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5052008

February 29th, 2016 00:00

back to the top Dell TB15 Desktop Dock - Step-by-step driver/firmware/BIOS installation instructions for XPS, Latitude and Precision notebooks [UPDATED 07-28-16]

Use Dell Command | Update to install Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) drivers for Latitude E5570 / 7275 / 7370 / Precision 3510 / 5510 / XPS 15-9550 / XPS 13-9350 & XPS 12-9250

Dell provides the Dell Command | Update Application on a business client supported platforms to simplify the BIOS, firmware & driver update experience. This application is located under the "Systems Management" section of the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Be sure to pick your system type from the list or enter your service tag to ensure you get the right version for your system.

  • Install the Dell Command | Update v2.2.0 available for the system in the "Systems Management" section to obtain the latest firmware and drivers.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03810413M/1/Systems-Management_Application_P52W9_WN32_2.2.0_A00.EXE

NOTE: The application allows users to download and install the latest firmware and drivers on their systems, including

  1. System BIOS
  2. Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver
  3. Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update
  4. ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller Driver
  5. Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver
  6. Realtek USB Audio Driver

Other than above automatic installation, it’s recommended that users download and install the Dell Dock Firmware Update utility (expected to be available to download by August 2016) and Intel HD Graphics Driver manually.

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


Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude E5570 / Precision 3510

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03796988M/1/Latitude_E5x70_Precision_3510_1.7.3.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03788600M/1/Video_Driver_N8YN8_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A03.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top


Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude 7275 / XPS 12-9250

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  1. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03814070M/1/XPS_9250_Latitude_7275_01.01.17.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03730414M/1/Video_Driver_JM0JP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  1. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  2. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  3. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top 

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


Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Latitude 7370

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  1. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  2. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03810970M/1/Latitude_7370_01.04.05.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03788600M/1/Video_Driver_N8YN8_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A03.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03585219M/1/Audio_Driver_0PP6T_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  1. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  2. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  3. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top


Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for Precision 5510

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  1. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  2. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03800318M/1/Precision_5510_1.2.10.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03761002M/2/Video_Driver_CK7GP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A06.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top


Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for XPS 15-9550

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03800340M/1/XPS_9550_1.2.10.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03761002M/2/Video_Driver_CK7GP_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A06.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top


Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) Installation Guide for XPS 13-9350

The latest BIOS, drivers and Firmware can be downloaded at the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Dell highly recommends installing the following BIOS / Drivers step by step in the prescribed order to ensure optimal performance. Failure to install BIOS, drivers and Firmware in this document may result in undesirable performance.

  1. Connect the AC adapter to the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock (TB15) and then connect the Thunderbolt™ 3 (Type-C) connector to the computer.
  2. Search your system model name under Select a Product selection or enter the service tag of your system to locate Drivers & downloads page on the Dell Support website (www.dell.com/support). Change the OS to view all available updates for your system.
  3. Flash the latest Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) available for the system. This is posted in the "BIOS" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03769593M/1/XPS_9350_1.4.4.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt Controller Driver available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03795588M/1/Docks_Stands_Driver_2VCD4_WN32_16.1.47.275_A02.EXE

  1. Install the Intel Thunderbolt 3 Firmware Update available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03798151M/1/Intel_TBT3_FW_UPDATE_NVM16_A04_2.16.01.003.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Intel HD Graphics Driver available for the system. This is posted in the "Video" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03743273M/1/9350_Video_Driver_4XM7X_WN32_20.19.15.4454_A05.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Controller for Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock available for the system. . This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03578208M/1/Chipset_Driver_YM9TJ_WN32_1.16.33.1_A02.EXE

  1. Install the ASMedia USB 3.0 Extended Host Firmware Utility available for the system. This is posted under the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03771609M/5/USB_Utility_ASMedia_A00_WIN_H43H3_ZPE.exe

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Realtek USB GBE Ethernet Controller Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03520011M/7/Docks_Stands_Driver_9YCY0_WN64_2.43.2015.1225_A01_02.EXE

  1. Install the Realtek USB Audio Driver for the Dell Thunderbolt™ Dock and Dell Dock available for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

http://downloads.dell.com/FOLDER03613504M/1/Audio_Driver_GG4M6_WN32_6.3.9600.44_A02.EXE

NOTE: Restart the system before the next step.

  1. Install the Dell Dock Firmware Update Tool (expected to be available to download by August 2016) for the system in the "Docks & Stands" section.

NOTE: After the update process completes, it’s desired to shut down the computer and perform below steps in order to make the new firmware take effect.

  1. Power off the system.
  2. Disconnect the Thunderbolt 3 (Type-C) cable from the computer and then remove the AC adapter of TB15 dock from the power outlet.
  3. Then follow the recommended steps of connecting the AC adapter to the TB15 dock first and then attaching the Thunderbolt cable to the computer.
  4. Power on the computer with the docking station connected.

