david, to clean out a mouse, turn it over so the ball is up.
turn the ring about half way(counter-clockwise)
turn mouse to normal position, the ring and ball will fall out
i use a q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean the contacts
clean off the ball the same way.
i also have a can of compressed air that i use to blow out any hidden dirt.
let the mouse air dry for a few minutes place ball into mouse
place the ring back on
BTW your computer should be off while servicing your mouse
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philippe j beaulieu
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"if i'm not here or there, i must be somewhere else ! "