IntelliPoint Software Version 2.2: Contents of Readme.txt File

ID: Q185247


The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse version 1.0
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse Pro version 1.0
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse USB version 1.0
  • Microsoft IntelliMouse TrackBall version 1.0
  • Microsoft Wheel Mouse version 1.0
  • Microsoft IntelliPoint software version 2.2


SUMMARY

This article contains a copy of the information in the Microsoft IntelliPoint 2.2 Readme.txt file.


MORE INFORMATION


Readme File for Microsoft IntelliPoint Version 2.2
                    March 1998
--------------------------------------------------

          (C) Microsoft Corporation, 1998

This document provides late-breaking or other information that supplements
the IntelliPoint Online User's Guide and the printed documentation for the
following Microsoft pointing devices: Microsoft IntelliMouse Pro,
Microsoft IntelliMouse, Microsoft Wheel Mouse, Microsoft Mouse, and
Microsoft IntelliMouse TrackBall.

-------------------------
How to View This Document
-------------------------

To view the Readme file on-screen, open it in Windows Notepad or another
word processor. To print the Readme file, click Print on the File menu.

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CONTENTS
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1.  IMPORTANT ERGONOMIC INFORMATION
    1.1  Important safety information
    1.2  Analyzing your workspace
         1.2.1  Setting up your workspace
         1.2.2  Organizing your desk and shelves
         1.2.3  Adjusting your computer monitor for better comfort
         1.2.4  Using input devices comfortably
    1.3  Ergonomics for your body
         1.3.1  Computers and body fatigue
         1.3.2  Posture for back and shoulders
         1.3.3  Posture for hands, wrists, and arms
         1.3.4  Exercises for your body
    1.4  Ergonomics for your eyes
         1.4.1  Lighting and eyestrain
         1.4.2  Exercises for your eyes

2.  GENERAL NOTES
    2.1  Installing a pointing device on Windows 98
    2.2  Performing a minimum installation of IntelliPoint on
         Windows 95
    2.3  Replacing a two-button pointing device with a Wheel Mouse,
         IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro, or IntelliMouse TrackBall
         pointing device
    2.4  Using an application that does not use the IntelliPoint
         scroll, AutoScroll, or pan features
    2.5  Known problems with Universal Scrolling
    2.6  Using the wheel in windows with multiple scroll bars
    2.7  Using the wheel with Packard Bell's Media Controller
    2.8  Using the PS/2 port on your laptop computer
    2.9  Using a BIOS setup program to enable your mouse port
    2.10 Using the IntelliPoint Focus feature in Windows 98

3.  NOTES FOR WINDOWS NT USERS
    3.1  Installing Windows NT 4.0 when IntelliPoint is already
         installed
    3.2  Installing IntelliPoint requires system-administrator
         security privileges
    3.3  Attaching multiple pointing devices in Windows NT
    3.4  Using an IntelliMouse TrackBall or a dedicated PS/2
         IntelliMouse on Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 3
    3.5  Driver or service fails to start in Windows NT 4.0 or later

=======================================
Part 1: IMPORTANT ERGONOMIC INFORMATION
=======================================

1.1  Important Safety Information

     Continuous use of a pointing device may cause Repetitive Stress
     Injuries or related injuries. See the "Important Ergonomic
     Information" section in both the Online User's Guide and this Readme
     file for information to reduce your risk of injury. If you feel any
     aching, numbing, or tingling in your neck, shoulders, arms, wrists,
     hands, or fingers, consult a qualified health professional.

     To reduce your risk of Repetitive Stress Injury:

     *  Take frequent breaks from use.

     *  Maintain a straight wrist position.

     *  Minimize clicking and dragging.

     *  Use a light touch to click and grip.

     *  Maintain good health habits.

     Some studies suggest that long periods of repetitive motion coupled
     with an improper work environment and incorrect work habits may be
     linked to certain types of physical discomfort or injury. These
     include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis,
     de Quervain's tendinitis and other related disorders. To help avoid
     these conditions, follow the instructions in the "Important Ergonomic
     Information" section in both the Online User[ASCII 146]s Guide and
     this Readme file. These instructions may not only help minimize your
     chances of experiencing one of these conditions, but they will also
     help you work more comfortably and effectively. Ensuring that your
     chair, work surface, keyboard and input device are in the correct
     positions is important.

1.2  Analyzing your workspace

1.2.1  Setting up your workspace

       Organize your work area so that it is quiet and comfortable, with
       ample lighting and furniture suited to your body shape and size.

