Strange mouse wheel behavior on Windows 7

Question

I have a Windows 7 x64 Enterprise SP1 Dell Optiplex 980 system with a Dell mouse. Under the Control Panel > Mouse, and Mouse Properties tab it says "Name: HID-compliant mouse". It's a Dell basic multimedia keyboard/mouse combo (Model #SK-8135).

Well, it's been giving me fits when I try to scroll using the wheel; when I scroll up too fast, it actually starts going down!

This is especially annoying when I hit the top of a web page -- the up scroll on the wheel starts to scroll down. What in the world is going on? Under the mouse settings, I've tried setting the Vertical Scrolling to "One screen at a time," but that's just not convenient. Can I do anything else? What's causing this bizarre behavior? Thanks.

Answer 1

My thoughts are that it is either the driver, or the mouse itself, although there are a couple more things you can also try. I hate to say it though, my best guess is on the mouse, and replacing it will probably be the solution.

You should see if you can try another mouse and/or check your driver in the Device Manager to make sure that it is using Microsoft driver version 6.1.7600.16385 (I am using Windows 7 SP1).

Also in your mouse Control Panel properties, make sure the wheel setting for "The following number lines at a time" is set to one (although you can test other settings as you may find one you like better).

Lastly, check your Control Panel>All Control Panel Items>System>Advanced system settings>Advanced>Performance settings and test with "Smooth-scroll list boxes" checked and unchecked.