Greetings Betty--

You've probably seen a number of posts providing keyboard access to different aspects/areas of the computer and software (Alt + hot key [usually a letter] has been a standard menu selection scheme since the days of DOS.). One that I recommend you use *after* restarting in Safe Mode is the "Windows Key", followed by whatever key is underlined to access control panel.

One thing I have found after multiple types of peripherals have been used with any given computer, particularly Windows 9x and Windows ME computers, is that "ghosts of devices gone by" remain in the device manager (System in the Control Panel, then click Device Manager on whatever tab it appears), and hence, in the registry. In "Normal" mode, these 'ghost' devices don't appear. What I am about to describe (done with the computer running in safe mode [usually entered by pressing the F8 function key, or perhaps by holding the control key while the computer boots, to get the boot menu]) is a tedious process, but one that has worked for me when there is no apparent reason for a device not to function.

When device manager is displayed, use the arrow keys to move the highlight to the mouse, then use the right arrow key to 'open' the category. If what I think is happening is the case, there should be a number of different mice displayed. Use the arrrow key to highlight one of them and press the Delete key on the keyboard, then confirm the deletion (again using the arrow key to indicate your choice and the Enter key to complete the confirmation). This must be done for each one. (This is the tedious part. I have only found one way to delete them en masse, but that involved a registry edit that I don't feel comfortable recommending here, as it forces the computer to re-recognize ALL attached devices and peripherals.)

Once you have deleted ALL of the mice indicated, shut down the computer. At this point, with the computer off, plug in one of the new mice with the round (PS2) connector, and for which you have either a floppy or CD with any drivers that might be needed for that particular mouse (Logitec, Rosewill, MS, etc.).

Turn the computer on and let it load Windows in "Normal mode". It should recognize the presence of new hardware and begin to search for drivers. If it doesn't find any suitable drivers, you'll need to put the floppy or the CD in the appropriate drive (It's a good idea to do this anyway.). Once Windows finds the necessary drivers and installs them, you will probably be prompted to restart the computer. Once you do, the new hardware (the mouse) should function, if your situation is anything like what I've described.

I would find it difficult to believe that both the PS2 mouse port and the USB ports on the computer's mainboard are "dead", but it is possible that this may be the case. If you suspect this after the above has failed, another poster's recommendation to go into the computer's hardware setup and assure that all USB functionality (keyboard, legacy, and any others) is enabled. Once this has been confirmed, try unplugging the PS2 mouse and plug in the USB mouse once Windows has fully loaded.

HTH

Paul A. Shippert
-----------------------------------
and I'm hovering like a fly
waiting for the windshield on the 
freeway." Genesis
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 -------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Betty House <[log in to unmask]>
> I am visiting my mom who is in a retirement center.  She has a Compaq 
> which is running ME.  Unfortunately she is suffering from Alzheimer's 
> and cannot tell me what has transpired with her computer.  The mouse she 
> had attached does not work, I purchased three new mice and installed 
> them - the computer does not recognize them.  Tried a hands free as well 
> as corded.  She has family tree information on this system that no one 
> else has.  Is there a way of using key board commands to access the hard 
> drive?  I am going to be here for another day or so, and could access 
> it.  She won't let me take the hard drive out of the apartment and the 
> management won't help me slip it out as they say she gets so upset 
> whenever anyone tells her the system isn't working.  They have tried.  
> At some point she transferred all the disks of information onto this 
> system and then heaven only knows what happend to the disks as she would 
> not let me have them - or copy them.  Any help would be of assistance.  
> Thanks much -Betty
> 
>              Do you want to signoff PCSOFT or just change to
>                     Digest mode - visit our web site:
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