[NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

TheDuck · 2008-12-21 16:41:25

Hi,

Ever since upgrading upgraded xorg-server (1.4.2-2 -> 1.5.3-3) and even to 1.5.3-4 I have had problems with the mouse just randomly forgetting that it has buttons on it. I can use keyboard commands to manipulate each window just fine, and the mouse cursor rolls all over my screens but refuses to click! Everything has been fine on this rig for years, though, until now!

I can't find any pattern to this problem, everything will just be fine for hours, then I try to click on something, and whammo! No mouse buttons!

Sometimes this is even evident immediately after starting X, I might get 1 or two programs open, then the mouse buttons quit. It doesn't seem to matter what programs I am opening or running either.

I have a somwhat unique setup here, with 4x DVI 22" LCD Monitors each running at 1680x1050.

I have 2 NVidia GeForce 8600 GTS PCIe cards, one card runs the top pair of monitors via twinview, the other card twinviews the bottom pair, and Xinerama stitches the mess together.

I can't wait until xrandr will work across graphics cards so I can get rid of that horrible Xinerama.

In addition X11vnc was just fine before the xorg-server upgrade! Now when I use x11vnc to view this machine from a remote location, the top 2 monitors refuse to accept any mouse clicks, but the bottom 2 click just fine!

I have tried to disable hotplugging in my xorg.conf via:

Section "ServerFlags"
        Option "AutoAddDevices" "False"
EndSection

To no avail. dmesg shows no errors, Xorg.0.log shows nothing happening, and everything.log also has no changes when the buttons quit.

I'm not one that usually has to ask for help, lol. I've been hoping someone else here might have come across this problem first, and that I could borrow their *fix*.

I'm up for suggestions! Thanks in advance!

Last edited by TheDuck (2009-01-06 20:04:21)

deej · 2008-12-21 16:48:28

Stunning set-up. Regarding the problem, do any of the log files in /var/log/
indicate a problem ? Given the randomness of the glitch it's a long shot,
bit probably worth a look.

Deej

TheDuck · 2008-12-21 17:06:28

deej wrote:

Stunning set-up. Regarding the problem, do any of the log files in /var/log/
indicate a problem ? Given the randomness of the glitch it's a long shot,
bit probably worth a look.
Deej

NOTHING in the logs.

As random as it is, it always occurs when I am actively using the mouse. Never when I am away from the computer, for hours, or even days. It will be just fine when I return to it until I start using it again!

deej · 2008-12-22 10:27:02

Is it a usb mouse ?
Have you tried another mouse ?

[ Sound of deej scratching head ]

Deej

[EDIT]

Are you using the 'evdev' driver ? Worth a try, if not.

Last edited by deej (2008-12-22 11:11:03)

kaouete · 2008-12-22 14:09:18

Hello,

I have the exact same problem.

I was using the evdev driver with AutoAddDevices on (by default).

Then later I disabled it (because of my keyboard) and used the mouse driver (by configuring it in xorg.conf).

TheDuck · 2008-12-22 14:56:51

deej wrote:

Is it a usb mouse ?
Have you tried another mouse ?
[ Sound of deej scratching head ]
Deej
[EDIT]
Are you using the 'evdev' driver ? Worth a try, if not.

No, its a PS/2 mouse, I hate USB mice and keyboards. On all the machines I've ever had I've noticed a certain lag when moving the mouse or typing on the keyboard. I just avoid USB for that type of input completely.

No I have not tried another mouse, but the problem with x11vnc started at the same time seems related so I'm certain its not hardware.

I was using evdev, its since been "disabled" via my first post and I still have the same problem. How to tell if its really disabled?

deej · 2008-12-22 19:41:33

Run 'lsmod' to see all of your running modules.

As kaouete suggests, can you have a look in your /etc/X11/xorg.conf to see what is
loaded in there for the mouse ?

Mine ( a PS2 mouse ) looks like this:

Section "InputDevice"
    Identifier     "Mouse0"
    Driver         "mouse"
    Option         "Protocol" "auto"
    Option         "Device" "/dev/input/mice"
    Option         "ZAxisMapping" "4 5 6 7"
EndSection

Deej

TheDuck · 2008-12-22 20:04:18

Funny thing today, my mouse buttons worked on the top screens with x11vnc this morning. I came back, raised my VNC window, and found that it STOPPED working for the top screens again. Bottom screens work fine, however.

