Enhanced pointer precision and Photoshop

[Jackal]

Recently, after upgrading to Windows SP2, my microsoft optical mouse has become stupid.

I can no longer do super precise curvy movements in CS2 with my mouse. The pointer has a tendency to want to draw a straight line(happens in CS2, paint, and windows). I can actually draw a perfectly straight (to the pixel) line across my whole screen which was literally impossible before. A plus I assume for architecture stuff but I freaken hate it.

I've upgraded my mouse drivers to the latest Intellipoint 5.5 and still it happens.

If I disable "Enhanced pointer precision" in the mouse options this straight line tendency goes away but now my house no longer slows down when I'm doing precision work. It just stays at constant speed which is NOT what I want and I don't even want to try to get used to it.....because it sucks. Besides, this option has always been on before SP2.

Anyone know a solution to this? I've tried searching but no avail. UGH! I can't edit any pictures. =(

All help is appreciated guys. Thanks in advance.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Don't know what to do to your computer, but...have you looked into a wacom tablet? :-D For as little as $59, you can draw all you want, with extreme precision.

[Mathiau]

did you try it with out the extra drivers? i never install mouse drivers

[Moppie]

I wish I could draw straight lines with out trying.

I wonder if the snap to grid or similar option has been turned on?

[Jackal]

Snap to grid is not turned on. The arrow moves in windows on my desktop pretty straight as well. MS paint does it too. It's just a whole OS thing not just photoshop.

The reason why I installed the extra drivers is because I thought it would fix it. I usually don't install the extra drivers. Although they are nifty since you can program all the buttons on the mouse to do stuff.

I've tried searching the web but it seems like a problem which isnt too documented. I'm not sure if many people even notice they have this problem.

I just noticed an immediate problem after the SP2 upgrade. (Yeah I haven't updated windows until now).

If I use the computer behind me which has the same mouse and no SP1 or SP2 windows upgrade the mouse works fine with enhanced pointer precision on. It works lovely...just like this one used to.

I don't want to buy a wacom tablet either...since my mouse was just fine. =(

Grrr!

[Ronald S. Jr.]

What would be wrong with uninstalling sp2, and seeing if that fixes it? Do you really need a windows update to run photoshop? ;-)

[Moppie]

You might be able to un-install the current drivers, and see if useing an older version works instead.

[Jackal]

Moppie, I've tried the CD that came with the mouse first and no go.

Ronald, I need SP2 for other things. Such as using harddrives that are larger than 137GB (SP1 actually but might as well get SP2).

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I don't suppose a new mouse would do anything, eh? It's for sure the OS, and not the software that came with the mouse?

What are you using, anyway?

[Belmondo]

I'm assuming the mouse is a USB device. Probably the first thing I'd do is trash the current drivers and restart the computer. I'm guessing you already did that, but in case you didn't, you might still have some cororupted or trashed drivers left over from before.

[Col_M]

I have the same problem with my Logitech mouse :confused:
When i try to draw circles they come out more like squares :lol: :o

[Jackal]

I don't suppose a new mouse would do anything, eh? It's for sure the OS, and not the software that came with the mouse?

What are you using, anyway?

It has to be the OS....

On blank normal windows with no updates it works fine. My mouse slows down for accurate movements (meaning the precision box is CHECKED). Straight lines are not possible and every movement is perfectly read.

I updated windows to SP2 and now for no reason it just WANTS to draw straight. The only way of fixing this drawing straight problem is to UNCHECK the precision box. But now my mouse wont slow down for precise movements when I'm moving my mouse slow. I've grown too used to this.

I use an Optical Microsoft wheel mouse. The basic one without the side buttons.
http://images.tigerdirect.ca/SKUimages/medium/M17-1751-main.jpg

[Jackal]

Here's what I mean. I drew the top line with the "Enhanced pointer precision" box checked. Meaning it's turned on. This also goes by the name "mouse acceleration"

The bottom line is with it turned off.

I didn't even try and it came out perfectly straight. I tried SUPER hard on the second one and look....

[Moppie]

Hmmmm, Im going to give it a go when i get home, I have a similar set up to your self, but with a Wireless Mouse.
I have my old wired mouse as well, so I'll plug and it and see what happens.

However, from what I recall, I have enhanced precision turned on, and don't experiance your problems, with SP2.

[OdiN1701]

Go buy a Logitech G5 Laser Gaming Mouse.

It's highly adjustable, and very precise. I absolutely love it!

That basic MS mouse isn't the greatest for photo work.

[OdiN1701]

One issue that I know of...

There are actually two settings for acceleration/speed for the mouse. If you changed the defaults before installing the mouse software, it will affect the mouse after the software is installed. I've seen issues when the standard driver was moved to a high level of speed, and then a new driver was installed. You may try uninstalling the new driver and see if the speed setting is set really high.

[Jackal]

Speed is not the issue here, though. The issue here is the tendency for the mouse to draw a straight line.

My MS mouse was perfect for photowork and everything else. Up until this weird problem arised.

[Moppie]

Hmmm, Well mine behaves as it should, on XP SP2, with the lastest drivers.

However, have you tried removing ALL the drivers, making well and truely sure they are all gone, then rebooting the PC?

Windoz has a generic mouse driver built in, so the mouse will still work.
Then see try it with out installing any drivers.
If it works cool.
If it dosn't, try installing only an old version of the driver.

[Mathiau]

What would be wrong with uninstalling sp2, and seeing if that fixes it? Do you really need a windows update to run photoshop? ;-)

Nope, you dont, but you do need it to keep your computer secure and safe ;)

[TwoBit]

I don't think this is the problem but I'll mention it anyway. Check what surface you use your mouse on. Optical mice need a non-transparent patterned surface for best responsiveness. In other words, don't use them on glass, or clear plastic covered mouse pads, and make sure that the table top or mouse pad has some texture to it. Also clean the little plastic feet that the mouse slides on. A little dirt on them can cause problems. And as a final check, blow out the sensor and LED port, dust or a single small hair can cause things not to work well.

TTFN