14
Hot plugging and mouse restoration
It is strongly recommended that you switch off the host computer before
attempting to connect it to the iPEPS. 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 iPEPS 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 iPEPS. 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 iPEPS (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:
1 Carefully make the keyboard, monitor and mouse connections between the
host computer and the iPEPS ports.
2 Using a keyboard and monitor directly connected to the iPEPS, log on and
then press to view the options menu. More about hotkeys
3 Select the ‘Restore mouse functions’ option to display:
4 Select one of the following options:
• Restore PS/2 Mouse – if PS/2 mode is required, or
• Restore IntelliMouse – if IntelliMouse mode is required.
5 Select the ‘Return to host’ option.
6 Move 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.