The buttons still continue to quit altogether when I am in front of the machine.

As requested:

$ lsmod             
Module                  Size  Used by
nls_cp437               8960  0      
vfat                   14336  0      
fat                    55480  1 vfat 
rfcomm                 43680  4      
bridge                 56224  0      
stp                     4740  1 bridge
llc                     8224  2 bridge,stp
bnep                   14720  2           
hidp                   18560  2           
hid                    50496  1 hidp      
l2cap                  26112  17 rfcomm,bnep,hidp
ppdev                  10504  0                  
vmnet                  46656  3                  
parport_pc             41544  0                  
parport                39216  2 ppdev,parport_pc 
vmblock                16976  3                  
vmmon                 999020  0                  
ipv6                  309480  14                 
cbc                     6016  3                  
bttv                  203860  0                  
ir_common              39428  1 bttv             
compat_ioctl32         11520  1 bttv             
videodev               38784  2 bttv,compat_ioctl32
v4l1_compat            17796  1 videodev           
i2c_algo_bit            8452  1 bttv               
v4l2_common            13696  1 bttv               
videobuf_dma_sg        14724  1 bttv               
hci_usb                17560  2                    
videobuf_core          20484  2 bttv,videobuf_dma_sg
psmouse                44700  0                     
bluetooth              60836  9 rfcomm,bnep,hidp,l2cap,hci_usb
btcx_risc               6536  1 bttv                          
k8temp                  7296  0                               
pcspkr                  4864  0                               
tveeprom               16900  1 bttv                          
i2c_nforce2             9224  0                               
serio_raw               8324  0                               
usb_storage           106688  1                               
nvidia               7809352  48                              
sg                     34528  0                               
i2c_core               25760  6 bttv,i2c_algo_bit,v4l2_common,tveeprom,i2c_nforce2,nvidia
thermal                20640  0                                                          
processor              40760  1 thermal                                                  
fan                     7304  0                                                          
evdev                  13984  3
button                  9504  0
battery                14600  0
ac                      7176  0
fuse                   59584  2
snd_seq_oss            35584  0
snd_seq_midi_event      9344  1 snd_seq_oss
snd_seq                58336  5 snd_seq_oss,snd_seq_midi_event
snd_hda_intel         474672  1
snd_seq_device          9364  2 snd_seq_oss,snd_seq
snd_hwdep              10632  1 snd_hda_intel
snd_pcm_oss            45568  0
snd_pcm                82440  2 snd_hda_intel,snd_pcm_oss
snd_timer              24720  2 snd_seq,snd_pcm
snd_page_alloc         10640  2 snd_hda_intel,snd_pcm
snd_mixer_oss          18944  1 snd_pcm_oss
snd                    64840  12 snd_seq_oss,snd_seq,snd_hda_intel,snd_seq_device,snd_hwdep,snd_pcm_oss,snd_pcm,snd_timer,snd_mixer_oss
soundcore               9632  1 snd
forcedeth              60432  0
sha256_generic         11520  0
aes_x86_64             10240  6
aes_generic            29352  1 aes_x86_64
dm_crypt               16520  1
dm_mod                 61936  7 dm_crypt
crypto_blkcipher       19972  5 cbc,dm_crypt
rtc_cmos               13112  0
rtc_core               21060  1 rtc_cmos
rtc_lib                 4992  1 rtc_core
reiserfs              244096  4
raid1                  25984  1
md_mod                 90660  2 raid1
sr_mod                 18756  0
cdrom                  39080  1 sr_mod
isp1760                22320  0
ohci_hcd               27548  0
ehci_hcd               40716  0
sd_mod                 29224  10
usbcore               156816  6 hci_usb,usb_storage,isp1760,ohci_hcd,ehci_hcd
sata_nv                28552  5
ata_generic             8196  0
pata_amd               15876  0
libata                171872  3 sata_nv,ata_generic,pata_amd
scsi_mod              113144  5 usb_storage,sg,sr_mod,sd_mod,libata
dock                   11168  1 libata

