KVM messing my mouse

[David]

On Mon, Dec 27, 2004 at 08:29:40PM -0500, JohnOfArc wrote:
> On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 17:24:08 +1100, David wrote:
> 
> > I've got a Belkin KVM that I use to switch between 4 boxes - one running
> > Debian Woody/Windowmaker, one Debian Sarge without X, one MacOSX and one
> > Ubuntu which I just recently installed.
> > 
> > When I switch from Ubuntu and back again, the mouse goes out of control -
> > it moves and clicks randomly. I have to reboot the system to get it back.
> > I think restarting X would do the job, but I don't know how to do that.
> > 
> > Can anyone suggest why this happens and what I should do about it? None of
> > the other boxes have the same problem.
> > 
> > regards, David
> >
> when I used 2.4 kernels, the old-standby of ctrl-alt-F1 to a virtual
> console and then alt-F7 back to X would stabilize my mouse. Somewhere
> along the way (I suspect the 2.6 kernel), that stopped working- even tried
> the psmouse proto=imps trick that Thomas suggested; what did work was the
> unplugging-replugging as suggested by LongTooth- but that was such a royal
> PIA that I simply connected two separate mice (only using 2 boxes), but
> *4* sounds impractical. One thing I didn't try, and which I never came
> across in my extended Googling for a solution, is Ed's suggestion of
> switching to a blank position and then to a live box; of course, if you
> have a four port switch and are running four boxes...
> 
> OTOH, I also saw more than a few folks condescend to recommend getting a
> *real* KVM (meaning of course $$). I have a Belkin 4 port (ps/2), BTW.

Ha! I thought I DID have a real KVM... are there better ones around than 
the Belkin? I wouldn't know.

I've tried every trick suggested so far: added proto=imp ; switched to a 
blank position, switched to console, faced east and prayed , muttered 
incantations , burnt incense and even tried kicking the KVM. The only 
useful result so far was a second mouse plugged directly into the Ubuntu 
box. That means that there is an active mouse sitting my desk and I can't 
see what damage it might be doing if i bump it.. .not a very healthy 
situation.

The question is:

Is this an Ubuntu problem, a Belkin KVM problem or a 2.6 kernel problem?

Regards, David