How to Return Life to Your Old Computer Mouse

It is hard to find replacements for old PS/2 and serial mice. Most computer shops no longer carry these devices in preference of mice with the newer USB interface. Unfortunately some computers still in service do not support the newer USB interface and so you have been dealing with a mouse that jumps and otherwise behaves erratically.

Old-style mice worked by using a ball to turn three wheels within the housing mechanism. These three wheels were connected to circuitry that told the computer where to place the pointer. These older mice are actually quite durable and may just need a cleaning instead of replacement. A thorough cleaning combined with regular maintenance may give new life to that old mouse.

Things You'll Need:

Computer mouse
Toothpick or ink pen lid
Rubbing alcohol or electronics cleaner
Canned air
Soapy water
Clean water
Clean, soft cloths

Step One:

Turn your computer off and disconnect the mouse from the back of the computer.

Step Two:

Turn your mouse bottom side up to reveal the ball underneath.

Step Three:

Twist the retainer ring in the direction that the arrow is pointing and remove.

Step Four:

Remove the mouse ball by turning the mouse over and letting the ball fall out into your hand.

Step Five:

Wash the mouse ball, retainer ring and mouse pad with soapy water. Rinse well with clean water and allow to air dry completely.

Step Six:

Scrape the three wheels within the mouse housing with the toothpick, turning the wheels around and scraping until all of the dirt and debris has been completely removed. This is the gunk that is causing your mouse to act retarded. Tap the mouse lightly while holding it right-side up to allow all of the dirt to fall out of the mouse's interior.

Step Seven:

Blow canned air into the mouse cavity and around the buttons to remove all traces of dirt and debris.

Step Eight:

Dampen a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol or electronics cleaner and thoroughly wipe the outside of the mouse.

Step Nine:

Clean the connector that attaches the mouse to your computer using alcohol or electronics cleaner. Be careful not to bend or twist any of the pins and allow to dry thoroughly.

Step Ten:

Place the clean and dry mouse ball back into the mouse. Replace the retainer ring and twist until it locks back in place.

Step Eleven:

Place the clean and dry mouse pad back under the mouse and reconnect the mouse to the computer.

Step Twelve:

Turn the computer back on and test the mouse by moving it around. If the mouse pointer sticks or is still jumpy you have missed some debris on the interior wheels. If this is the case turn off the computer and repeat the cleaning process to remove the remaining debris.

Practice some preventive maintenance by always using a mouse pad and by washing the mouse pad occasionally. Dirt on the mouse pad will inevitably end up within the mouse mechanism and will stick to the mouse wheels, so the cleaner you keep your mouse pad the happier your mouse will be.