Computer spontaneously acts crazy

Randomly while I'm on my computer (may happen around once every 2+ hours) my mouse basically goes crazy, as if running a macro or something, doing a whole bunch of actions until I open up task manager, then it stops. Dunno what the problem is or how to fix it. My task manager processes seems fine. Posted this same topic in the malware removal forum and apparently it's not malware and I was asked to post the issue here. Please advise.

Thanks in advance,

Psycho

 

>> Randomly while I'm on my computer (may happen around once every 2+ hours) my mouse basically goes crazy, as if running a macro or something, doing a whole bunch of actions until I open up task manager, then it stops. Dunno what the problem is or how to fix it. <<

Sorry to hear that you are having trouble... First of all, it would help us in order to help you out here; if we knew a bit more preliminary information. For example, at the very least it would help to know which operating system you’re running as well as the make and model number of the mouse, whether it is optical, ps2, etc. as well as if you are running the latest software and mouse driver updates. Also, did the Mouse and Keyboard originally come as a set or do they work separately? Also does it operate on batteries or do you just plug it in and it works? Have you recently fiddled with the mouse software settings or downloaded and installed any new software which might have affected the way in which your mouse operates?

Secondly, how old is the mouse? The reason I ask is because mice are much like our other devices such as keyboards, TV Remote Controls, cell phones and other such 'hand-held' devices that are in constant usage can be quite delicate are fallible and they do not last forever. Scrolling wheel parts can be particularly delicate and once broken or damaged can act up in the manner which you are currently experiencing. Do you have a second 'back-up' mouse available and have you tested to see if that one works properly? Finally, having a second mouse as a backup is a must nowadays and they are cheap and available everywhere and the easiest way to find out if the mouse device that you are now using is actually failing, would be to test by using another mouse.

Good Luck! -- COMP​

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If it's a wireless mouse it is possible you could be getting interference. Kind of a funny story my Dad bought 2 wireless mice and keyboard combo's that were identical he used one and gave the other to me. My room used to be downstairs from his office. One day we were both using the computer at the same time and every once in awhile the mouse would go crazy it would move without me controlling it. Found out my Dad was having the same problem lol

 

Hi.

I suppose this issue could be related to my mouse, though it only started happening recently and my mouse and keyboard I've both owned for around 3 years (I think I've owned the mouse for 4 or 5 years). Neither are wireless.

I'm running Windows XP Pro SP3 and am using a Logitech Mx518 Optical Mouse. I'll probably try out using a different mouse over the weekend or something, as some of the extra buttons on this mouse as opposed to my older mice i've owned are nice to have.

Thanks for the replies,

Psycho

 

>> I’ll probably try out using a different mouse over the weekend or something, as some of the extra buttons on this mouse as opposed to my older mice I’ve owned are nice to have. <<

This is a great idea. I hope it works for you. Like I said earlier having an extra mouse around the house is helpful and is really a must-have extra item - in my case I have like 3 of them.

One time I was installing 'critical' Windows updates and the mouse died and it really screwed things up for me. After that happened I bought some extras to keep around.

And you can get even them really cheap nowadays and they are available everywhere too. Mice are actually great bargain for the money because they have gotten to be much better equipment over time (less delicate, I mean) and they have become truly workhorses.

However, as it the case with just about all electronic-based electronic equipment; they do eventually break down or get buggy over time so it’s an excellent idea to keep a few extra ones around the house that’s possible.

Good Luck! -- COMP​

 

Another thing to note since it is an optical mouse, sometimes they can be touchy. I had one that I was using on my desk with no mouse pad and it would actually pick up the different depths of the wood grain of my desk and cause the mouse pointer to move at random. Sounds to me like it just might be worn out seeing how it is 4-5 yrs old.

 

This issue finally started happening frequently enough that I tried changing my mouse and the problem has since gone away. It was definitely my mouse causing this problem. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Even though you since fixed the problem, it's worth noting that even the littlest things can cause problems like this. One time I was having a similar problem, or the mouse would just freeze up. After agonizing over it for days, I found out it was because there was a hair stuck in the space going up to the optical lens. Apparently once in a while the laser would "catch" the hair in its sight, and acted chaotic. Ever since then when I've had this problem, it's always been caused by a hair.