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Recently, I bought a Microsoft wireless keyboard/mouse set.

When the receiver is plugged into the back of the case, the mouse frequently becomes laggy/choppy. The problem disappears when the receiver is plugged into either a USB extender cable or the front of the case.

At first, I figured this is due to the distance, but even if I leave the extender cable laying on the floor (further away than if it was plugged into the back of the case) the mouse and keyboard respond perfectly.

What could cause the mouse to behave this way when plugged into the back of the case?

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End of life batteries? –  maxmackie Aug 6 '11 at 2:45
brand new batteries. –  ElvisFanTCB Aug 6 '11 at 2:46
What frequency does the wireless use? It should say somewhere either on the box or device itself. –  maxmackie Aug 6 '11 at 2:47
Do you have all your metal slot covers in place? If not, electromagnetic interference could be leaking from your machine. Do you have a Wi-Fi card in your machine? –  Spiff Aug 6 '11 at 4:20

2 Answers 2

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Probably when you plug into the back there is metal back there that is shielding the receiver so that the signal is weak. This would be more likely with the mini type receivers that don't project out of the socket very far.

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I have issues with my Bluetooth wireless mouse with my apple wired aluminum keyboard. If the machine that the mouse is connected to is on the left of the keyboard, and the mouse is on the right, the mouse appears laggy and jumpy on the screen. If the computer and mouse are on the same side of the keyboard, I don't have an problems. I have noticed the same issue with apple's magic trackpad....

Anyway the point is that it could be anything.... A cordless phone too close to the system, the RF receiver is too far from the mouse, you have a metal desk, you live under power lines, the microwave is near your computer, etc. etc...

I would try moving some things around to see if that clears it up.... Or, if the USB extension cable does not bother you, use that to bring the receiver closer to the mouse/keyboard.

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