Mouse/Cursor/Typing problem

Betholwen

New Member
Messages
4
I'm having trouble with my two month old Dell laptop. This problem started a month ago and is getting worse. I cannot type more than a couple of characters, before my cursor disappears. I have to click again at the end of the passage to continue. As well, while I'm browsing the internet (usually IE 10 but also using Chrome) I will frequently lose my cursor. Let's say I'm scrolling using my mouse, trackpad or keyboard (not clicking though). I will suddenly be unable to continue scrolling. I need to click somewhere in order to reestablish contact and then I can scroll in a variety of ways again. At the moment I lose my cursor, the top of the screen goes from blue to grey. If I allow it to turn grey and wait a few seconds, the grey will flash periodically. It's clear to me that the computer is doing something else that is pulling the cursor away from my screen. Any ideas?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    Browser
    IE 10
    Antivirus
    NIS
Try updating your mouse drivers by following these steps:
a. Press Windows and x key together and select Device Manager.
b. Locate the touchpad driver.
c. Right click on the Touchpad driver icon and click on “Update Driver software”.
d. Click on “Search automatically for Updated driver software” option.

If the driver update doesn't fix the problem, try FN+F3, this disables/enables the touchpad and it may fix the issue. Hope I was of some help! :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hewlett Packard P7-1017c
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    Pegatron HP
    Memory
    Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 1333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2211x
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 1TB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Corsair CX600 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 912
    Cooling
    Stock Intel Fan
    Keyboard
    HP Keyboard
    Mouse
    HP Mouse
    Internet Speed
    30+ Mbps Download; 2Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    New build with custom parts later in the year
Your last line nailed it - something is running and grabbing "focus" away from the window you are trying to use. That's why the menu bar is going grey when it happens.

Finding out what is doing this is the real problem. In desktop mode, right click over the taskbar and start "Task Manager". Click on the Processes tab and see what apps are currently running, you may find the culprit there. Did you install any new programs when the problem started? Go into Control Panel - Programs - Programs and Features. You can sort the list of installed apps by date, see what you installed when the problem started.

Alas, the hard truth may be that your PC may be infected with some kind of malware. I am not familiar with how to get rid of malware other that a complete reinstall from scratch. Maybe someone else who has dealt with viruses can chime in here.

Good luck!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Thanks mikeytg. So far your suggestion is working. I looked at what was running in the background and made an educated guess about what might have been new around the time I started having this problem. After uninstalling that program (which I didn't need) so far everything is back to normal with typing and moving around web pages. I will go ahead and mark this as solved once I reenable LastPass, which I had disabled thinking that might have been to blame.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    Browser
    IE 10
    Antivirus
    NIS
Glad you got your issue resolved :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Home Premium x64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Hewlett Packard P7-1017c
    CPU
    Intel Core i3-2100 @ 3.1Ghz
    Motherboard
    Pegatron HP
    Memory
    Crucial 2x4GB DDR3 1333 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Sapphire Radeon HD 7850 2GB GDDR5
    Sound Card
    Realtek HD Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    HP 2211x
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Hitachi 1TB 7200 RPM
    PSU
    Corsair CX600 80+ Bronze
    Case
    Coolermaster HAF 912
    Cooling
    Stock Intel Fan
    Keyboard
    HP Keyboard
    Mouse
    HP Mouse
    Internet Speed
    30+ Mbps Download; 2Mbps Upload
    Browser
    Google Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton 360
    Other Info
    New build with custom parts later in the year
Glad you were able to solve the problem! Once you know for sure please post the info on the offending program(s) so others can avoid this problem in the future.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Sorry to say my fix was short-lived. I don't know enough about what I'm looking at under the task manager to decide what else I could stop running. My computer is back to pulling focus away from that main window.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    Browser
    IE 10
    Antivirus
    NIS
If you are constantly losing focus then the app doing it should be pretty active. Try opening task manager, click on the "Processes" tab, and click on the "CPU" heading to sort the view by how much CPU time each program is using. See if there is a program showing CPU usage that does not make sense - ie something you are not using. You could also look on the "Startup" tab so see what programs are started when the system boots and you log in.

If you can't figure out the problem from this then maybe you need to just start uninstalling programs that are not native to windows 8, starting with stuff you are not currently using.

Also, it is still possible that your system is infected with some kind of malware. Maybe someone else here can suggest a way to see if this is the case and also how to go about removing it.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Welcome to Windows EightForums, Betholwen.

Have you downloaded and installed any custom cursors by any chance? If so, you may have picked up some malware as mikeytg has suggested. Of course malware can come from any place.

I suggest to do a complete antivirus scan. If it be MS Defender, check mark a full one, not the quick.

Another nice program that some members you who know antivirus well recommend to install and run Malwarebytes. The link below will link you to the site.

www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=7630

One other thought on something you may want to check. Go to Control Panel > Mouse > Settings tab. Is the "Show curser while typing" checked or unchecked? I think it is in the Settings tab. I'm on my phone so I can't check. Its in some tab anyway.

