No digital signal on BBC1 or 2

[Don Petter]

Hi saly

I used to have your computer mouse problem when the mouse was a plug-in type to the back of the computer. Is yours of that kind? If so, the "loose cursor" problem might be because of muck inevitably accumulated on the rubber ball over time. I used to unscrew the rim underneath the mouse to release the rubber ball, give the ball a wash in lukewarm soapy water, rinse off and thoroughly dry before putting in back in. That worked for a while, but eventually the problem recurred, and I was told the mouse had reached the end of its life. I replaced it with a battery-operated mouse, which is powered by 3 AAA batteries - the tiddly ones, which can be bought comparatively cheaply in packs of 6 or 8; a pair usually last me about 4 days, the only problem really being in getting the damn things out of the packaging! The cursor is now much more responsive to this particular mouse, and "loose kite" problem only occurs when the batteries need replacing.

And a nice Good Friday to yourself, too!

In my experience, there is never any significant dirt on the ball itself. All the dirt accumulates round the two (X and Y axis) rollers. You need to carefully scrape this off with a fingernail (all the way round each roller). Once this is done, hold the mouse in the normal upright position and shake it vigously up and down in the air. This should allow any of the dirt which has fallen inside to make an exit through the hole. Then replace the ball and you should be off for another week or two.

[salymap]

I don't have a mouse, just a little old touchpad thing. The left-hand bit at the front is cracked as I bang on it with frustration as the laptop is so slow. It does now have a hairline crack

Write 100 times " I must not be so rough with my toys".

[cloughie]

In my experience, there is never any significant dirt on the ball itself. All the dirt accumulates round the two (X and Y axis) rollers. You need to carefully scrape this off with a fingernail (all the way round each roller). Once this is done, hold the mouse in the normal upright position and shake it vigously up and down in the air. This should allow any of the dirt which has fallen inside to make an exit through the hole. Then replace the ball and you should be off for another week or two.

Sounds a bit like Fawlty Towers - trouble with fur balls!

[Don Petter]

I don't have a mouse, just a little old touchpad thing. The left-hand bit at the front is cracked as I bang on it with frustration as the laptop is so slow. It does now have a hairline crack

You have my deepest sympathy! Trying to use a touch pad, even when it's working correctly, is one of the most frustrating activities on earth.

Why don't you buy a mouse, wired or not, and relax in the luxury of pointing just where you want?

[You can get an optical mouse (with no fluff problems) of good make, like Logitech, for less than a fiver.]

[JFLL]

Trying to use a touch pad, even when it's working correctly, is one of the most frustrating activities on earth.

[salymap]

Right, thanks both, after Easter I'll look into it.

[salymap]

Heads up for S-A and anyone else who has to update their Freeview TV to 100% digital in the London area. It's on the 18th, the day after tomorrow. Instructions will be on screen for those that need them.

[vinteuil]

It's on the 18th, the day after tomorrow.

... now why do I think that is also a special day?

[salymap]

I don't know to what you refer Sir

[Nick Armstrong]

... now why do I think that is also a special day?

Oooh he's a charmer, old vinmousseux... a thoughtful one, though, certainly!

[Resurrection Man]

One tip to all those struggling to find the right station in the right channel in the right slot is to unplug the aerial. Navigate through the menu and carry out a Factory Reset or similar sounding name and sk for an automatic rescan. This wil clear out all internal references to channels ...existent or non-existent. Switch off your machine...be it PVR, TV, freeview set-top box whatever. Turb back on. Plug the aerial back in and then go through the rest stuff and retune again. Et voila...all channels should end up where they are supposed to.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

Hmmm. My BBC2 is inaccessible now, since retuning. It comes on for a second then reverts to BBC1.

Are you sure this is not the Radio 3 effect? Whenever I tune into this station on weekday mornings, it seems to slip on to Radio 2.

[Resurrection Man]

Are you sure this is not the Radio 3 effect? Whenever I tune into this station on weekday mornings, it seems to slip on to Radio 2.

That is easily done as the presenters in the morning sound identical. But are you sure you haven't inadvertently tuned to Classic FM? Radio 3 and Classic FM also sound identical before noon.

[Dave2002]

Switchover day today for some. Maybe SA will get his channels back. He seems to be almost sitting on the transmitter.

Only a few more areas to go, after this.

[salymap]

Switchover day today for some. Maybe SA will get his channels back. He seems to be almost sitting on the transmitter.

Only a few more areas to go, after this.

I seem to be okay. Have had very good advice and a new digi box from TVonics, at a price, but all channels seem to be there now.

Good luck to those that live under the transmitter.