Interesting but I don't think you "need" a mouse to install an OS. Keyboard alone should be fine!

There was a dialog box which I needed to click OK for. I think it was when Windows XP first adjusts appearance for the monitor. Following that is the setup for the user name. I had to click on that box, enter didn't work and I couldn't tab to select it.

I only recently returned to PC gaming after not owning a machine for a number of years. I built my gaming PC a few months ago and chose to go with a Razer mouse. I picked the Abyssus as it was available in my local store and it looked cool, but sensible. My first choice would have been a good wired Logitech, but no one in my town stocks any. I think the G5, or 518 are probably still the best rodents for gaming out there (personal preference of course). My love affair with logitech mice started with the MX300 which is still one of the best Quake 3 mice, but now unavailable.

I saw some Roccat products at PC world when I bought my Abyssus, but I had never heard of them so stayed away. I once had a Razer Boomslang (the first one, that Fatality used and endorsed way back in 2000). Although they aren't made to the quality of the original Boomslang, Razer cannot really make a bad mouse without commiting commercial suicide, so I chose the Abyssus and am happy with it.

I did however buy a Roccat mousemat (along with a Razer Sphex which I am using now). The mousemat came in a tube and was a good 10cm x 10cm bigger than the (pretty large) Sphex. It's like a giant Allsop, which is by no means a bad thing. Very smooth and responsive surface and size overkill. So as regards to mats, they are on the money, but I've since read lots of reviews and it seems their mice are overpriced and not that great. G5, 518 or even MX510 are the best mice and cheaper than a Roccat, so it's a no brainer.

Also, I have yet to duel someone on Quake Live who uses a Roccat.... 😒

EDIT : I have reinstalled XP 3 times since the build, and the mouse works fine in setup. Even with DPI switches. 😎

After several more email with Roccat support they now believes that a hardware defect is possible and I should exchange my mice. However an exchange with Roccat is not possible so I should exchange them at the store where they were purchased. I bought them online several months ago so that is also not possible.

What a useless company!