       Tips:

       *  Locate your desk away from high-traffic areas.

       *  Avoid a noisy setting.

       *  Keep the area under your desk clear of cables and other items
          so you can sit comfortably without twisting.

       *  Don't place your monitor in front of a window; rather, put it
          at a right angle to the window and use window shades to reduce
          glare.

1.2.2  Organizing your desk and shelves

       Organize your desk space and nearby shelves to help you
       work more comfortably.

       Tips:

       Divide your desk into three zones.

       Zone          Location        Use for
       --------------------------------------------------------

       1 Primary     Between elbow   Most-used items, including
                     and hand        your keyboard and input
                                     device

       2 Secondary   Within arm's    Often-used items
                     reach

       3 Reference   Beyond arm's    Other materials
                     reach

       Arrange reference materials for easy access.

       Place books and other materials between knee and shoulder height
       on shelves. Avoid reaching and twisting as you lift items from
       shelves.

1.2.3  Adjusting your computer monitor for better comfort

       Use the proper lighting and adjust your computer screen and
       paperwork appropriately to help reduce eyestrain and fatigue.

       Tips:

       *  Place monitor at eye level; lower if you wear bifocals.

       *  Place screen 18 to 30 inches from your eyes.

       *  Place your notes next to the screen at monitor height.

       *  Tip the monitor down to avoid reflecting ceiling lights.
          Keep your screen clean.

       *  Use high-contrast, natural screen colors.

1.2.4  Using input devices comfortably

       There are things you can do while using the mouse, keyboard, or
       other input device to achieve greater comfort.

       Tips:

       *  Use Shortcuts.

       *  Learn as much as you can about your software programs to help
          you become more efficient at using your computer and to minimize
          keystrokes and unnecessary clicking and dragging of your mouse.
          Alternating between use of a mouse or other input device and a
          keyboard can provide a needed break.

       *  Use a light touch to click and grip.

       *  Press keys and hold the input device gently.

       *  Avoid unnecessary reaching.

       *  Keep the mouse or other input device close to the keyboard to
          minimize reaching from the shoulder. If you use the mouse or
          other input device more than the keyboard, place it in front of
          you, with the keyboard a bit to one side.

       *  Use a palm rest when not typing.

       *  Try to rest your palms and wrists only when you aren't typing,
          but don't rest them on the edge of a desk.  If your keyboard has
          a palm rest built in, such as a Microsoft Natural Keyboard
          Elite, move your keyboard forward enough so that you can rest
          your palms on the palm rest.

       Additional Suggestions

       These suggestions can help to reduce your risk of Repetitive Stress
       Injury.

       *  Take frequent breaks from use.

       *  Maintain a straight wrist position.

       *  Minimize clicking and dragging.

       *  Maintain good health habits.

1.3  Ergonomics for your body

1.3.1  Computers and body fatigue

       Some people who use computers experience discomfort such as back
       pain, stiff neck and shoulders, sore hands, or tired legs. Much of
       this discomfort can be avoided, since these symptoms often arise
       from pushing the body beyond its natural limits.

       Tips:

       *  Change your posture.

       *  Changing position reduces muscle fatigue. Maintain good back
          support and keep your wrists straight. Avoid awkward or twisted
          positions and frequent reaching. Use a gentle touch when typing
          or using the mouse or trackball.

       *  Use foot and leg support.

       *  Be sure your feet are well supported, either on the floor or on
          a footrest. You may need a footrest if you raise your chair to
          keep your wrists in a straight position. Don't let the edge of
          your chair press into the backs of your knees.

       *  Alternate tasks.

       *  Do a variety of tasks throughout the day, alternating among
          several different types of tasks. This gives your body a chance
          to recover while you remain productive.

       *  Pause regularly throughout the day.

       *  To minimize fatigue, take short rest breaks (30 seconds to two
          minutes) between tasks throughout the day. During your breaks,
          perform simple exercises and deep breathing to help your body
          eliminate the effects of fatigue.

1.3.2  Posture for back and shoulders

       Whether you work standing up or seated, try to minimize awkward
       postures, forceful exertions, and repetitive motion that can cause
       discomfort.

       Tips:

       When you work standing:

       *  Be sure to change posture frequently.

       *  Stand on an anti-fatigue mat to reduce fatigue.

       When you work sitting down:

       *  Your chair should support your lower back. Adjust chair height
          so seat back contacts the most-curved part of your back. (Use a
          pillow if needed.)

