Truemobile 355

Question

I have installed a Dell bluetooth module into my inspiron 8600, and every time I start up windows the bluetooth does not work. I have to turn it off and then on again (fn+f2) once windows loads to get bluetooth working. Any way this can be changed so it works from the windows xp logon screen? Also Bios says that bluetooth module not installed. if u need more details just ask. Many Thanks Ali

stripe999 · Answer

Are you certain that the 355 card is fully supported and compatible with your notebook? Also, do you have the very latest BIOS installed? I have a 6400 notebook, and in the BIOS, it shows as being installed, and I don't have any issues in the OS (Vista).

aliriddle · Answer

I have had mixed reactions, when I initially rang Dell they said it was fine, however other emails have suggested that maybe only the 350 is supported. Which isn't so good if I have to purchase another module. Just wondering if other people have had similar problems but found a way around it, or if i have done something wrong. I have latest bios also. Ali

damole · Answer

I have the same 8600 notebook and the same Bluetooth, I updated from the 350 because I wanted a Broadcom based device. I used to have the same problem until I updated the firmware which comes with the latest Vista drivers (R140135). Hopefully you'll find them at this link.

http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R140135&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=188664

cheers damole

redsand · Answer

@damole wrote:
I have the same 8600 notebook and the same Bluetooth, I updated from the 350 because I wanted a Broadcom based device. I used to have the same problem until I updated the firmware which comes with the latest Vista drivers (R140135). Hopefully you'll find them at this link.

http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=gen&releaseid=R140135&formatcnt=1&libid=0&fileid=188664

cheers damole

So you're using Windows Vista? I guess the XP drivers need an update then. 'Come on Dell...

damole · Answer

No, I'm using XP but I updated my firmware with the one from the Vista drivers package.

It would be great if Dell were to release updated drivers for XP, the current latest release of the Broadcom drivers is 5.1.0.3300 and Dell has still only released 5.0.1.2609.

If your using the BT stereo/A2DP profile then there have been lots of improvements in the more recent releases. Broadcom actually have a program, btwinitialupdate.exe, to update the drivers but it doesn't support the Dell device.

http://www.broadcom.com/products/bluetooth_update.php

--damole

Message Edited by damole on 06-12-2007 07:58 AM

redsand · Answer

damole wrote: No, I'm using XP but I updated my firmware with the one from the Vista drivers package. Message Edited by damole on 06-12-2007 07:58 AM How? frmupgr.inf?

damole · Answer

Firmware files usually (always) have the extension .dfu, it can be found in the svcpack folder. A search for 'BROADCOM 2045 Chip' will bring you everything you need to know. --damole

aliriddle · Answer

So how do you go about upgrading it? edit: managed to upgrade the drivers i think, but still cannot use it from the startup screen have to manaually connect the mouse. Any clues? Did you say you can perform a firmware update?

Message Edited by aliriddle on 06-12-2007 05:54 AM

damole · Answer

Hi If you head over here, http://www.gsmhosting.com/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=237, you'll find more than you ever wanted to know. --damole

aliriddle · Answer

I have tried joing that forim to get the tools needed, but cannot register (image is not shown during security check). It seems you have had success, what does performing the firrware update on the module achieve? What features do i gain?

damole · Answer

I reported the problem with the image verification and now it is fixed.

redsand · Answer

aliriddle wrote: I have installed a Dell bluetooth module into my inspiron 8600, and every time I start up windows the bluetooth does not work. I have to turn it off and then on again (fn+f2) once windows loads to get bluetooth working. Any way this can be changed so it works from the windows xp logon screen? Also Bios says that bluetooth module not installed. if u need more details just ask. Many Thanks Ali

Has anyone tried this new driver update for the 355?

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>

damole · Answer

I installed these drivers, ver. 5.1.0.3400, the package also contain new firmware, ver. 2.1.216.367. If you haven't already updated your firmware with the one that came with the recent vista driver package then this is really worthwhile if you use Bluetooth stereo audio A2DP profile, it also fixes the problem described earlier in this thread.

aliriddle · Answer

I installed the update, does it automatically update the firmware also? My bios shows that a bluetooth card is installed now. Will test later to see if it recognizes all of my bluetooth devices. Thanks for the help.

redsand · Answer

@damole wrote:
I installed these drivers, ver. 5.1.0.3400, the package also contain new firmware, ver. 2.1.216.367. If you haven't already updated your firmware with the one that came with the recent vista driver package then this is really worthwhile if you use Bluetooth stereo audio A2DP profile, it also fixes the problem described earlier in this thread.

I was wondering about all that. BTW, is this widcomm's latest driver version now?

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Truemobile 355

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