Member Avatar for IYQ2

I am using a laptop t41 with xp. My mouse keeps drifting to the left side of the screen. This is a major annoyance. It appears to be happening randomly, but alot.

Any help would be appreciated.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by Catweazle

Dani AI

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After clarified this is the ThinkPad trackpoint (not an external mouse), the troubleshooting path changes from “clean the ball” advice. Several useful observations are already here — , and others point at both hardware and software causes — so below is a compact, ordered diagnostic checklist and safe fixes that pick up where those replies leave off.

  1. Check where the drift appears. Reboot and watch the pointer on the BIOS/boot screens. If it drifts before Windows loads, the problem is almost certainly hardware.
  2. Isolate software vs hardware. Boot Windows Safe Mode (F8 at startup) or a Live USB. If the drift stops outside normal Windows, suspect drivers/configuration.
  3. Quick software checks. In Windows XP check Accessibility -> Mouse and make sure “MouseKeys” is off; in Mouse properties try restoring defaults and turn off “Enhance pointer precision.” Vendor driver panels (ThinkPad/UltraNav) sometimes have filtering options — reset them and retest.
  4. Physical checks and safe cleaning. Power down, remove AC/battery, gently remove the rubber cap and inspect the socket. Use a dry cotton swab first; for sticky residue lightly dampen the swab with isopropyl alcohol (do not pour), let dry, then refit the cap. Replacing a worn cap is inexpensive and often fixes biased movement.
  5. If hardware still drifts after cleaning and appears in BIOS, the internal assembly may be failing; service or replacement is then the practical next step.

Cautions: always power off and remove power before cleaning; avoid opening assemblies beyond the cap/socket unless comfortable with laptop repair. The BIOS-vs-Windows test is the fastest way to tell whether to focus on drivers/config or on hardware replacement.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for Real-tiner

There is dirt inside the mouse, fooling the ball motion sensors inside.

By the way, I hope it is the cursor that is moving to the left side of the screen, and not the mouse itself. If the mouse is moving by itself, it's time to get an exterminator - or a big hammer.

Member Avatar for IYQ2

Does this apply if it is a track point device? I incorrectly said it is mouse.


"Listen to what I am thinking, not to what I said"

Member Avatar for Laser

Does this apply if it is a track point device? I incorrectly said it is mouse.


"Listen to what I am thinking, not to what I said"

This is common with the Thinkpad track point. I've had 3 different models that all did it eventually. Make sure you've got the latest drivers and you can try adjusting the sensitivity in the trackpoint control panel. I've learned to like the 'touchpad' on my t41 and Santa got me a mini USB optical mouse that beats both hands down!

Member Avatar for Real-tiner

Those are sometimes affected by the flicker of room lights.

Member Avatar for oalee

I believe this is a glitch in the winxp SP2, or so i've been told. I also experience the same thing using an optical and ball mouse. I've tried doing some reading about this and many people have been experiencing this very same problem.

Member Avatar for Catweazle

I've not had that happen on any SP2 system here, either with mouse ot with touchpad.

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