       *  Adjust armrests (if any) so you don't have to hunch your
          shoulders or slouch down in your chair to use the armrests
          comfortably.

       *  Use a footrest, if needed, to reduce fatigue in your legs.

1.3.3  Posture for hands, wrists, and arms

       Hold your hands, wrists, and arms in a neutral position while
       working to achieve greater comfort.

       Tips:

       *  Be sure your upper arms drop naturally to your sides, so that
          your shoulders are not shrugging. Raise your chair or lower the
          table as needed.

       *  Place hands above the keyboard, with elbows at 90-degree angles.

       *  Extend hands straight from the forearm, keeping your wrists
          straight.

       *  Curl your fingers under slightly.

       *  Having the forearm supported may be comfortable when using a
          mouse.

1.3.4  Exercises for your body

       During your rest breaks, try these exercises to help you feel
       refreshed. Don't do any exercise that feels uncomfortable or
       causes straining.

       Tips:

       *  Deep breathing. Relieves muscle tension.

       *  Hand and finger massage. Reduces cramping or stiffness and
          warms your hands.

       *  Executive stretch. Exercises the entire upper body. Clasp your
          hands behind your head and gently stretch your elbows back,
          taking in a deep breath as you stretch back.

       *  Shoulder shrug. Reduces tension or stiffness in the upper back
          and neck. Gently raise your shoulders up toward your ears and
          then relax your shoulders downward.

       *  Foot rotations. Improves circulation to your legs and feet.
          While seated, rotate each ankle three times clockwise, then
          counter-clockwise.

1.4  Ergonomics for your eyes

1.4.1  Lighting and eyestrain

       Like other parts of the body, the eyes need to be relaxed from
       time to time.

       Tips:

       *  Lighting. When you work on a computer, the light level should
          be dimmer than when you work with paper. If you work with both,
          choose relatively dim room lighting plus an adjustable reading
          lamp that you can use for paperwork.

       *  Glare. Angle the reading lamp away from your eyes and away from
          the monitor so that you can't see the unshaded light bulb and so
          there is no glare on the
          monitor screen.

       *  Reflections. Remove any reflective materials--such as glass desk
          pads and picture frames--from around your monitor to avoid
          distracting reflections. Also, try tilting your monitor
          downward, or reposition it on your desk, to eliminate
          reflections.

1.4.2  Exercises for your eyes

       Take brief (30 seconds to two minutes) but frequent breaks while
       working at your computer to rest your eyes. This pause gives your
       eyes a chance to recover from fatigue and help you feel refreshed.

       Tips:

       *  Yawning and blinking. Keeps the eyes lubricated.

       *  Changing focus. Relaxes the muscles of your eyes. With your arm
          stretched in front of you, look at your fingertips, then at a
          point far away from you, then back to your fingertips.

       *  Palming. Helps to overcome eyestrain. Support your head in your
          hands, with your eyes covered, while you breathe deeply.

=====================
Part 2: GENERAL NOTES
=====================

2.1  Installing a pointing device on Windows 98

     Be sure to install IntelliPoint 2.2 to take full advantage of the
     wheel and wheel button functionality, as well as other exciting
     features. See your Getting Started manual for installation
     instructions. Installing IntelliPoint 2.2 in accordance with these
     installation instructions on Windows 98 does not install IntelliPoint
     device drivers.

     When you install a pointing device on Windows 98, it is important to
     use the Windows 98 device drivers instead of the IntelliPoint 2.2
     device drivers.

     To install Windows 98 device drivers for a pointing device:

     1. Click the Start button, click Settings, and then click
        Control Panel.

     2. Double-click Add New Hardware, click Next, click Yes,
        click Next, and then click Next. The wizard will detect
        your new pointing device.

     3. Click Next, and double-click the mouse icon.

     4. Select Microsoft under Manufacturers, and then select the
        applicable entry for your pointing-device under Models.

     NOTE: Do not click Have Disk to install the IntelliPoint 2.2
     device drivers. Using IntelliPoint device drivers may prevent
     the Suspend feature from working properly on your computer.

     5. Click Next, and then click Finish.

2.2  Performing a minimum installation of IntelliPoint on Windows 95

     When you install the minimum functionality for IntelliPoint
     software on Windows 95 using Add New Hardware in the Windows
     Control Panel, you may need to define the path for the
     IntelliPoint files. For example, when installing from Drive A,
     you need to define A: as the path.

