While typing, cursor jumps to another part of what I'm writing - how to fix please?

[MaggieW]

This has happened in the past and I'm not sure how to cure it but when I'm typing the cursor jumps to a different part of what I'm typing eg it's just jumped to the subject line while typing this. How do I stop it doing this please?

defluff your mouse, if it is not optical
check you have not got a text box inserted somewhere (oooh matron)

Or your cuff/sleeve/trailing finger touched the mouse mat/touch thingie (on the laptop?)

This happens to me when there have been automatic updates. It usually sorts itself after about a day of massive frustration.

Thanks for swift responses.

Errr, not sure what optical means - it'a wireless mouse. Will keep sleeves clear and see if that makes a difference.

Thanks again.

this happens to me on my home laptop - i'll suddenly be writing in a different part of the email or whatever to the part I thought I was writing in. Sorry can't be any help, but will watch for helpful replies...

This happens on my laptop if I accidentally touch the little rubber mouse thingy (patented technical term) while typing. Very frustrating but can't find a way to deactivate it so just have to be careful around letters rtyfghvbn!

I also have this problem on my laptop if I move my hand too near the mouse thingymajiggy. PITA - no idea how to fix it. Have learned to type while dodging the mouse pad.

Try it on a different surface.

An optical mouse is one that uses a light instead of a ball - most are optical, these days. They're not at all keen on any amount of shine on a surface - mine works great on my fabric sofa, but jumps all over the place on a slightly shiny desk.

I bet you are using a laptop. I often do this as well. It drives me mad and it's one of the reasons I prefer the nipple mouse in the middle.

Either lift your wrists up when typing or if that's not convenient, get a cheap keyboard and use that instead. A few laptops have a button which disables the trackpad.