Hot plugging and mouse restoration

It is strongly recommended that you switch off a server before attempting to connect it to the ServSwitch CX. However, if this is not possible then you need to ‘hot plug’ the server while it is still running. There is not normally a danger of damage to the server, however, when mouse communications are interrupted, often they fail to re-initialise when reconnected. The ServSwitch CX provides

a feature to reinstate mouse communications once the necessary connections have been made.

There are two main types of data formats used by current PC mice, these are the older ‘PS/2’ or ‘standard mouse’ format and the more recent ‘IntelliMouse®’ format introduced by Microsoft. These use slightly different data arrangements and it is important to know which type was being used before you hot-plugged the server to the ServSwitch CX. The previous setting depends both on the type of mouse and the type of driver, as various combinations of PS/2 and IntelliMouse are possible. Using the incorrect restore function may produce unpredictable results and require the server to be re-booted.

Which restore setting do I use?

The general rule is that unless both the mouse and the driver are both IntelliMouse compatible then you need to restore the mouse as ‘PS/2’. An IntelliMouse can operate in either mode, whereas a PS/2 mouse cannot.

Recognising an IntelliMouse-style mouse

The IntelliMouse format was introduced to support, among other features, the scroll wheel function. If the mouse has a scroll wheel, then it is likely to support the IntelliMouse format. If it is a Microsoft-branded mouse, then it will usually state that it is an IntelliMouse on its underside label.

Recognising an IntelliMouse driver

Before hot plugging to the ServSwitch CX (or afterwards using only keyboard control), access the Windows Control Panel of the server and select either the Mouse option (on Windows NT, 2000 and XP) or the System option (on Windows 95, 98, ME). Look for the name of the driver, which will usually include the words PS/2 or IntelliMouse.

To restore mouse operation when hot plugging:

1Using a suitable SAM (Server Access Module) and category 5, 5e or 6 link cabling, carefully make the connections between the keyboard, monitor, mouse (and audio) sockets of the server and the required ServSwitch CX port.

2Select the port of the newly connected server and then display the Configuration menu.

3Highlight ‘Functions’ and press .

4As appropriate, highlight one of the following options:

•Restore Standard Mouse – if PS/2 mode is required, or

•Restore IntelliMouse – if IntelliMouse mode is required.

Then press .

5Move the mouse a short distance and check for appropriate on-screen cursor movement. If the mouse cursor darts erratically around the screen, then cease moving the mouse. This is an indication that the chosen restore function is incorrect. Try again using the other restore function.

Note: The restore functions predict the likely mouse resolution settings but may not restore the exact speed or sensitivity settings that were originally set.

   

