Thinkpads Forum

I've tried and tried to use a PS/2 mouse on my TP600X, but I can't get it to work, although a USB mouse works fine. I've followed the instructions to change the track point settings, but the mouse on the PX/2 port is never recognized. I've run all the PC Doctor diagnostics, and all passed, however I couldn't identify one specifically for the PS/2. I tried the Mouse test under the "Interactive" category, but it only worked with the track point. Anyone have any ideas about what the problem might be?

RobT wrote:I've followed the instructions to change the track point settings, but the mouse on the PX/2 port is never recognized.

Is this the IBM Configuration program you are talking about? If so, did you try the "auto-disable" or "disable" setting (or both)?

Is it possible to try the PS/2 mouse on another computer to verify that it is functional?

Then again, you could have a 600X like one of mine. No matter what I tried, a known good PS/2 mouse never did work on that system. I assume that there is a problem on the motherboard with the PS/2 port and I simply use a USB mouse.

Is this the IBM Configuration program you are talking about? If so, did you try the "auto-disable" or "disable" setting (or both)?

Yup, That's the one, and I tried all the settings.

Is it possible to try the PS/2 mouse on another computer to verify that it is functional?

Actually I tried two of them, both of which I tried on another computer.

Then again, you could have a 600X like one of mine. No matter what I tried, a known good PS/2 mouse never did work on that system. I assume that there is a problem on the motherboard with the PS/2 port and I simply use a USB mouse

Unfortunately, I guess that's the answer.

With all those tests PC Doctor has, why is the PS/2 port left out?

Just curious, and I am sure that it is obvious, but did you boot the system with the mouse already attached?

I had someone that I sold a 600E to, complain they they couldn't get their scrolling mouse to work with it. It turned out they were attaching it to the system after it had already booted, or during the boot process.

Once in a while I have had difficulty with a PS/2 mouse being detected on my 600X. In my case, the problem was specifically an issue with various Logitech optical mice that come with a lime green USB-PS/2 adapter. These mice are USB mice that can be also operate as PS/2 mice. The adapter that Logitech uses does not make a good solid contact with the PS/2 port on the 600X because the plastic cylinder is a smidgen too wide. As a result, sometimes the mouse is not recognized. If I jiggle the plug a bit and restart then that fixes it.

So some standard PS/2 mouse plugs may not fit the 600X PS/2 port perfectly. I can't imagine that being the case with TWO mice, though -- and on my machine you can actually tell that the plug does not quite plug in firmly and snugly the way it should, so you would have noticed.

Phil.

RobT wrote:With all those tests PC Doctor has, why is the PS/2 port left out?

Good question. I would guess it has to do with how the port is designed internally. There may not be any way of internally determining if the signals are getting all the way out to the connector. To do the external tests you need a special "loopback" plug. I know there are ones for the parallel and serial ports. They can be purchased or built. In fact if you look through the PC Doctor tests, you will find tests labelled "External Loopback". By default, those tests are not enabled because you have to physically connect those special plugs before running the test. There is a loopback plug for the USB port but I've never used one. I have not found any documentation on one for the PS/2 port so I don't even know if it is possible to test that port. The only way I verify that it's working is to hook up a mouse and see if it works correctly.

tfflivemb2 Wrote

Just curious, and I am sure that it is obvious, but did you boot the system with the mouse already attached?

Yup! I turned off the system, plugged in the mouse, then powered up.

Phil Wrote:

So some standard PS/2 mouse plugs may not fit the 600X PS/2 port perfectly. I can't imagine that being the case with TWO mice, though -- and on my machine you can actually tell that the plug does not quite plug in firmly and snugly the way it should, so you would have noticed

I didn't particularly notice that, but I pushed the plug in till it seemed pretty tight. Neither of the mice that I tried was a USB mouse with an adapter, but one was a laser mouse (without the ball), and the light never came on. I also have a USB laser mouse that I use without the adapter, in the USB port, and that one works fine.

Ray Wrote

There is a loopback plug for the USB port but I've never used one.

Thanks for the information. I just might look into one of those. Have no idea how much they cost, but I live in the National Forest 100 miles from the nearest city, so I have to depend on the internet, or our monthly trips to the Atlanta area.