Section "InputDevice"                                                                                                                                                                                      
        Identifier   "Mouse0"                                                                                                                                                                              
        Driver       "mouse"                                                                                                                                                                               
        Option       "Protocol" "auto"                                                                                                                                                                     
        Option       "Device" "/dev/psaux"                                                                                                                                                                 
        Option       "ZAxisMapping" "4 5"                                                                                                                                                                  
        Option       "Emulate3Buttons" "no"                                                                                                                                                                
EndSection

Last edited by TheDuck (2008-12-22 20:06:35)

deej · 2008-12-23 10:06:01

Well , 'lsmod' shows that 'evdev' is still running. But I think the problem lay
elsewhere. I've no experience with multi-monitor set-ups, but instinct and
what you've said today lead me to believe that it is either a dodgy mouse /
mouse connection or the something with software running the monitor set-up.

Mmmm... anyone ?

Deej

kaouete · 2008-12-23 17:02:41

I forgot to say that I am also using multiple monitor (two with xinerama on a nvidia 6800GS).

Here it stops working for all monitor and I did not try X11vnc.

I can not do tests now, but I will try to see if it change something when evdev is not loaded.
And maybe do other tests with evdev as the driver for mouse.

TheDuck · 2009-01-03 15:29:39

There seems to be a pattern I am noticing, finally!!!

When I launch or manipulate windows of GTK apps, like Firefox, Thunderbird, or Pidgin is when the buttons stop trapping clicks.

Still, this occurs at random times, with any combination of programs open. I could be running X for 10 seconds, or 10 hours when the buttons quit.

syms · 2009-01-03 19:15:08

Why dont you downgrade your x.org back?
http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Downgrade_packages

TheDuck · 2009-01-03 19:33:56

syms wrote:

Why dont you downgrade your x.org back?
http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Downgrade_packages

I considered it, however I don't have the older packages, and I don't like breaking future dependancies. While this is good for an immediately fix, I have had nothing but trouble doing that in the long run.

I may have this thing behaving though. It seems to be good right now. I changed some xorg.conf settings and just "pacman -Syu 'd" my system. I saw a new GTK package come down the wire, maybe these things have corrected my issue, will keep you updated.

syms · 2009-01-03 19:37:58

TheDuck wrote:

syms wrote:
Why dont you downgrade your x.org back?
http://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Downgrade_packages
I considered it, however I don't have the older packages, and I don't like breaking future dependancies. While this is good for an immediately fix, I have had nothing but trouble doing that in the long run.
I may have this thing behaving though. It seems to be good right now. I changed some xorg.conf settings and just "pacman -Syu 'd" my system. I saw a new GTK package come down the wire, maybe these things have corrected my issue, will keep you updated.

Let's hope for the best then

TheDuck · 2009-01-04 00:22:21

Well the buttons quit again, I did notice each of the last two times that it was when I lauched Firefox. I shut down X and (re)configured everything to use evdev for mouse and keyboard drivers. The buttons still die, and these last few times its happening consistently when I launch Firefox!

I did a little pokin' around on Google and found a Ubuntu forum message where someone complained of similar symptoms. It seems to be connected to Firefox and Flash 10 x64. I realised I was running a slightly older 10.0.d20.1 version that I got from the AUR a little while ago. I just upgraded to flashplugin 10.0.d21.1-1 from extra and confirmed its loaded with about:plugins.

Lets see what happens this time..................

TheDuck · 2009-01-04 05:11:53

Welp, the mouse buttons are still quitting whenever they feel like it, and always when playing with something GTK (though usually its Firefox!)

But I have a solution to regain control!

Its really stupid, but it works.

When the mouse buttons quit:

1. Make sure x11vnc is configured and running on the affected machine.

2. Log into VNC from my laptop computer

3. click on anything on the 2 lower screens

4. close VNC window

5. return to affected computer, mouse buttons work again!

This has worked every time its screwed up on me this evening...

Now someone PLEASE explain it to me! LOL!

Last edited by TheDuck (2009-01-04 05:14:07)

stefanwilkens · 2009-01-04 12:01:36

I've actually been having simmilar issues on a laptop... I find myself having to click several times before it grasps the click at times.

kaouete · 2009-01-04 13:37:55

Hello, I think this should be the same thing :
http://bugs.freedesktop.org/show_bug.cgi?id=18668

There is no definitive solution in it

frio · 2009-01-06 01:39:42

I've had this too, ever since upgrading to the latest X.org. It's somewhat of a pain , and I'm yet to find a fix either!

