I've had this problem on other computers in the past, but not as
intensely as I've got it now. I'm running a desktop PC with Windows XP
Home edition. When I run various programs, the cursor occaisionally
makes small movements on its own. The problem seems to be the worst
with Solitaire, wherein the cursor makes many and frequent jerky
movements, often when I am moving a card and often pulling it
off-screen. I've more or less adapted to the phenomenon, but I know it
is an abnormal condition and would like to know what might cause this
and what might cure it. Also I'd be interested to know how common the
problem is.

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Request for Question Clarification by palitoy-ga on 26 May 2004 05:37 PDT

Hello Boomering

What type of mouse are you using?  Does it have a ball on the bottom? 
Have you ever cleaned the ball and the contacts?

This would be my first port of call if there was a problem, next would
be to look at what other software is running when this effect happens.

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Clarification of Question by boomering-ga on 26 May 2004 05:49 PDT

Hi Palitoy,

I have a Lgitech wireless optical mouse, which, now that you raised
the issue, i think coincided with the worsening of the problem. i run
Solitaire all the time; it's what i do when i'm on a boring phone call
or waiting for a slow download. I may have only one or two, or i may
have many programs running at the same time, and i never notice a
difference in the intensity of the problem, so i think the problem may
be more mouse related than software related, unless it's one
background program causing the problem.

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Request for Question Clarification by palitoy-ga on 26 May 2004 06:49 PDT

I don't have much experience with these mice but when I have had them
I have experienced the problem you are having.  The way I sorted this
was to move the wireless sensor to within view of the mousemat/mouse,
this supposedly is not necessary but it definitely stopped the
"chopping" for me, even having pens or a coffee mug near or in front
of the sensor used to be a problem.  The other things that could be a
problem are the batteries... this effect could be a sign that they
will soon need to be replaced.

Incidentally it was this jerky movement that made me move back to a
mouse with a tail!

If this answer clears up your question please let me know and I will
post the answer as a final answer.

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Clarification of Question by boomering-ga on 26 May 2004 11:01 PDT

Hey Palitoy,

Yeah, between you and the comments, it looks definitely like a mouse
issue. I think that will be enough for me to start with in terms of
looking for ways to improve the situation.

Thanks,

Boomering

This problem has been solved and identified as a mouse problem.

The jerky movement occurs most often because of either an obstruction
between the mouse and the sensor or because the batteries are
beginning to run flat (or a combination of the two).

Support from the Logitech website for the resolution of this problem
is offered here:
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm?page=support/products/document&contentid=5659&showalldocuments=1&countryid=19&languageid=1#5
(Look for the question - Q: My cursor doesn't move or jerks around the
screen; what's wrong?)

I agree, that the problem may be the sensor not picking up
consistently.  With mine, the batteries can cause this problem, but
usually shows up as larger random movements and then usually quits
entirely shortly thereafter.  I also get this problem if I have had
too much caffiene. :-)

Optical mice are known for this problem, in my experience. Wireless or
not. I have an optical mouse and a tracball connected to my PC and
occasionally this happens to me. If I straighten the cord or just move
it a bit, it stops. If the cord gets kinked at all it seems to trigger
this "Mouse tic"!