Back to the Top


 

 

 

4 Posts

July 11th, 2016 04:00

Hi,

I have installed the 1.4.4 BIOS + most up to date TB3 firmware. My dock (HP Thunderbolt 3 dock) works very well in both Windows and Linux (Ubuntu 16.04) as long as the WIFI is off. So I can either have internet access or external monitor... What a choice.


Waiting for further firmware updates.

3 Posts

July 11th, 2016 23:00

HP Dock ? this is a Dell forum.

14 Posts

July 13th, 2016 12:00

>I tried the new Intel TB3 Firmware update from Dell site and it told me I already have the latest firmware.

I saw the same behavior when I tried to install that update.   It's confusing to figure out which version of which driver component is installed, and whether it really needs to be updated.

27 Posts

July 13th, 2016 16:00

I don't believe firmware version is one of the details in that detail screen. When I try to install it actually tells me I have the latest.

If anyone knows how to verify the TB firmwaRe please let me know.

63 Posts

July 13th, 2016 16:00

The update installed so fast on my machine it is hard to tell.

Anyway, you can tell the FW version this way:

go to apps

click on Thunderbolt.

In the program tray on the right side next to clock right click on the TB icon

Then click on details on the screen that appears. 

It will show the software version and other details.

K

11 Posts

July 14th, 2016 03:00

Hello KentJapan,

when I open the window as indicated by you than I find two infos. One about the Software Thunderbolt, the second one about the Controller. If the 4 version number that I get for the software (the first number ist 16.1.47.257, the other ones are similar, but finish with .1 or .2 instead of .275) seem OK with the current available drivers I can not say the same about the second box (for the Controller).

Here I read "Version firmware NVM": 16 and Version firmware PD: 1.02.06.

The current version of the firmware should be 2.16.01.003 - but If I try to install to this, it finish after some seconds saying that I am up to date.

What is going wrong? (do I compare the wrong things or it is not possible for me to install the current firmware?)

Thanks to all

Bruno

13 Posts

July 15th, 2016 02:00

Using WD15 and a XPS15 9550 since mid-march 2016 (I'm a retired IT pro just to make things clear)

After much confusion coming from the Dell Support www pages, Dell support installed the latest drivers and firmware related with the WD15 as described in the WD15 pages.

It worked OK during a couple of days until ... Dell Update app automatically replaced two drivers ! all problems reappeared: loss of Ethernet connection, USB device not seen, XPS crash at shutdown, if not (that happens sometimes !) after shutdown XPS connected with WD15 restart automatically !

Updated BIOS to 1.2.10 solved a number of these problems

But now lost in the several Thunderbolt drivers reported on the Drivers download pages for the XPS as well as the WD15 which is not consistent with the XPS page !! Very confusing and no way to understand which to install

Please can you make the Dell Support Pages a lot more clearer and non ambiguous

 

Dell Support seems to be a mess and XPS15 9500 is a sleek but buggy system !!

by the way, and just in case  you ever use Acronis True Image (ATI2016) to reload a disk image using a recovery key, make sure

- to use a WinPE recovery key with Acronis ATI plug-in, standard key doesn't boot.

- change BIOS SATA mode to AHCI before booting the key, else SSD isn't seen, recovery works OK. Reason behing that is that RAID mode implies some memory limitation which are incompatible with the recovery key.


- restore BIOS SATA mode to RAID (dell default) before rebboting the recovered machine, Works OK.

Took me 3 days full time to find out the above so I could reload a backup !!

63 Posts

July 15th, 2016 06:00

I replaced my wifi card to the Intel offering.  8260 I think which has a driver on the 9350 driver's page.  $26 solution.  No more Bluetooth drops.  No more Ethernet or wifi drops.  I would like to know if anyone has replaced their wifi card and whether it fixed all their problems too.  I've seen where people turn off wifi and get no more conflicts.  Or turn the wifi power down and they had no more conflicts.  I think from reading all these posts for months that it is Broadcom software/wifi related.  For me I have absolutely no more issues now.

4 Posts

July 15th, 2016 06:00

Well a DELL XPS 13 9350 laptop - but with HP dock... Works really well with WIFI off. I tried it now with the transmission power set to 1db and the dock works but it's not stable. I wonder if it's a hardware problem of interference and DELL will need to replace the laptops or it can be fixed with firmware.

4 Posts

July 15th, 2016 06:00

I have the Intel 8260 installed originally (XPS 13 Developer Edition) and it doesn't help. Stable connection to my docking station only with wireless off. Transmission power set to 1dbm in Linux renders the system somewhat usable, but I still get plenty of connection drop-offs.

