Hot plugging and mouse restoration

It is strongly recommended that you switch off the computer system before attempting to connect it via the X2 Multi Screen modules. However, if this is not possible then you need to ‘hot plug’ the modules while power is still applied to the system. There is not normally a danger of damage to the system, however, when mouse communications are interrupted, often they fail to reinitialise when reconnected. The modules provide 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 modules. 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 system to be rebooted.

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’.

Recognising an Intellimouse-style mouse

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

Recognising an Intellimouse driver

Before hot plugging the modules (or afterwards using only keyboard control), access the Windows Control Panel 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:

1Carefully connect the modules to the system and its keyboard, mouse, monitor, audio and serial device.

2Simultaneously, press the hotkeys (by default, and ) along with to enter configuration mode.

3Enter the appropriate restore function code:

•PS/2 – press

•IntelliMouse – press

4 To exit configuration mode, 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.

Microsoft and Logitech -specific mouse settings

In certain installations some Logitech mouse drivers may lose the action of the mouse buttons when used with the standard ‘Microsoft compatible’ signalling protocol used between the modules. To solve this problem, select the ‘Logitech compatible’ mouse signalling protocol.