A New Mouse for an Old System

[HoppaLong]

I need a new mouse that's compatible with 98SE.

Kensington 72121 is the model I'm using now. MouseWorks_v6.11 is the software.
Several months ago the microswitches began to fail. I have an extensive background
in electronics, so I was able to repair the mouse. It seemed like I was trying to repair
gum after being chewed, but the repairs have kept it functional.

I don't want to tinker with this old Kensington mouse again, so I really need a new
mouse. Just a basic full size mouse. The only requirement is a corded (wired) model.

72121 has a single big thumb button which I like a lot. These days, all 5-button mice
seem to have two small thumb buttons. That's ok. If it's compatible with 98SE, I'll buy.

[jaclaz]

USB or PS/2 (or both)?

 

Anyway, sometimes it's a good idea to stand on the shoulders of giants... :

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/146199-which-optical-mouse-for-windows-98-se/

 

Usually - with a bit of tinkering sometimes - *anything* can be done (see - slightly OT but JFYI):

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/143253-windows-98se-with-98se2me-and-a-recent-usb-composite-device/

 

Yes, most modern mice have either two thumb buttons or none at all, what would be interesting would be to know if this "Windows 8" mouse:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0ZX2MV8870

which does have a single "thumb button" is recognized/mappable in the MouseWorks software.

 

This one (example):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16826132027

is specifically "98 compatible" (but as said almost *any* mouse will be, the issue may only be with "queer" non-standard buttons)

 

jaclaz

[Drugwash]

I've been into electronics for about 37 years. At this point I'd rather replace the microswitches a dozen times than replace my favorite mice. Which are all ball-based, with Logitech chips. One of them is my first ever mouse, more than 15 years old and it's got a twin brother: model M-S35. Wouldn't trade them for golden mice the same weight.

Just sayin'.

[HoppaLong]

I did not expect so many great replies. Thanks!

Hey Drugwash.

I feel the same way about a few of my older mice. Unfortunately, it's not possible to fully

repair my Kensington 72121. Replacing the microswitches is only a partial fix. There is a

very slight warpage inside the mouse. When you operate an exterior button, it may not fully

depress the microswitches. I tried shims and a dozen other fixes. There is no way to correct

this problem.

This post from dencorso seems like the solution:

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/146199-which-optical-mouse-for-windows-98-se/#entry937604

dencorso is using a Microsoft Intellimouse Optical with a PS/2 adapter and MouseWorks_v6.11.

That sounds good to me!

jaclaz, that link you provided to Kensington Pro Fit K72323WW has got me excited! When my

72121 began to fail, it seemed like I would never find another mouse with a single thumb

button. I'm assuming that thumb "gesture button" could be used as a simple double-click,

which is what I really want. Like you said, there is no way to know for sure if this Windows 8

mouse is mappable with an old version of MouseWorks.

Guys, I want to be 99.9% certain the mouse I purchase will work with MouseWorks_v6.11.

A Microsoft Intellimouse recommended by dencorso seems like the way to go. denscorso has

already proven these models will work with MouseWorks.

Can you provide me with a couple of links for wired Intellimouse models that are compatible

with MouseWorks_v6.11?

Edited December 7, 2015 by HoppaLong

[dencorso]

This post from dencorso seems like the solution:

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/146199-which-optical-mouse-for-windows-98-se/#entry937604

dencorso is using a Microsoft Intellimouse Optical with a PS/2 adapter and MouseWorks_v6.11.

That sounds good to me!

 

I continue to use the true Microsoft Intellimouse Optical v 1.1!

I have 8 of 'em, 6 of which have had the left buttom microswitch replaced twice already.

I use MouseWorks v. 6.11 with 98SE and v. 6.22 with XP SP3. Works beautfully!

One can still find brand-new units of this mouse on eBay, albeit usually the black and silver ones.

[DougB]

I've successfully fixed a bunch of mouses (i recall Ms once saying that "mouses" was the correct plural, not "mice") with some electronics spray cleaner (De-Oxit, etc) sprayed directly into the switches.  I just take the mouse apart, spray the switches modestly (just a tiny squirt), leave it to work it's way inside for about a minute, then manually press the switches a few times (i use a pencil eraser), clean up the residue with a q-tip, and re-assemble.  Be careful when spraying to not let it go all over the place!  

It hasn't fixed 'em every time, but enough to make it worth a try.  

- Doug B.

[jaclaz]

(i recall Ms once saying that "mouses" was the correct plural, not "mice")

Well, I guess that if they can invent the "mickey":

http://www.msfn.org/board/topic/155923-any-way-to-cannibalize-the-windows-2000-mouse-driver/page-2#entry999823

and also  "special" conversions of unit of measures:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/189826

they can also invent a new English grammar, JFYI.

 

jaclaz

[HoppaLong]

I just googled "Microsoft Intellimouse Optical 1.1."

You're correct, dencorso. A very popular model!

I can understand why Microsoft wants to use a different word for two or more of the
same item. In this case, a computer mouse. Still, when people are talking about
computers I don't think there is a problem understanding the plural of "mouse" is "mice."

I've never heard anyone say "mouses."

I don't know if this is positive or negative, but without this support for old Windows systems
I'm almost certain I would have stopped using 98SE. I'm constantly amazed how you guys
find solutions to impossible problems.

I'll return to this thread after I receive my Intellimouse.

Edited December 9, 2015 by HoppaLong

[Nomen]

A few years ago, after years of using a regular mouse, I developed forearm pain. I looked into alternatives and bought one of these:

http://evoluent.com/products/vm4r/

And instantly the pain went away. Bought a second one (one for home, one for office). Both office and home computers run win-98se, and the mouse is fully compatible.

[HoppaLong]

Received Intellimouse yesterday.

The mapped settings in the MouseWorks software responds perfectly with the PS/2 adapter.

I'm going to order another Intellimouse immediately.

Thanks dencorso.

Hello Nomen.

I've never purchased an "ergonomically correct" mouse but I am familiar with several companies
that sell this type of mouse, like Evoluent.

[dencorso]

You're welcome! It's a pleasure to be able to help a fellow MouseWorks fan!