I am a non-techie and need help desperately.

My Dell Dimension desktop is running Win XP Media. A few days ago the mouse simply stopped working and on a reboot it did not fix it. I was using a wireless keyboard and mouse and noticed the light was not coming on on the receiver/transmitter so thought that perhaps that might be the problem

At the time I did not have another keyboard with a usb plug, my childs pc had a ps2 keyboard and i do not have a ps2 port. So I used my childs pc and my wireless keyboard and mouse work perfectly on it, including my transmitter/receiver.

The problem is obviously not with the hardware since they do work on her pc.

I did however purchase a new keyboard and mouse - usb this time.

I get the same issue.

The keyboard works fine as I am able to boot in safe mode, enter the set up etc and can move around in those screens.

As soon as it hits the XP log in screen though I am screwed, the keyboard is useless and with no mouse I am unable to click on my user name to log in.

I guess the problem is twofold;

1. how can I bypass the log in screen so I can fix the mouse problem

2. what is the mouse problem and how do I fix it?

I am a single parent with no entitlement to financial aid and because of the ages of my kids I am forced to work from home online. Having my pc up and running is vital as my childs is not good enough to run everything I need to earn a living.

Any and all advice gratefully received! Please bear in mind though my limited technical knowledge. I know more than a beginner but am by no means an expert.

I am not sure if this thread belongs here or in the hardware section so am posting to both.

Carolyn

[edits to add: a couple of ppl have suggested i use the tab key at log in, this does not work. there is only one user name. it does make me wonder though if perhaps the issue is not the mouse so much as the pc freezing at the log in screen]

hi carolyn
all i have is a lot of maybe this or that.

first is to see if the processor heatsink/fan is clean as well as the power supply. if you don't know how and y'all are willing then we'll guide you thru, pretty easy to do.

No, I don't know how but right now am willing to give anything a try!

you'll need a screw driver, probably a philips.
a can of compressed air like from walmart or bestbuy.
when you have those come back. we'll remove the case cover and blow out the dust bunnies.
and please do tell the manufacturer and model of computer.

Just as a side thought, when is the last time that you replaced the batteries in the wireless keyboard and mouse?

the battetries are fine, my mouse and keyboard work perfectly on my daughters pc and i even tried a brand new usb mouse and keyboard.

i am beginning to wonder if rather than the mouse being the issue it is windows itself freezing at the log in screen seen as tab will not work

I will go to the store tomorrow for the compressed air. it is a dell dimension e510