     For a complete installation of IntelliPoint software, you need to
     run Setup.exe from your IntelliPoint disk.

2.3  Replacing a two-button pointing device with a Wheel Mouse,
     IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro, or IntelliMouse TrackBall
     pointing device

     When you replace your two-button pointing device with a Wheel
     Mouse, IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro, or IntelliMouse TrackBall
     pointing device, you need to install the accompanying
     IntelliPoint software to fully enable the wheel and wheel button
     functionality. If you install your Wheel Mouse, IntelliMouse,
     IntelliMouse Pro, or IntelliMouse TrackBall pointing device
     without installing the IntelliPoint software, the wheel and
     wheel button may not work.

     NOTE: When you replace your two-button pointing device with a
     Wheel Mouse, IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro, or IntelliMouse
     TrackBall, you may not see a message informing you of new hardware
     installed when you restart your computer.

     To fix this problem:

     1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click
        Control Panel.

     2. Double-click System, click the Device Manager tab, and then
        click Mouse.

     3. Select the serial device, for example Standard Serial Mouse,
        and then click Remove.

     4. Restart your computer.

     If your computer does not detect your Wheel Mouse, IntelliMouse,
     IntelliMouse Pro, or IntelliMouse TrackBall after restarting,
     try running Setup.exe on your IntelliPoint disk.

2.4  Using an application that does not use the IntelliPoint scroll,
     AutoScroll, or pan features

     If you are unable to scroll, AutoScroll, or pan in an application,
     check the Universal Scrolling Exceptions list to see if that
     application is listed.

     Applications on the Universal Scrolling Exceptions list may work
     in different ways at the same time when they have Universal
     Scrolling turned on, for example scrolling (through Universal
     Scrolling) and zooming (through the application). Adding these
     applications to the Universal Scrolling Exceptions list turns off
     Universal Scrolling, enabling them to use only the built-in
     application functionality to work with the wheel or wheel button.

     To view the Universal Scrolling Exceptions list in the IntelliPoint
     software:

     1. Click the Wheel tab.

     2. Ensure that the check box for Wheel or Wheel Button is selected.

     3. Under Universal Scrolling, click Exceptions.

2.5  Known problems with Universal Scrolling

     Microsoft endeavored to provide Universal Scrolling in all
     applications; however, some applications may encounter difficulties.

     *  Some applications enable you to scroll only when the pointer is
        placed over a scroll bar. When you attempt to scroll by rolling
        the wheel inside the window, nothing happens. In these
        applications, place the pointer over a scroll bar, and then roll
        the wheel.

     *  Some applications enable you to AutoScroll or pan only when the
        pointer is placed over a scroll bar. When you attempt to
        AutoScroll or pan by clicking the wheel button inside the window,
        an origin mark may appear, but does not enable you to AutoScroll
        or pan. In these applications, place the pointer over one of the
        scroll bars, and then click the wheel button.

     *  You may not be able to scroll, AutoScroll, and pan in all windows
        of some applications.

     *  Some applications provide an option to hide scroll bars. Universal
        Scrolling may not work when this option is applied. To restore
        Universal Scrolling in this instance, restore the scroll bars
        within the application.

     *  Some applications may not AutoScroll or pan with SnapTo selected.
        When you attempt to AutoScroll or pan, the origin mark disappears
        and becomes a pointer over the default button. To AutoScroll and
        pan in these applications, turn off SnapTo in the IntelliPoint
        software.

2.6  Using the wheel in windows with multiple scroll bars

     Windows that contain frames can have multiple scroll bars that may
     require you to click the content within the window to activate
     scrolling with the wheel. A frame is a separate, scrolling area
     within the window.

     For example, when using Microsoft Internet Explorer, if your window
     contains multiple frames with scroll bars, you may need to click the
     content of the window to activate scrolling with the wheel.

2.7  Using the wheel with Packard Bell's Media Controller

     The wheel and wheel button do not function properly with Packard
     Bell's Media Controller. If you have problems with the wheel or wheel
     button when using Packard Bell's Media Controller, connect your Wheel
     Mouse, IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro or IntelliMouse TrackBall to
     the mouse port on the back of your computer instead of to the PS/2
     port on Packard Bell's Media Controller.

2.8  Using the PS/2 port on your laptop computer

     Many laptop computers have an internal (PS/2) pointing device (IPD)
     that may cause your mouse or trackball to work improperly when
     attached to the PS/2 port. The problem is most likely because both
     the IPD and your mouse or trackball are trying to use the PS/2 port
     at the same time.

