Hot plugging and mouse restoration

It is strongly recommended that you switch off a host computer before attempting to connect it to the Wizard IP Plus. However, if this is not possible then you need to ‘hot plug’ the computer while it is still running. There is not normally a danger of damage to the computer, however, when mouse communications are interrupted, often they fail to re-initialise when reconnected. The Wizard IP Plus 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’ 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 computer to the Wizard IP Plus. 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 computer 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 Wizard IP Plus (or afterwards using only keyboard control), access the Windows Control Panel of the computer 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 KVM cable set, carefully make the keyboard, monitor and mouse connections between the host computer and the ports collectively labelled COMPUTER / KVMA SWITCH on the Wizard IP Plus.

2Using a keyboard and monitor directly connected to the Wizard IP Plus,

log on and then press to view the options menu. More about hotkeys

Wizard IP Plus Restore Mouse

Restore PS/2 Mouse

Restore IntelliMouse

Back

3Select the ‘Restore mouse functions’ option to display:

4Select one of the following options:

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

•Restore IntelliMouse – if IntelliMouse mode is required.

5Select the ‘Return to host’ option.

6Move 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.

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