• Clean, soft rag

Instructions

1. Take the tip of a fine-point pen and place it in either of the round indents on each side of the trackball. Using gentle pressure, slide the disc to unhook.

2. 

   Remove this disc and remove the trackball from the mouse.

3. With a clean, soft rag, gently wipe any dust, dirt or grease that may be in the mouse where the trackball sits. Be very gentle as the sensors are delicate, but it is essential that any grease and dust be removed. Make sure you choose a cloth that will not leave lint behind. Also, wipe the trackball and the disc clean.

4. Place the trackball back in the mouse. Place the disc over the mouse and use the pen to slide the disc back into place. The little holes should be to the right and left of the trackball.

5. If the buttons of your laptop mouse stick, you can try wiping them clean as well. Let the laptop mouse sit in a warm, dry place for at least 24 hours. Sometimes the moisture from your hand that has accumulated around the buttons just needs to evaporate.

6. If none of the above methods bring your laptop mouse back to peak performance, you may need a new one. Laptop mice can be had for greatly varying prices.

Tips & Warnings

• Wash you hands before using your laptop mouse, and do not use hand lotion before using your laptop mouse. Sweat, dirt and grease can gum up the trackball and cause it to stop working.

• The main compartment of the laptop mouse is designed to stay closed; there is no way to open it without breaking the laptop mouse.

Resources

• Laptop Mouse