When my computer mouse (an HP Cordless) is not in use, the cursor slowly creeps up and to the left side of the screen, seeking out the top left corner of the screen. How can I stop this ‘cursor creep’? A second question relates to Spybot Search & Destroy and Ad-Aware. When I run a scan using Spybot, normally no items are detected. However, if I immediately run an Ad-Aware scan, this will often detect a ‘critical’ intruder. Why is this happening, and do I need to scan using both utilities? The computer is running Windows XP Home Edition.

Earlier this year I answered a similar question, relating to systems which have been upgraded to Windows XP Service Pack 2. Some users have reported conflicts between SP2 and device drivers. Your first point of enquiry should be the manufacturer’s (e.g. HP) website to check if there are any upgraded drivers for the cordless mouse. Also, sometimes I have noticed you can install and use mice (and other human interface devices) without installing the accompanying device drivers. However, this often results in some (not so obvious) consequences. So, if your device did come with drivers make sure they are installed, even if the device appears to work properly without the drivers being installed.

Since your mouse is cordless, I assume the mouse is also an optical mouse. Sometimes, optical mice have difficulty tracking on particular surfaces. This could be causing the ‘cursor creep’. There is a good article on the Logitech website which deals with erratic cursor movement for both optical, trackball and cordless mice: logitech-en-amr.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/logitech_en_amr.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=35.

Of course, there is always the possibility the mouse itself is faulty (e.g. the optical sensor in the mouse is malfunctioning). If you are unable to resolve the problem, try connecting the mouse to another computer to check whether the problem persists. By doing this, you will be able to determine whether the mouse itself has a problem, or the issue is related to your computer. Should you need to replace the mouse, good rechargeable cordless/optical mice cost around $80 - $100.

Regarding your second question about one spyware/adware scanner detecting items which another does not detect, you have stated the exact reason I always recommend people run a combination of scanners. Given the vast range of spyware and adware circulating the internet today, one scanner is unlikely to provide a complete solution and be able to detect all spyware/adware. Reasons for this may include differences in the definition files for the scanner and differences in the scanning engines. For people running Windows XP, I recommend using a combination of Ad-Aware (www.lavasoft.de), Spybot (www.safer-networking.org) and Windows AntiSpyware Beta (www.microsoft.com/downloads). These three utilities are free and I have found them to be quite effective in removing spyware/adware from most computers. However, you should also be aware that even using a combination of scanners does not guarantee 100% protection - there may be instances where you are still unable to remove some nasties from your computer. These situations need to be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require the use of other tools or manual removal techniques. So, I strongly encourage everyone to use a combination of tools when scanning for spyware/adware, to increase the chances of detection and removal.