Thinkpads Forum

HI, bear with me, I use to think I was fairly computer literate until I received this 390x thinkpad! I dont have a clue about laptops ...

The usb port is shot,broken plastic piece fell out and won't accept any usb plug, so I figured, I could just put an ps/2 adaptor on my wireless mouse and use it, but it refuses to recognize it , I did try a very old serial mouse on 9 pin port on back, next to printer port and it worked,but would really like to use the wireless mouse, and perhaps figure out a way to use a webcam? I honestly did try to find anything pertaining to this in the group before posting, but didnt' find any answers... I know it took me quite awhile in the bios to figure out I had to disable the thinkpad, and? infrared to get the serial mouse to work, funny, a serial adaptor on the wireless mouse will Not work.. I know Im missing something, but I honestly have never used a laptop before and am rather confused.. its a 390x running MS Prof.2000,,,, Could anyone help me out, or point me in right direction, ive tried googling but no luck, except for finding this group, interesting reading:-)
Thanks

I suggest you try a pcmcia usb card. They're available on eBay for about $10. (Search "Computers and networking" for "pcmcia usb".) I use them on a 310ED and a 600E, both running Win98SE. I plug in USB memory sticks, and external hard drives, and they work well. The pcmcia card USB will not supply as much power as a built-in port, but should give enough for a wireless mouse receiver.
Regards,
Howard

First, *If* you or someone you know can solder, look up JDR microdevices. They might sell a replacement connector.

Second, I use a USB mouse on a PS/2 port with an adapter, and will continue to do so after I get a USB PC card. Why waste a USB device and leave the PS/2 port empty? I'd save the USB for something more interesting...

Finaly, this seems to be a common problem on thinkpads: the TrackPoint works, but the mouse doesn't. When I get mine working I'll let you know how.

My mouse started working all by its self. Weird. Try leaving yours plugged in for a while and just use the TrackPoint, but check the mouse once in a while. I know this sounds ridiculous, but it's what I just did, and I think it's what happened on another thinkpad too.