Usually I've found that a sluggish mouse indicates an overloaded CPU - ergo, your computer is trying to do something that isn't working, probably repeatedly. I would be hesitant to assume that your problem with the CD-R rip is even connected to your problem. I suggest you follow normal system recovery procedures, starting with 1) Try booting in "Safe Mode" (it's always worth a try) and troubleshoot from there. 2) If that doesn't work, use the Recovery Console to restore your registry to it's last working configuration. One tool I have found extremely helpful in system recovery is called "ERD Commander" by a company called Winternals. It will allow you to boot from a regular cd-rom into a complete windows-like recovery environment where you can troubleshoot to your heart's content. Of course it is "chock full" of tools for that purpose. You can use the "Crash Analasys" tool to determine if a driver (such as your dvd drive driver) is at fault and learn how to fix it. Not only that, you can connect to the internet with firefox from within ERD Commander to look up whatever you need to fix your problem. It's not freeware but I believe they have an emergency version for download that is inexpensive. Either way, it's an invaluable tool and hasn't let me down yet. Good luck! Just ask if you have any further questions about my answer.

Usually I've found that a sluggish mouse indicates an overloaded CPU - ergo, your computer is trying to do something that isn't working, probably repeatedly. I would be hesitant to assume that your problem with the CD-R rip is even connected to your problem. I suggest you follow normal system recovery procedures, starting with 1) Try booting in "Safe Mode" (it's always worth a try) and troubleshoot from there. 2) If that doesn't work, use the Recovery Console to restore your registry to it's last working configuration. One tool I have found extremely helpful in system recovery is called "ERD Commander" by a company called Winternals. It will allow you to boot from a regular cd-rom into a complete windows-like recovery environment where you can troubleshoot to your heart's content. Of course it is "chock full" of tools for that purpose. You can use the "Crash Analasys" tool to determine if a driver (such as your dvd drive driver) is at fault and learn how to fix it. Not only that, you can connect to the internet with firefox from within ERD Commander to look up whatever you need to fix your problem. It's not freeware but I believe they have an emergency version for download that is inexpensive. Either way, it's an invaluable tool and hasn't let me down yet. Good luck! Just ask if you have any further questions about my answer.