Quick-Start Guide to XFree86 Setup : Using `XF86Setup` : Configuration areas : Mouse
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## 3.2.1. Mouse

The mouse configuration screen is used to get the mouse working properly. There are key bindings for everything so that you can easily configure the mouse, if it's not already working.

The screen includes a representation of a white mouse with three buttons. As you move your mouse it should show the pointer coordinates on the mouse and the buttons should turn black as you press the corresponding button on your mouse. If that is not happening, then your mouse is not correctly configured.

Along the top are some rows of buttons corresponding to the various possible protocols. There will also be several buttons and a couple of sliders for other settings, a visual representation of the mouse, and a button to apply any changes. There may also be an entry box in which the device can be set along with a list of possible devices.

First try moving your mouse around and see if the pointer moves correctly. If so, try testing that the buttons are working properly. If those are working as desired, go ahead and go on to another configuration area.

If the mouse pointer doesn't move at all, you need to fix either the mouse device or the protocol (or both). You can press 'n' followed by a Tab, to move to the list of mouse devices and select a different one. Pressing 'p' will pick the next available protocol on the list (protocols that are not available on your OS will be greyed-out). If you have a PnP mouse, it may be easiest to just select "Auto" as the protocol. After changing these, press 'a' to apply the changes and try again. Repeat the process until you are getting some response from your mouse.

If the mouse pointer or button indicators do something when you move the mouse, but the pointer is not moving properly, you probably have the wrong protocol selected. Try with a different one.

Most mice these days use the Microsoft protocol, the second most common is MouseSystems. Some mice do both. These dual-protocol mice have various methods of switching between the two protocols. Some have a switch on the mouse itself. Some are switched by sending a certain signal to the mouse when opening a connection to the mouse. These signals can be controlled by using different combinations of the 'ClearDTR' and 'ClearRTS' settings. Other mice require a button to be depressed when the mouse is opened (when the mouse driver first tries to talk to it). If your mouse uses this method, hold down the appropriate button while selecting apply (pressing 'a').

Once the mouse pointer is moving correctly, test that all three buttons are working properly. If your mouse only has two buttons, select 'Emulate3Buttons' and you should be able to press both buttons simultaneously to emulate the missing middle button. If not all of the buttons are working, try changing the 'ChordMiddle' setting or you may be using a protocol that is similar to that of your mouse, but not quite right.

Quick-Start Guide to XFree86 Setup : Using `XF86Setup` : Configuration areas : Mouse
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Next: Keyboard