     To fix this problem, try one of the following:

     *  Disable the IPD or select Simultaneous mode, using the BIOS
        setup program. Not all laptop computers have this feature.
        See your laptop computer's documentation to change settings
        with your BIOS setup program.

     *  Connect your pointing device to the serial port.

2.9  Using a BIOS setup program to enable your mouse port

     If you enable your mouse port (PS/2 port) using a BIOS setup program,
     your computer will detect a PS/2 device when you use Add New
     Hardware, even without a PS/2 device connected. When your computer
     detects a nonexistent pointing device, you will see an exclamation
     point beside the PS/2 Mouse icon in the Device Manager tab in the
     Control Panel.

     To display the PS/2 Mouse icon:

     1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click
        Control Panel.

     2. Double-click System, click the Device Manager tab, and then
        click Mouse.

     To avoid this problem, do not enable your mouse port using your
     BIOS setup program.

2.10 Using the IntelliPoint Focus feature in Windows 98

     The IntelliPoint Focus feature, located on the StepSavers tab, only
     works with icons on your desktop in Windows 98. The Focus feature
     does not work with title bars.

==================================
Part 3: NOTES FOR WINDOWS NT USERS
==================================

3.1  Installing Windows NT 4.0 when IntelliPoint is already installed

     If you upgrade to Windows NT 4.0 from Windows NT 3.5x with
     IntelliPoint, the Windows NT 4.0 default Mouse Properties software
     replaces the IntelliPoint software. Although Windows NT 4.0 works
     with the Wheel Mouse, IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro, and
     IntelliMouse TrackBall, not all of the IntelliPoint features are
     available with the Windows NT 4.0 Mouse Properties software. To have
     access to all of the IntelliPoint features, reinstall IntelliPoint.

3.2  Installing IntelliPoint requires system-administrator security
     privileges

     You need system-administrator security privileges to install
     IntelliPoint software on Windows NT systems. For information on
     system-administrator security, see your Windows NT documentation.

3.3  Attaching multiple pointing devices in Windows NT

     If you attach both a Wheel Mouse, IntelliMouse, IntelliMouse Pro,
     or IntelliMouse TrackBall pointing device and a second mouse of
     a different type (such as a Microsoft Mouse without a wheel),
     you may encounter the following problems:

     *  If you reset the right button to be the primary button using
        the Button Selection feature on the Basics tab in IntelliPoint,
        the second mouse may not recognize the change.

     *  Use the first mouse to set Orientation on the Productivity
        tab in IntelliPoint. The second mouse does not recognize any
        changes you make using the Orientation feature.

     NOTE:  This does not apply to an external mouse attached to a
     laptop with an internal pointing device.

3.4  Using an IntelliMouse TrackBall or a dedicated PS/2 IntelliMouse
     on Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 3

     IntelliPoint must be installed to use the wheel or wheel button
     on Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack 3. You may have a dedicated PS/2
     IntelliMouse if you purchased it from an Original Equipment
     Manufacturer (OEM).

     To fix this problem, install IntelliPoint.

3.5  Driver or service fails to start in Windows NT 4.0 or later

     When you install IntelliPoint and then restart your computer,
     you may receive a message saying that a driver or service
     failed to start. This message is caused by the system trying
     to find all of the devices on each PS/2 or serial port.
     Receiving this message does not affect the performance of your
     pointing device.

     To fix this problem:

     1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click
        Control Panel.

     2. Double-click Devices.

     3. Select the mouse port not in use, mssermou, and click Startup.

     4. Select Disabled, and then click OK.

     5. Close all applications and restart your computer.

     To see if you have mssermou warnings in your Event Viewer:

     1. Click the Start button, point to Programs, point to
        Administrative Tools (Common), and then click Event Viewer.

     2. Scroll down to locate mssermou entries.

     To prevent mssermou warnings in your Event Viewer:

     1. Click the Start button, point to Settings, and then click
        Control Panel.

     2. Double-click Devices.

     3. Select mssermou, and click Startup.

     4. Select Disabled, and then click OK.

     5. Close all applications and restart your computer.

     NOTE: Disabling mssermou will prevent your computer from
     automatically detecting a serial mouse if you connect one to
     your computer. 

Additional query words: read me text documentation

Keywords : kbreadme intellipoint intellimouse mouse kbimu
Version : WINDOWS:1.0,2.2
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbinfo


Last Reviewed: August 9, 1999
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