The Microsoft wireless keyboard or mouse does not respond as expected (838398)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Wireless Optical Desktop 3000
  • Microsoft Basic Wireless Optical Desktop
  • Microsoft Wireless IntelliMouse Explorer 2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 v2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Laser Mouse 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop 5000
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Comfort Edition
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Elite
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Desktop Pro 2.0
  • Microsoft Wireless Optical Mouse 5000

INTRODUCTION

When you use one of the products that are listed in the "Applies To" section:
  • Your wireless keyboard may not work or may work sporadically.
  • Your wireless mouse may not work or may work sporadically.
  • The horizontal scrolling feature, if it is available, may not work as expected.

MORE INFORMATION

To troubleshoot these problems in Microsoft wireless keyboards and mouse devices, use the following methods in the order that they appear in.

Method 1: Try different ports

Warning If you have to make changes to a PS/2 connection, shut off the computer, make the changes, and then restart the computer. Do not plug a PS/2 device in the PS/2 port while your computer is running.

To determine if the problem is related to the ports on your computer, use only the two cables that are included with the wireless desktop receiver, or the single cable that is included with a mouse.

USB keyboard and USB mouse

If the USB cable is currently connected to a USB hub, disconnect the device from the hub, and then connect it to a USB port on your computer. If your device is already connected to a USB port on your computer, try to connect the device to a different USB port if one is available.

Note Only one USB connection to your computer is required, even if your device has two USB plugs. If the problem persists, disconnect other USB devices and connect only the USB plug from the receiver to a USB port on your computer.

PS/2 devices

If your devices are connected to PS/2 ports on your computer, verify that you have the following configurations:
  • Verify that the USB plug for your mouse is connected to the green USB-to-PS/2 adapter and that this adapter is plugged in the mouse PS/2 port on your computer. The mouse PS/2 port on your computer may also be green. If you are not sure which PS/2 port is the mouse PS/2 port, see the documentation that came with your computer.
  • Verify that the USB plug for your keyboard is connected to the purple USB-to-PS/2 adapter and that this adapter is plugged in the keyboard PS/2 port on your computer. The keyboard PS/2 port on your computer may also be purple. If you are not sure which PS/2 port is the keyboard PS/2 port, see the documentation that came with your computer.
If you have to make changes to your configuration, shut off your computer, make the changes, and then restart your computer. If your mouse or keyboard has both USB and PS/2 connections, try using the other connection.

PS/2 keyboard and USB mouse

Verify that the USB mouse is plugged in a USB port on your computer and that the purple keyboard PS/2 plug is connected to the purple PS/2 port on your computer. If you have to make changes to the PS/2 connection, shut off your computer, make the changes, and then restart your computer.

Method 2: Install fresh batteries

Both the wireless keyboard and the wireless mouse rely on AA alkaline batteries for power. If the problem persists, install a fresh set of batteries in the device that you are experiencing problems with.

Method 3: Resynchronize your device to the receiver

To resynchronize the mouse or keyboard to the receiver, follow these steps.

Note When you synchronize your mouse or your keyboard with the receiver, put the device near the receiver and put other wireless keyboards and mouse more than six feet away.
  1. Press the button on the receiver, and then verify that the light on the receiver starts to blink.
  2. If a dialog box appears on the screen in several seconds, follow the instructions that appear on the screen.

    Otherwise, go to the next step.
  3. Press and release the Connect Channel button on the bottom of your mouse or keyboard.
  4. Check the green light on the receiver. A steady green light means the synchronization was successful. If the problem persists, try steps 1 through 4 again.

Method 4: Install the latest software

If you are troubleshooting a wireless mouse, download and install the latest Microsoft IntelliPoint software. For more information about IntelliPoint software, visit the following Microsoft Web site:If you are troubleshooting a wireless keyboard, download and install the latest Microsoft IntelliType software. For more information about IntelliType software, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/5/2006
Keywords:kbhowto KB838398 kbAudEndUser