There may also be corrupt or missing files. You may want to try these tutorials below:

Try running scannow at least three times:

www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=3047

DISM to Fix Component Store Corruption:

www.eightforums.com/showthread.php?t=26512
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
I've tried all the suggestions you made, HippsieGypsie. I ran scannow three times, I ran DISM. I installed and ran a full scan with Malwarebytes. It found one object, but after removing it and restarting my computer, the problem with losing focus is still there. I haven't loaded any custom cursors. I have Norton Internet Security running all the time, and hopefully that means I'm virus free. Hide pointer while typing is unchecked.

As far as I can tell, when I look under Task Manager at processes, everything running near the top is Windows-related or Symantec (I think that's Norton Internet Security) or Internet Explorer. Doesn't seem to be anything that shouldn't be there. The driver for my touchpad is pretty active, too.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell
    Browser
    IE 10
    Antivirus
    NIS
I'm sorry that didn't work. I would suggest you contact Dell to fix it. It is still under warranty, correct?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Stupid Flashing screen

I have a new Dell laptop I just purchased from Walmart this xmas. It has the same problem with cursor not staying on screen so I'm not able to type in SKYPE or Note pad. I also have Norton antivirus same as my desktop.

So I decide to pull up the Task Manager and see if I can see anything, and all CPUs were zeros except Firefox which is the only thing I have running, which is fine. But when I scrolled down the page to see what System files were running the screen flashed and pulled the cursor back to the top of the page, I had to pull it back down to the bottom but again the screen flashed and the cursor went back to the top of the page again.

So what is doing that? I believe this is why I can't have a steady cursor. Something has control of the cursor and won't leave it alone. You can tell the screen changes from blue frame to gray frame, it just constantly alternately flashes. Same thing on Firefox, I can see something is flashing behind the screen over and over again, from blue to gray over and over none stop.

Is this a Dell problem or is this the Window 8 problem?

Any ideas?:confused:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Wow, Dell send me a BIO update 3521A11 and that solved my problem. Thank you so much.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    window 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
Hi! I just downgraded my HP Pavilion G4 notebook to windows 8.1 from 10. I had same problem originally when I upgraded from Windows 8. Didn't write down solution. No matter what program I'm in..seems to be worse, though, on internet..background text color changes to gray every few seconds. Cursor disappears or jumps to new spot while typing. I can't type anything this way. I refreshed my pc because of a different problem, which was fixed. I have checked for updatedouse & touchpad drivers, they're updated. I have checked Task manager, no problem
I have checked for malware. I have none. Any ideas? I know I found solution on either this site or the Microsoft forums site, just don't remember what it was. It's something in the 8.1 system itself. Thanks for any help. I need to pay bills & can't even download my programs by internet right now.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1
First off, create a new thread even if you are having the same issue. Your computer brand is different, so likely meaning that everything about it is different. When you post in a thread like this where someone else is having the same issue, you often times just end up making it more confusing and difficult for people to not only help the OP, but you as well. Not being snide, just a friendly reminder.

Now, someone else who posted here said that he was able to fix the problem with a BIOS update. Can you go to the HP website to see if there is a BIOS update for your machine? You will need to know more than Pavillion G4. There is likely more to that product model number. Go to HP's Website and search the support and drivers section with the full model number.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Built
    CPU
    Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 @ 3.3-3.7 Ghz
    Motherboard
    MSI Z77-G41
    Memory
    16 GB Kingston HyperX Beast DDR3-1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA GT 730
    Sound Card
    Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeMusic
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dual 20 Inch Dell
    Screen Resolution
    1680*1050
    Hard Drives
    Western Digital Caviar Blue 500 GB
    Western Digital Caviar Black 1 TB
    PSU
    Thermaltake 550W
    Case
    Antec Nine Hundred Two
    Cooling
    Arctic Freezer i30 CO
    Keyboard
    Logitech K330
    Mouse
    Logitech M215
    Internet Speed
    60 Mbps
    Browser
    Comodo Chromodo
    Antivirus
    Comodo Internet Security Premium
Strange fix but it worked

I don't know how to keep this short but I'll try. Thank you for all the suggested fixes which I tried but none worked. Still, it is good to have this info. I bought a new Lenovo laptop last week. Everything worked fine even with my external SIIG wireless mouse until today when I installed some software to play .cda files (which still won't play). I uninstalled all of that software. Suddenly tonight the cursor decided to hop out of every window where I attempted to type. I didn't even have to have my hands on keyboard, mouse, or touchpad, the last two of which I alternately deactivated. At first these fixes seemed to work, but within a minute or so the cursor was back up to its old tricks. I got suspicious when I read the post about virus or malware possibilities. When watching the CPU usage under Processes in the Task Manager, I saw that McAfee kept popping up to the very top! I never wanted this program and am once again upset with myself for forgetting to uncheck the box where it is included with other downloads. As soon as I began to uninstall McAfee, the Windows Defender popped into play and I did a full scan. Before any of this was even finished, my cursor problem ended and the refresh rate seems to have straightened out. It is running a lot faster. Wow! How could this happen? I am using Windows 10 and apparently McAfee was causing a head on collision with it. I would like to hear other thoughts on this. It seems that the cursor's unwillingness to stay put has a variety of possible causes. I was able to type this entire post without the cursor getting lost once, plus it saved me a trip to Fry's.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo
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