4 Posts

July 17th, 2016 13:00

I have now changed my router and got myself a 2.4/5GHZ. As soon as I fixed the wireless connection to only use 5GHZ much less problems with the dock.

86 Posts

July 18th, 2016 21:00

Re-contacted my engineering contact last week, got back to me today stating there still is no ETA on a fix, but asked my to update the laptop firmware, TB firmware and drivers and the ASMedia firmware.

Airplane mode off is still as bad as it ever was, no improvement there. 

Airplane mode on (i.e. WiFi/Bluetooth off - network via LAN) is allot more stable, almost usable though I have had 2 disconnections (USB devices disconnecting, network disconnecting) today which is annoying.

Replied to him with my findings.

Concerned at the time it's taking for Dell to come up with a fix, /sigh.

27 Posts

July 18th, 2016 21:00

I'm still experiencing intermittent disconnects of my wireless USB keyboard and mouse but with the new BIOS & drivers on my XPS 15 9550 & tb15 it seems like it fixes it self in couple minutes. Meaning USB Keyboard and Mouse seems to work if you wait couple minutes without you doing anything. Previously I had to restart the computer to get it back working after it stopped.

1 Message

July 20th, 2016 16:00

I want to thank everyone who has contributed to this thread.  I read about the various problems described here before ordering my XPS 9550 and TB15, and was prepared to endure them if necessary while Dell worked on solutions.  I encountered the monitor dropouts and Ethernet failures on a regular basis, and was beginning to lose my patience.  The equipment was purchased by my employer, so modifying the laptop or dock was not an option.

My main reasons for wanting the dock are to allow me to use three Dell monitors with the laptop and to have Ethernet connectivity so my laptop could be registered to access restricted systems.  Eliminating a power cord and having USB devices and headphones attached to the dock are not a big concern.  Before the latest firmware releases, I was not able to get the Ethernet working for any period of time.  I had better luck with the monitors, but they still dropped out several times a day, causing my carefully distributed windows to all be pulled back to my laptop screen.  The worst case was when the #1 monitor would not display an image AND the image did not get pulled back to the laptop.  Kind of hard to even try to fix that when you can't see the Start menu and Graphics Control Panel window!

I found some relief using techniques suggested here.  To address the apparent overheating of the TB15, I have put it up on a baking rack with folding legs, so that it sits two inches above the desk for better circulation.  That noticeably reduced the frequency of the monitor dropouts.  I then dropped the WIFI signal strength to 50% as suggested and the monitor dropouts went away.  Unfortunately, my WIFI connection would then drop out intermittently, several times a day.  Using a WIFI signal strength of 75% stopped the WIFI dropouts while only producing about one monitor dropout per day.  It was tolerable, but not great, and there was still no consistent Ethernet.

I eagerly installed the recent BIOS, firmware and driver releases and after a bit of messing around I am happy to say that the Ethernet is now working and I have no more monitor dropouts.  Things have been running great for over a week, so I believe it is for real.  It's hard to say which symptoms were primary and which were secondary, but I suspect that the new releases fixed a problem with the Ethernet part of the TB15.  It does not get nearly as hot as it did before when the Ethernet was (temporarily) working.  And since the Ethernet is available, my WIFI is naturally off and perhaps not affecting the monitors as evidence suggests it had been.  My headphones also work on the dock, though I haven't tried any USB devices.  I should take the TB15 off the baking rack to test if that still makes a difference.

So, thank you all again for sharing your efforts and your good and bad news.  It seems like a number of factors have contributed to these issues and that can make it hard to sort out which possible fixes are effective and in what combinations.  I encourage folks to give the new releases a chance to fix your problems.  At the least, I think they might help eliminate Ethernet related issues, which could make it easier to diagnose problems caused by WIFI or TB15 overheating.  Best of luck to you all!

10 Posts

July 21st, 2016 06:00

Haven't post anything in a while because there were something wrong with this page and I couldn't reply to anything.

So my situation is that I have two TB15 (one replacement) docks and I've been promised a new version when ever there might be one. I have done some tricks to make one of the docks work partly. With these tricks I can use the Display port and all USB ports. Ethernet and HDMI still makes the dock go on and off randomly. Because these problems clearly have something to do with heating, this is what I did:

First I placed aluminium heat sinks where ever I could.

I wanted to add fan inside the casing, I chose 40mm Noctua because those are quiet ones. I wanted the fan to be On only when the XPS is connected to dock and also On. So I found a trigger voltage that is only On when XPS is On. Then I used that trigger voltage, transistor and some resistors to power the fan. I took power for the fan from dock's PSU pins and dropped the voltage to 12V.

In the first picture there is also a connector attached to these wires so it is easy to disconnect.

I may have to drop the fan voltage some more because it's not completely quiet yet. At least I'm now able to use one external monitor and USB devices with the dock. 

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