Windows 7 Win7, IE8, Middle mouse button - no longer opens a new tab

[pinkape99]

Hi, just upgraded from Vista Home to Win7 Home - all went well.
But...
Using IE8 (and also Firefox) in Vista, my middle mouse button/wheel would open a URL in a new tab.
Now in Win7, I get the 'flip' function.

I'm sure I never configured my mouse button to do anything in particular when I had Vista - it just used to work and open a new tab.

So, in the Win7 control panel I've found multiple options to configure my MS Bluetooth 2.0 mouse middle button... but which option will perform the function of open a new tab ?
I know that CTRL-Left Click is the function I want but this can't be mapped to the middle button.

Any suggestions ??

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like your mouse configuration has changed after upgrading from Vista to Windows 7, affecting the behavior of the middle mouse button in web browsers. Here are some steps you can take to try and restore the functionality you had in Vista:

Configuring the Middle Mouse Button in Windows 7:​

1. Mouse Settings:
   • Go to the Control Panel.
   • Click on "Hardware and Sound."
   • Then click on "Mouse" under Devices and Printers.
   []Button Assignment:
   • Look for an option related to button assignment or mouse settings.
   • Check if there's an option to customize the middle mouse button.
   []Mouse Software:
   • If your mouse has specific software installed, check there for advanced settings related to button assignments.
   []Browser Settings:
   • In some cases, the behavior of the middle mouse button in browsers can be controlled within the browser settings. Check the settings in Internet Explorer or Firefox to see if you can change the behavior there.
   []Third-Party Tools:
   • Consider using third-party mouse management tools that allow for custom button configurations. These tools can offer advanced customization options beyond what is available in the standard Windows settings.

     Suggestions to Restore Middle Mouse Button Functionality:​

   • AutoHotkey Scripting: You can use AutoHotkey to create a script that remaps the middle mouse button to open links in new tabs. AutoHotkey allows for advanced customization of mouse and keyboard inputs.
   • Browser Extensions: Some browser extensions or add-ons provide customization options for mouse buttons. Look for extensions that offer middle mouse button functionality. By exploring these options, you should be able to restore the functionality of opening new tabs with the middle mouse button in your web browser on Windows 7. If you need further assistance with specific settings or configurations, feel free to provide more details for tailored guidance!