The cursor keeps changing to a waiting icon.

Sounds like your dealing with a software issue. Most likely a video driver. if there was a recent time that the machine worked, I'd run a system restore. Then look for what might have been installed that caused this problem so you can stay away from it.

I think you need to buy a new mouse or test a diffrent one on your computer. You might also want to try and change the mouse settings. You can do that by right clicking the mouse icon in the taskbar and from there open the mouse control panel. mess around with the settings to change the speed at which it moves. If its not the problem then you might want to try and reinstalling your mouse driver. Dell computers have mouse drivers on the site. Takes a few seconds to download and install.

If you need any kind of technical assistance you can contact support cell at http://www.vtechsquad.com/

A mouse is a vital component of your computer and allows you to control certain functions on the screen. When the mouse is not functioning correctly, it can be frustrating. There are a few different reasons why your mouse pointer may jump on the screen. You need to work through the possible causes and troubleshoot the problems to fix your mouse and get it working properly again.

1. Examine the batteries if you have a wireless mouse and the cursor begins to jump. A low battery may be the cause. Change the batteries and check the mouse again. If it is still experiencing the same problems, proceed to the next steps to resolve the issue.

2. Switch the wireless transmitter to a different USB port on another computer if possible. There could be problems with the port, causing the cursor to jump. This will resolve the problem if the issue is with the USB port. If the mouse is still jumping, move on to the next steps.

3. Click on the "Start" menu in the bottom left corner of the screen. Right-click on the "My Computer" menu and click on "Properties." Click on the "Hardware" menu and click on "Device Manager." Locate the mouse entry in the list. Right-click on it and select "Update Driver" from the menu. Allow a few moments for the operating system to locate and install an updated driver for your mouse.

4. Remove dust or debris from the mouse pad and mouse with a soft cloth. Dust or debris could prevent the mouse from operating smoothly and cause the cursor to jump. Add a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to the cloth before you begin. Wait for the alcohol to dry on the pad and mouse prior to using.
5. Go to the "Start" menu and click on "Control Panel." Double-click on the "Mouse" icon and click on "Mouse Pointer." Decrease the speed of the mouse pointer. This could be causing the cursor to jump.
I hope you find it very helpful.
Thank you.

The running horse icon that you are referring to is most likely the mouse cursor in "loading" mode. You can change this icon by going to your control panel, and accessing the mouse options. Select the "Pointers" tab and find the horse icon in the list of set cursors. Select the horse icon, and change what cursor is being used.
Alternatively, shut down some of your unused background programs, like any instant messagers and things like that. The idea is that your computer is constantly working on something. If you remove all that background work, then the horse will not appear as often.

Temporary Solution

1) Click Start, then Click Control Panel

2) Double Click Mouse

3) Enable the cursor trail

You will be able to see your mouse, even after the original cursor freezes on screen.

Steps that can fix the problem.

This may also solve your problem. ONLY do if you are sure that you know how.

1) Right Click on MyComputer icon. Then Click Properties.

2) Click on Hardware Tab, then Click on Device Manager.

3) Uninstall your mouse AND keyboard. Connect your mouse directly to the USB.

Then reboot your computer (restart) and let the mouse reinstall automatically.

Keep your computer in shape and you will have less problem

here is the tips to change cursor in xp

• Open the Control Panel by clicking Start, Settings, Control Panel.
• Click the "Mouse Icon."
• In the Mouse Properties window that appears, click the Pointers tab.
• In the area under where it says "Scheme," choose a pointer scheme from the drop-down list.
• There are quite a few Pointer Themes to choose
• Click Apply
• OK to make the change effective

On touchpads if you touch the pad twice in quick succession it acts as a click and the cursor will move to the mouse pointer location. In mouse settings disable "tapping"

there may be a mouse port problem try checking ur ps/2 port by a loopback plug.if not replace ur mouse.

Try replacing the batteries or if it has rechargeable batteries, try removing and replacing them. Also clean the red lens on the bottom of the mouse with a cotton swab. Good luck!

download memtest and burn the iso to a cd and boot from it to test your ram, it usually only takes a few minutes to see if your ram is bad or not, otherwise ive had computers with bad system boards (blown capacitors) that reboot themselves, and also computers that are overheating reboot themselves, check to make sure all air vents aren't blocked and that all of your case fans run well