screen freezes after inactivity

hi,
When I boot up my computer my mouse and keyboard work fine - however if i don't touch the mouse for more than 30 secomds, the mouse doesn't 'do' anything - it moves around the screen, but doesn't let me right or left click. My only option is to reboot.

i changed the mouse - same thing happened.

Any ideas?

 

I suspect this maybe some sort of power management problem but just to make sure...
when the mouse stops functioning normally does the keybord still respond to shortcuts such as hitting the key combo of cntrol/alt/delete, winkey[key with flag icon on an enhanced 101 keyboard] or the F1 or F3 key etc.? Does the light go on and off when hitting the NumLock key on the numbers keypad?

 

Yes, the keyboard still responds to ctrl/alt/del and num lock/caps lock etc. lights still function.

 

Okay...this is not powermanagement. Is this a laptop that uses trackball unless mouse is plugged in?

Is this a serial, usb, P/S2 mouse?
Any special brand that requires software to function?
Got the latest software/drivers?
Got anything disabled in msconfig that may be needed for mouse function?
Tried tweaking the control panel mouse settings?
Did this just start?
What you got running in background?
Does it do the same thing in safemode?
While in safemode does device manager show any duplicate or redundant mouse devices?
Have you tried safemode removal and on a restart letting windows redetect and install drivers?
Using any setting such as xmouse, [tweakui option]?
Accessibilty features of some kind envolving using the keyboard as an alternative for the mouse? Maybe these keys are kicking in?

Tried a different keyboard? Keyboard and mouse are co partners?

AND......
On the off chance that you pointer scheme may have a corrupt icon such as the waiticon or the hour glass icon that popups on an action indicating it is busy, try changing the pointer scheme.

==============
HuntNpeck:
ms.com

 

HI,
Being not so experienced in these matters, I will answer what I can, and go an investigate the rest - I may come back to you with some questions ...

> Okay...this is not powermanagement. Is this a laptop that uses > trackball unless mouse is plugged in?

No, desktop ...

> Is this a serial, usb, P/S2 mouse?
not usb, ps2

> Any special brand that requires software to function?
no

> Got the latest software/drivers?
??

>Got anything disabled in msconfig that may be needed for mouse function?
would have to check - but this started happening out of the blue, so would something change automatically?


> Tried tweaking the control panel mouse settings?
Done this - no luck.

>Did this just start?
Yes - this evening.

>What you got running in background?
Not sure what you mean ...

>Does it do the same thing in safemode?
>While in safemode does device manager show any duplicate or >redundant mouse devices?
>Have you tried safemode removal and on a restart letting >windows redetect and install drivers?
Haven't been into safemode to try - what exactly is 'safemode removal'? And where would I find the device manager? Under control panel?

>Using any setting such as xmouse, [tweakui option]?
No

>Accessibilty features of some kind envolving using the keyboard > as an alternative for the mouse? Maybe these keys are kicking > in?
Where would I check this?

> Tried a different keyboard? Keyboard and mouse are co partners?
Have a spare at work - I'll bring it back tomorrow

> AND......
> On the off chance that you pointer scheme may have a corrupt > icon such as the waiticon or the hour glass icon that popups on > an action indicating it is busy, try changing the pointer scheme.
I'll try this too .....

Thanks SO much -I'll check back tomorrow

Ana

 

"Running in background" means programs that are running but not actively being used. They are usually, but not always, reflected by the presence of their icons in the System Tray (the area on the right-hand end of the Task Bar where the clock is). The more things running in the background, the more resources being used.

Spyware not only runs in the background, it usually gets installed without your knowledge and is the first thing to suspect when unexplained errors, glitches and annoyances appear.

To find out if you have any spyware and to remove it, download, install, immediately update and then run Spybot and/or AdAware (you can use them both.) Let whichever one you choose clean up any spyware it finds.

Safe Mode can be accessed by repeatedly pressing the F8 key during boot when the Windows or manufacturer's splash screen is displayed. In this mode, no drivers are loaded other than the minimum required for Windows to work. If you boot into Safe Mode and the mouse problem does not occur, then it's a safe bet it's either a driver problem or a spyware problem.

Device Manager can be found in Control Panel>System>Device Manager tab.