I have a Windows XP computer with an unknown optical mouse. The folders are supposed to be opened by double left-clicking the mouse. But when I single-click the mouse, the folder opens. Also, when I’m not using the mouse, its pointer parks itself on the bottom right corner of the screen. How do I adjust the mouse?
Even though we don’t know the brand of the mouse, Windows XP (and other versions as well) comes with a useful utility for configuring the mouse. It sounds like the mouse has been set up with different configurations than you’re used to. For example, if your old computer was set up to open folders by double-clicking but this one is set up to open the folders by single-clicking, you should be able to change your current mouse settings to meet your preferences.
Setting Folder Options
Windows comes with a Control Panel containing a variety of utilities that you can use to customize your computer and its various components and settings. Within the Control Panel are two areas that we will want to explore as we attempt to configure your mouse: Folder Options and Mouse. Open the Control Panel by clicking Start > Control Panel. Now, click on the Folder Options icon. This is where you will tell Windows to open folders by double-clicking rather than single-clicking. The General tab of Folder Options has an area labeled “Click items as follows.” Make your selection and click OK.
The Mouse Properties Dialog Box
Within the Control Panel, you will also find an icon for configuring your mouse, aptly labeled “Mouse.” Click on Start, click Control Panel, and click the Mouse icon. The Mouse Properties dialog box opens, allowing you to change the basic mouse and pointer features. Explore each of the tabs in search of an option that parks your mouse. This dialog box does not contain a section that controls parking the mouse, but it does have a few neat features that you might want to adjust for a better mouse experience. Depending on the brand of mouse, an extra tab may appear that offers additional configuration options for your specific mouse. If so, explore that tab in search of a park feature.
Mouse Configuration Software
The next thing to check is to see if you can find any mouse configuration software on your computer. Obviously, it helps to know the brand so that you can look for Intellipoint or Microsoft folders. You may be able to identify the brand by going into Device Manager (also in your Control Panel usually after clicking System) and looking under the Mouse category. If your computer has software related to your mouse, it may have a setting for parking the mouse. If not, check the System Tray area for an icon that represents the pointer. If you find such an icon, try right-clicking it to see if an option exists for stopping the pointer from parking itself there.
