Computer troubleshooting series #3: trouble with scroll wheel in a Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse
2024-01-22 - Reading time: 6 minutes

Lorem Ipsum Hospital

Department of Information Technology Outpatient Medical Record

Name Gender Department Date
HU, Tianjian M Comp. Sci. y2024 m01 d04

CC: Mouse scroll wheel malfunctioning for 1d.

HPI: The patient connected a bluetooth mouse to his computer. He was not able to use the scroll wheel to scroll through the screen as when he did so the page either stayed frozen or slightly moved in an unexpected reverse direction.

PMH: The bluetooth mouse was connected to an Apple MacBook computer (model unknown) and exhibited similar behaviors before re-pairing with current computer.

CURRENT HEALTH Hx: The patient is experienced with everyday usage and basic troubleshooting of Windows OS. Denies bluetooth or HID hardware development experience.

PE: Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse powered by one AA battery on a soft rough surface. Laptop computer with Windows 10 22H2 Pro x64. Attached proprietary recharger, USB hard drive via USB-C, and iPhone via USB-C. Visible open programs are Task Manager, Firefox, Thunderbird and Telegram.

imp: Misfunctioning mouse: bad drivers?

Rx:

  1. Open Settings\Devices\Bluetooth & other devices
  2. Remove the mouse and pair again (no improvement)
  3. Open Control Panel\Hardware and Sound\Devices and Printers
  4. Right click on the mouse, select Remove device and pair again (no improvement)
  5. Open devmgmt.msc and uninstall bluetooth mouse related devices
  6. Rescan device changes and pair again (no improvement)
  7. Reboot computer and repeat 1-6 (no improvement)
  8. Exchange the battery with a new one
Revised diagnosis: Low battery level

Comment: Seek doctor assistance in the event of any abnormality.

Tianjian Hu
Resident Technician

Lorem Ipsum Hospital

Department of Information Technology Outpatient (Returning) Medical Record

Name Gender Department Date
HU, Tianjian M Comp. Sci. y2024 m01 d13

CC: Mouse scroll wheel malfunctioning for 1d.

HPI: The patient connected a bluetooth mouse to his computer. He was not able to use the scroll wheel to scroll through the screen as when he did so the page either stayed frozen or slightly moved in an unexpected reverse direction.

PMH: Identical symptoms occured 9 days ago. Low battery level was diagnosed and the symptoms were relieved by exchanging a new battery. The bluetooth mouse was connected to an Apple MacBook computer (model unknown) and exhibited similar behaviors before re-pairing with current computer.

CURRENT HEALTH Hx: The patient is experienced with everyday usage and basic troubleshooting of Windows OS. Denies bluetooth or HID hardware development experience.

PE: Microsoft Bluetooth Mouse powered by one AA battery on a soft rough surface. Laptop computer with Windows 10 22H2 Pro x64. Attached proprietary recharger, USB hard drive via USB-C, and iPhone via USB-C. Visible open programs are Task Manager, Firefox, Thunderbird and Telegram.

imp: Misfunctioning mouse: low battery level?

Rx:

  1. Open Settings\Devices\Bluetooth & other devices
  2. Remove the mouse and pair again (no improvement)
  3. Exchange the battery with a new one (no improvement)
  4. Repeat 1-2 (no improvement)
  5. Download "Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse Center" and reset wheel settings (no improvement)
  6. Power off the mouse, squeeze a portion of hand sanitizer and apply on the wheel. Rotate the wheel to spread the hand sanitizer, then wipe until dry.
Revised diagnosis: Misfunctioning mouse: dust inside device?

Comment: Seek doctor assistance in the event of any abnormality.

Disclaimer and Notice: Use of organic solvents inside electronic devices is NOT advised. By doing this I am taking full responsibility for my device, but not yours. Do NOT try unless you know what you're doing.

Tianjian Hu
Resident Technician

Tianjian.Hu

Record of my genius ideas and mental disorders.