Using a non-mac mouse on a mac

[Eckels]

Hi guys. I've been enjoying my mac for about three months now and I'm proud to say it's the best purchase I've ever made. Unfortunately though, nothing is ever perfect. I'm not very happy with the Mighty Mouse.

I use the Mighty Mouse as a two-button mouse, and in a lot of programs (especially games, where control matters a lot) I end up clicking with the left mouse button when I want to click the right mouse button. I tend to let my fingers hover in the middle of the mouse - I know you have to press closer to the outside of the mouse to be sure to get a positive click, but I find it uncomfortable to keep my fingers in that position.

So anyways, I'd like to be able to use a PC mouse with the mac, but I can't seem to get the buttons to work correctly. I have a Microsoft wireless mouse that hooks up via USB. It works to move the pointer, and the trackwheel works, but the left button clicks as if it's the secondary button (it should be the primary) the right button doesn't do anything. Changing the mouse settings in system preferences has no effect.

I did a forum search but didn't find any information that I thought was relevant. I may not have been searching for the right things though.

I don't have any drivers for this mouse, as it didn't come with any.

Is there anything I can do to make this work?

 

[igucl]

Did it come with software? It should have if you bought it new. I use the Microsoft intellimouse explorer, and it came with software that works on the Mac. It was no problem configuring all the buttons once the software was installed.

 

[SMM]

Unless you have a bad mouse (unlikely), I suggest you try the preference settings again. I have experience with virtually every Mac/mouse combo you can think of (since 2004) and they all work. In fact, there were few instances when the settings even had to be changed. For example, right now I am using a Logitech 5-button wireless. But, I also have a MM plugged into the same MP. Sometimes I prefer the MM and can use whatever one I decide to pickup. In fact, I also have two keyboards (one wireless and one dedicated for editing video). These also work either/or.

 

[flyfish29]

Unless you have a bad mouse (unlikely), I suggest you try the preference settings again. I have experience with virtually every Mac/mouse combo you can think of (since 2004) and they all work. In fact, there were few instances when the settings even had to be changed. For example, right now I am using a Logitech 5-button wireless. But, I also have a MM plugged into the same MP. Sometimes I prefer the MM and can use whatever one I decide to pickup. In fact, I also have two keyboards (one wireless and one dedicated for editing video). These also work either/or.

'

Yes, but didn't your logitech have software that you are using for it to assign button controls...mine does and yes, I can always plug in a regular mouse and use it but if I didn't have the software for my logitech it wouldn't have the multifunction button goodies to use...

To the OP, You should find some MS software to be able to control everything.

 

[BilltheCat]

I never could get used to MM. It was the nub that did me in I think.

I use a logitech wireless and find it works fine for me. Just wish it was white.