Wrong Mouse Displayed in Mouse Properties

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

The General tab in Mouse properties may indicate that a PS/2-style mouse is installed, even though you are using a serial mouse.

When this occurs, the PS/2 mouse port is displayed with an exclamation point in a yellow circle in Device Manager.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur if your computer has a PS/2 mouse port, but you are using a mouse connected to a serial port. The PS/2 mouse port is the first mouse port displayed in Device Manager, so the PS/2 mouse is displayed as the installed device in Mouse properties.

RESOLUTION

To correctly configure the mouse settings, follow these steps:

1. Disable the PS/2 mouse port in your computer's CMOS settings. For information about how to do so, please consult your computer's documentation or manufacturer.

   NOTES:

       - This may not work if your computer is a Plug and Play system, as
         the PS/2 mouse port will be redetected and reenabled the next time
         you start Windows 95.
   

       - On some older computers, disabling the PS/2 mouse port may not be
         an option in the CMOS settings. Instead, there may be a jumper on
         the motherboard to disable the port. Consult the computer's
         documentation or manufacturer if you are not sure how to disable
         the port.
   

2. In Control Panel, double-click the System icon.

3. On the Device Manager tab, click Standard PS/2 Port Mouse, and then click Properties.

4. Click the Original Configuration (Current) check box to clear it, and then click OK.

MORE INFORMATION

Some Plug and Play motherboards may actually have pinholes for a PS/2 mouse port but have no PS/2 mouse port installed. In some cases, there may be no CMOS settings or jumpers to disable the PS/2 mouse port. If this is the case, following steps 2-4 above may resolve the situation.