Few things in using a computer are more annoying than a mouse that won't track. Are you having trouble with your mouse? Here's how to correct it:

        First, look at the bottom of that critter and see if there's a ring that you can turn to release the ball. They've usually got little arrows that indicate which way is lock and unlock.

        With the ring off, the rubber ball inside should fall out, roll off your desk, and disappear into your dog's mouth. After you retrieve the rubber ball, hopefully from the barking end of your dog, look carefully inside your mouse.

        Do you see two or three tiny white plastic rollers? If so, are these rollers grunged up with mouse pad lint, shed human skin, and cat hair?

        If the answer is yes to any one or more of these contaminants, grab a handy Q-tip (TM) and a toothpick. Use the toothpick to dislodge the stuff wrapped around the rollers, and the Q-tip (TM) to draw it out. Then carefully clean your rubber ball with alcohol, 409 (TM), Windex (TM) or anything that you have handy, except Comet (TM).

        Then use a lint-free cloth, paper-towel, or wax-paper to handle the ball while you do the final cleaning. The idea here is not to get human-type oils on the rubber ball.

        With me so far?

        Now drop the ball back into the mouse, install the locking ring, and critically inspect your mouse pad for lint, cat hair, and shed human skin. Clean pad as required.

        Okay, now you're ready to try it. Turn the mouse over and gently place it on the mousepad. At this point, you should have no clue whatsoever as to where the mouse pointer is, so waggle the mouse until you spot it on the screen.

        Now, point and click at something. Feel the difference? Gone is that stuttering, sticking, aggravating feeling of a reluctant mouse. Restored is the delightful, inspiring feeling of silken mousing. This is what mousing was meant to be. Enjoy!

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