I have a year old laptop and in the last two weeks the cursor started to disappear or freeze during various functions. Most noticably when typing, the cursor will vanish and no further charachters will appear when the keys are struck. Either I can wait about 8 seconds then continue or reposition the mouse pointer, left click and carry on. It has occurred a number of times writing this thread. It happens in different programs. I have tried everything I can think of to solve it, but am baffled. Any ideas??? please...

You tell us, what you tried, first.

Broni,
I have tried checking-unchecking the 'hide pointer while typing' key, disk cleanups, defragging, run anti virus software, anti-spyware, using Vista Help, sytem restore. It has happened 4 times during this paragraph!

Try to uninstall mouse through Device Manager. It'll be reinstalled upon restart.
Try to hook up external mouse, and see, if same thing will happen.

I've uninstalled the built in mouse (touchpad) and re-started, it re-installed but has not solved the problem. Cannot get hold of another mouse at present (I'm at sea) but will try that next. Appreciate the help,

Tim

You're welcome. Let me know, if another mouse helped.

My guess is not having to do with the mouse but more to do with spyware. Im guessing this laptop is having a hard time keeping up. My vote is to clean it up.... (Un install all the things you dont reckognize in add/remove programs. Also run adaware and spybot...