Alternative Mouse Driver?

February 5, 2008 9:27 AM

Is it possible to add a driver to my XP box which will allow me to use my mouse wheel as a third button but does not require admin priviledges to install?

I prefer to use a mouse with a driver which allows the wheel to be used as a third button. In the past I’ve used the MS Intellipoint driver, but I don’t have administrative priviledges and my new employer’s IT dept is cranky about installing anything on my machine.

I have gone through all the correct routes to do this, but I’m getting a resounding “we’ve got bigger fish to fry” response, so I'm wondering if there's a workaround?

posted by russmail to computers & internet (8 comments total)

You might already be able to change this in Control Panel --> Mouse.

Have you checked that yet? Usually things like Mouse and Keyboard settings don't need administrative privileges to be changed.
posted by Schuby at 9:44 AM on February 5

Yes - currently there is no option to assign an action to the wheel button: that's what I need the driver for.
posted by russmail at 9:51 AM on February 5

I doubt it. Device drivers are system level not user-level. The only workaround I can think of is buying a mouse that has drivers built-in to your windows install. This will require some research. If your environment is typical it should allow the driver to load at boot up when it detects the new mouse. I imagine this is something of a long shot as assigning buttons to the wheel might not be a functionality supported by the MS drivers, which explains the situation you are in now.
posted by damn dirty ape at 9:58 AM on February 5

As damn dirty ape said, you can't get around the administrative privileges.

However a quick search on Tucows came up with some interesting programs that might help. Be sure to narrow down the search to Freeware.!
posted by Schuby at 10:04 AM on February 5

The workaround is to politely email the call center/help desk/IT Dept supervisor and copy his/her supervisor and your supervisor. This is something that would take about 5 minutes to perform, and if it means you're a happier, more productive user then all the better. IT departments usually have time for small fish even if they claim otherwise.
posted by Burhanistan at 10:04 AM on February 5

Are you sure it doesn't do this by default? I'm currently on a XP computer with the standard Microsoft driver and pushing on my scroll wheel middle clicks. Sure most apps don't do much with middle click, but it's enough to open links in new tabs in FireFox.
posted by advicepig at 10:27 AM on February 5

It also opens links in new tabs in IE7. And a middle-click on a tab closes it (both browsers).
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 11:38 AM on February 5

Specifically, I was wanting the wheel button to act as a double-click button.
posted by russmail at 1:01 PM on February 5