Expert: Bob - 4/2/2010

Question
QUESTION: I just bought two kinds of mice. kensington 360 ball slim blade media mouse K72286US and kensington presenter mouse K72283US. They both can't pan or zoom in autocad using the scroll button or scroll ball. can you help me set it up to fix this problem? I really appreciate your help.

ANSWER: Hi --

This (believe it or not) is totally a Windows question. IF THE OLD MOUSE WORKED.

Depending on your OS, it' this or similar....

CONTROL PANEL >> MOUSE

If you installed the mouse software, you will see an image of the mouse that is connected.  Follow the steps -- you can use "program specific settings" if you like.  It takes just a few minutes to figure it out.

You left out all the info I ask for -- if you are not computer savvy enough to change the mouse settings in Windows, I advise you to brush up, because AutoCAD will kill you if you are not great at Windows.

Write back w/ full info if this does not do it.

BOB

PS__ if you never used an old mouse that scrolled, panned, etc -- In AutoCAD, OPTIONS >> Selection panel. Experiment with the settings, so you will learn the right ones. By default, what you ask for works, so, if it does not, someone has messed with the settings.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I have autocad 2010 student version. I am architecture student. My OS is Windows XP. I just bought this mouse because my old mouse broke.

Through windows setting of control panel, there isnt a setting arrangement that i can alter for the hardware that i have installed. i have installed the kensington driver and i can't use specify the scroll button. i can only specify scroll speed and horizontal scrolling which does not change anything related to the problem i am having.

i am computer savvy, i just didnt read your questions because i am in a hurry. deadlines for school is very frustrating when technolgy breaks down.

i looked at the autocad options but it does nto allow me to specify a pointing device. the options are current pointing device or wintab compatible degitizer (?)

i appreciate the speedy response. please let me know if you have any more information that can be useful for my case.

Thank you

Answer
Christine --

If you are a student, I am going to give you "the million dollar advice" -- I hope you like it.
Architecture is a profession of thoroughness, planning, and precision. If you are going to skip over instructions because you are in a hurry, you will not succeed. If I were your teacher, and you asked a question without the proper info or preparation, I would tell you I can't help you, and that it is rude to me.

NOW -- Again, the problem is likely all about Windows, which is not what I offer help in.

A- the mouse not appearing in an image on mouse dialog box is between you and Kensington, nothing at all to do with AutoCAD. I have installed a dozen mice, mainly Microsoft, with their software, and always see the image.
Did you click on MOUSE in Control Panel? You are not clear.
Even IF the image is not correct, there should be a radio button to select the function of the wheel -- I can't see your screen, just telling you the normal situation. The dialog box changes according to the device. AutoCAD is irrelevant, until/unless you wish to check out the Program Specific Settings.

B--the AutoCAD part -- Sorry, it does not look as if you read what I wrote carefully. The only problem I can think of is a wrongly checked box on the Selection page (and these do not typically change on their own). I did not suggest you look for a pointing device choice setting.
I do not have 2010 on this machine, so I cannot guarantee exactly what choices are there for settings, but it takes 5 or 10 minutes of simple trial and error to learn it.

I hope you can understand my frustration. I don't want to turn you off, but I can't help people who do not take the time to do their part. My job is to show you how to help yourself next time, so you do not get stuck.

Good luck -- and do yourself a favor and take the needed time: if there is a language barrier here, even MORE reason to go slow and not confuse yourself and others.

If you are angry at me -- I tried to help. I could have simply refused to answer, because the question is not necessarily about AutoCAD.


BOB