Hope this is in the right place.
My computer is a few years old, from back around the time Windows XP was brand new and 1.8 GhZ were considered top of the line. (I'm not certain how long ago that was, should probably find out sometime.)
For a while it was situated in the Kitchen, and I had no computer to myself in my room. However, last year around March, the computer was moved into my room. It is no longer using the Gateway mouse it came with (An optical), nor the keyboard. Instead it's using an old IBM keyboard that I like because it doesn't have the annoying Start menu pop-up button. In addition, it's using a PS/2 mouse manufactured by Hewlett Packard.
Since I began using the mouse and keyboard, I've had nothing but problems.
If the computer shuts down, and doesn't utilize the Restart option when shutting down. (ie, like if the computer crashes, or I shut it down during vacation), on reboot, it displays the message "Keyboard not found... press F4 to continue" message, then continues with the startup.
Once fully started up, if I press any key on the keyboard whatsoever, the mouse freezes and I can no longer input through either the keyboard or mouse.
So, I have to force the computer to shut down, and then reboot. I've managed to figure out, that if I get the keyboard not found message on startup, if I restart the computer (that is, hit Start > Shut Down Computer > Restart) it reboots fine, and the keyboard is found and I can type and everything.
So that's not quite a huge deal, but it's still a nuisance.
In addition however, the mouse behaves erratically on it's own.
With completely random intervals, from no stimuli I can clearly identify, the cursor will randomly "twitch" around the screen. Often, I'll lose use of the wheel, which is a tell tale sign of what happens next.
Some seconds, minutes, or even hours after the wheel becomes unresponsive, the cursor will run around the left and top sides of the screen, "clicking" wildly, often closing any programs I have open, and destroying things I'm working on. I've found I can often limit the damage by lifting the mouse up off of the desk, and allowing the process to end, without moving the cursor much more. (It still seems to reply to the ball moving, only it magnifies tiny movements to move the cursor almost all the way across the screen, it's as if it becomes super motion sensitive for a time.)
About 40% of the time after these "spasms" The mouse will completely cease to move. Sometimes, if I unplug and plug the mouse back in repeatedly, I can get it working again. Other times I have to restart the computer using the task manager. (the keyboard continues to respond after the mouse freezes in this case.)
I've considered updating my drivers, and have searched for some time for the proper drivers for my mouse. I've been able to find close matches, but never the actual thing, so I've been reluctant in downloading and installing them. Especially because I'm very ignorant in the use of drivers, and am frightened to death over anything that might mess my computer up. I'm pretty short on money, I don't really have the option of buying a new one, nor do I really want to.
I'm not certain what numbers to give for the mouse. On the bottom in the top left it shows as follows.
"(HP logo) P/N 5185-1212 Rev. E MODEL P8131"
I do have access to the old keyboard that came with the computer, and I may be able to get the old mouse, if you think that will help. Unfortunately, that will leave someone else without a mouse, so I'm reluctant to do so.
Any help at all would be GREATLY appreciated, I'm fed up with these issues.
