Every once in a while (~once a month) the cursor starts following my mouse movements very erratically. Sliding the mouse for a distance that should move the cursor across the screen results in only a small non-reproducible movement. This problem lasts for an hour or so, then disappears. It's happened with two different optical mice, so I don't think it's the mouse itself. I have tried shutting down all programs that I have open, but this doesn't help. I have no indexing services running that I'm aware of. Does Windows XP Service Pack 3 do some infrequent maintenance that could cause this problem? I've used Task Manager to try to isolate a responsible program, but haven't found one. The problem makes the mouse virtually unusable while it lasts. Any suggestions as to the source of this frustrating problem or how to cure, or at least schedule, it? Thanks!1 person needs an answerI do too

do you have any auto scans that kick in "once a month"

None that I'm aware of. Also, I don't think this happens exactly every month, although I haven't kept track of it. (I'm going to start doing so.)I was prompted to write the above note yesterday because the problem was occurring again. Today (after a reboot) the mouse is operating fine again.

Hi coffent2,1. I would suggest you to run online virus scan and check if any malware or virus activity found on the computer. You may run online virus scan from the below link:http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm 2. Also follow the steps from the below link: Troubleshoot a wireless mouse that does not function correctly:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/321122 Regards:Samhrutha G S - Microsoft Support.Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

I ran the virus scan as you suggested but it didn't find anything. I also looked at the mouse troubleshooting but nothing seemed relevant - as I said, the problem has occurred with two different mice so I don't think it's the mouse. I vaguely recall being told that Windows XP does some housekeeping every so often that could cause the slowdown, but if others don't experience the problem it doesn't seem like it's that either. I've run Task Manager and the more informative Process Explorer looking for something that could be the cause, but haven't found anything.