Dashboard

[DougStocks]

I am running OS X 10.10.3 and I use a Microsoft mouse. Formerly, if i clicked on the center wheel, Dashboard would automatically open. That is no longer the case. What can I do to restore this behavor?

 

[Cory Cooper]

Hi,

A few things to check and a couple of questions.

-Which model?
-Does it work with your Mac's built-in Bluetooth or does it have a USB dongle?
-I take it from your post that it worked previously with Yosemite?
-Have you looked at the settings in  > System Preferences... > Mouse or Microsoft Mouse
-Is there an updated software driver?

C

 

[DougStocks]

Cory Cooper: Thank you for your kind reply.
- My computer is a several years old Mac Mini (Serial # YM01301H9G6), but I no longer remember exactly how old (Snow Leopard was the original OS).
- USB dongle
- Awhile back (I think less than a year) I upgraded from original OS to OS X 10.10.1. I am pretty confident that I used that feature while using 10.10.1 (I use it rather often). I was surprised when I noticed today the present OS is 10.10.3. I do not remember doing this upgrade. Thus, I do not know if this feature has ever worked under 10.10.3
- I just now looked at Apple Logo > System Preferences > Mouse and I see only settings for Tracking, Scrolling & Double-Click Speeds and a the primary button is set to left. Should I see something else?
- I have not knowingly updated any software driver.

Again, many thanks for whatever help or suggestions you can make.

Doug

 

[honestone]

First, does the specific Microsoft mouse that you are using have any Mac-compatible drivers available?

Secondly, can you test your machine with another mouse, and see if it works OK?

Third, for OS 10.10.3, there were actually two updates that came out. What you could do is to apply both of them. They are the OS 10.10.3 Combo Updater, and the OS 10.10.3 Supplemental Updater. You can get each of them from the following sites:

Combo Updater: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1804?locale=en_US

Supplemental Updater: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1807?locale=en_US

Make sure to apply the Combo Updater first, then apply the Supplemental Updater.

Not sure if it will help with your issue, but at least you would definitely be up to date as far as the OS is concerned.

By the way, I have a late 2012 Mac Mini, and I use a Logitech USB mouse with it (Model M310), and it has a USB Connector to one of my USB ports. It works flawlessly (although I don't use Dashboard). For now, one can get a new one for about $15. It does come in different colors (I have a grey one). Not sure where you are located, but here is some info/pricing:

Logitech site: http://support.logitech.com/product/wireless-mouse-m310

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...vptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5ouwbizhfu_b

Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=Logitech M310 mouse&_dyncharset=UTF-8&id=pcat17071&type=page&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=soldby_facet=Sold By~Best Buy&list=n&iht=y&usc=All Categories&ks=960&keys=keys

Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Logitech-Wireless-Mouse-M310/14301744

Staples: http://www.staples.com/Logitech+M310+Mouse/directory_Logitech+M310+Mouse?

 

[DougStocks]

First, does the specific Microsoft mouse that you are using have any Mac-compatible drivers available?

Secondly, can you test your machine with another mouse, and see if it works OK?

Third, for OS 10.10.3, there were actually two updates that came out. What you could do is to apply both of them. They are the OS 10.10.3 Combo Updater, and the OS 10.10.3 Supplemental Updater. You can get each of them from the following sites:

Combo Updater: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1804?locale=en_US

Supplemental Updater: https://support.apple.com/kb/DL1807?locale=en_US

Make sure to apply the Combo Updater first, then apply the Supplemental Updater.

Not sure if it will help with your issue, but at least you would definitely be up to date as far as the OS is concerned.

By the way, I have a late 2012 Mac Mini, and I use a Logitech USB mouse with it (Model M310), and it has a USB Connector to one of my USB ports. It works flawlessly (although I don't use Dashboard). For now, one can get a new one for about $15. It does come in different colors (I have a grey one). Not sure where you are located, but here is some info/pricing:

Logitech site: http://support.logitech.com/product/wireless-mouse-m310

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&ke...vptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5ouwbizhfu_b

Best Buy: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/searchpage.jsp?st=Logitech M310 mouse&_dyncharset=UTF-8&id=pcat17071&type=page&sc=Global&cp=1&nrp=15&sp=&qp=soldby_facet=Sold By~Best Buy&list=n&iht=y&usc=All Categories&ks=960&keys=keys

Walmart: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Logitech-Wireless-Mouse-M310/14301744

Staples: http://www.staples.com/Logitech+M310+Mouse/directory_Logitech+M310+Mouse?

In an effort to try to answer some of your questions, I looked more closely at my mouse & even though I have been using this same mouse throughout the life of my mac, I noticed a couple of buttons that I guess I had forgotten about.. They are on the side of the mouse. The one on the left exchanges to currently open window for a page that is apparently displaying, in miniature, all open or recently open windows. Dashboard is among those displayed and clicking on it opens it. This feature, if it continues to work in the same manner, provides me with a shortcut to Dashboard - and Photoshop. This was the purpose of my posting the question. Consequently, even though it differs from my earlier shortcut, this provides what I want and I am satisfied with this.

I will keep in mind your suggestion to simply buy a new mouse if I have additional difficulties.

I thank you both for your very kind and generous help. I really appreciate it. i will check back on this page one last time later to see if you have additional advice, but as far as I am concerned, I consider my problem solved to my satisfaction. Thank you again.



Mr

 

[Cory Cooper]

We are glad you have it working in some fashion. It may just have to do with a difference in the way Yosemite handles your third-party mouse and its buttons. You may be able to play with the button assignments to change it back to the way it worked previously.

Good luck and keep us in the loop.

C