TheDuck · 2009-01-06 20:03:44

Ok, so from what I've heard the Xorg server has some kinda issue when it loads up and you drift between Xinerama-driven monitors. Most non-GTK apps usually do not load up X quite as much as anything else which is why pidgin, firefox and thunderbird and even open office seem to cause the problem most frequently.

THERE IS AN EASY SOLUTION TO REGAIN MOUSE FUNCTIONALITY!

I ready this on another forum:

Install the xmoto game, yes, install the xmoto GAME!

When your mouse bombs out, fire up a terminal, or for you KDE4 users, press ALT+F2 and launch: xmoto

when the game opens, roll your mouse around (you may or may not see a cursor, I do but only for a moment)

then using your keyboard, exit the game

MOUSE BUTTONS WORK AGAIN!

I've been having some new problems that just popped up too, where when logged into x11vnc it gets really sluggish, then X dies completely taking all X apps along with it and p!$$!ng me off along the way.

I managed to find an xorg-server 1.4.2-2 x86_64 package and installed it a few minutes ago, I really didn't want to do that but its either downgrade or LOSE ALL PRODUCTIVITY!

We'll see if downgrading solves the problem.

Last edited by TheDuck (2009-01-06 20:07:37)

brisbin33 · 2009-02-02 21:54:23

TheDuck wrote:

I managed to find an xorg-server 1.4.2-2 x86_64 package...

i've been looking for that package for the past two days... can you provide a link?

much appreciated.

kaouete · 2009-02-02 22:05:44

Personally, I stopped to use xinerama and switched to twinview even if I hate using these proprietary things, and now it works great !

TheDuck · 2009-02-02 22:12:24

brisbin33 wrote:

TheDuck wrote:
I managed to find an xorg-server 1.4.2-2 x86_64 package...
i've been looking for that package for the past two days... can you provide a link?
much appreciated.

I don't have a link anymore, I found that weeks and weeks ago. I still have the package though, maybe I can get it to you somehow.

kaouete wrote:

Personally, I stopped to use xinerama and switched to twinview even if I hate using these proprietary things, and now it works great !

Twinview will not work across 4 monitors. If I only wanted to use 2 monitors it would have been fine. No such thing as "Quadview" at this time. It would be nice if NVidia provided such a thing.. :: hint hint NVidia ::

brisbin33 · 2009-02-02 22:18:27

TheDuck wrote:

brisbin33 wrote:
TheDuck wrote:
I managed to find an xorg-server 1.4.2-2 x86_64 package...
i've been looking for that package for the past two days... can you provide a link?
much appreciated.
I don't have a link anymore, I found that weeks and weeks ago. I still have the package though, maybe I can get it to you somehow.

that'd be amazing, too big to email? pbrisbin at gmail

FrozenFox · 2009-02-03 01:56:35

No need to send the email stuff.

Either set up the correct date repo..
http://bbs.archlinux.org/viewtopic.php?id=53665

Or just manually resolve dependencies by using the packages from extra here (same repo).
http://arm.nrk.cc/

Arch Linux

#1 2008-12-21 16:41:25

[NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#2 2008-12-21 16:48:28

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#3 2008-12-21 17:06:28

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#4 2008-12-22 10:27:02

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#5 2008-12-22 14:09:18

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#6 2008-12-22 14:56:51

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#7 2008-12-22 19:41:33

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#8 2008-12-22 20:04:18

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#9 2008-12-23 10:06:01

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#10 2008-12-23 17:02:41

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#11 2009-01-03 15:29:39

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#12 2009-01-03 19:15:08

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#13 2009-01-03 19:33:56

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#14 2009-01-03 19:37:58

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#15 2009-01-04 00:22:21

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#16 2009-01-04 05:11:53

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#17 2009-01-04 12:01:36

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#18 2009-01-04 13:37:55

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#19 2009-01-06 01:39:42

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#20 2009-01-06 20:03:44

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#21 2009-02-02 21:54:23

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#22 2009-02-02 22:05:44

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#23 2009-02-02 22:12:24

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#24 2009-02-02 22:18:27

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

#25 2009-02-03 01:56:35

Re: [NOT SOLVED - HAVE WORKAROUND] Mouse stops clicking

Board footer