Invisible Mouse' Made A Mess Of PC Rebuild
The Register, Monday, April 20th, 2026
A technician's PC rebuild was delayed because a new mouse was hidden under the case during troubleshooting.
During a PC motherboard upgrade, technician Steve and a colleague installed a new mouse but couldn't get it to work. After extensive troubleshooting including unplugging, rebooting, and swearing, they discovered the problem: the new mouse had never been connected to the motherboard because it was hidden under the PC's side casing in their messy workspace. Steve had been using the old mouse while trying to make the new one function, creating a classic case of workplace confusion caused by a disorganized work environment.
The story is part of The Register's "Who, Me?" column featuring reader-submitted tales of workplace mishaps and how employees navigate fixing them without damaging their careers.