MediaDirect and Bluetooth Remote Control

Question

I have an E1405, with XP Media Center and have an Interlink Electronics Bluetooth Remote Control (Model: VP6600R).   My biggest beef is that when I'm trying to use my Remote Control in a program like Media Player, Itunes, or XP Media Center it always wants to load MediaDirect.  This is especially troublesome when I try to pause, fast forward or change the volume and up pops MediaDirect interupting what I was doing.   I've looked all around and can't find a setting to prevent this from happening.   I really don't want to remove MediaDirect as I like the functionality of buttons on the front of the laptop, but this is really annoying.   Thanks for any and all help.

wavesurf · Answer

I was having the same problem.  I found your post and decided to look into it a bit more.  I found a patch on the Interlink website that will fix the problem.  I just installed and tested it on my Dell XPS 1710.   http://download.ieuseng.com/et/bc/Dell_Patch/  Link obtained from interlink at http://interlinkstore.com/store/?action=dsp_faq&productID=8587   Before I patched, Dell MediaDirect would launch every time I pressed the upper row of buttons on the remote.  I hope you get this reply and that it helps.

JsmakBkr · Answer

Has anyone been able to get their Interlink ExpressCard Media Remote to work within Windows after an Express Upgrade to Vista ?  The 'patch' referenced above is just an XP patch.  I've been able to get the remote paired through the new Bluetooth utilities, and was able to get it to respond (briefly) to change the volume within MediaDirect, but since the upgrade I have been completely unable to use it for its intended purpose -- to advance slides during a PowerPoint presentation.  Until the upgrade it worked fine.

wavesurf · Answer

I finished my express upgrade to Vista nearly a month ago and the Media Remote worked the same.   I installed the patch under XP before my express upgrade.  Have you tried to install the patch in Vista?  It may still work.  If you are getting an error while installing the patch under Vista then you will probably have to contact Intermedia (I think that was the name) for a Vista version of the patch.   One thing that stopped working after my express upgrade was the Dell Media Direct button on the laptop; It works from a cold boot but not within windows.  I've been in Iraq since I installed so I don't know if there are any patches from them yet.

JsmakBkr · Answer

After the Interlink patch failed to execute post-Vista upgrade, I contacted Interlink again, and await its response.  If they provide a solution I'll post it (because I suspect many are in the same boat, given how Dell marketed the remote card as an accessory for its laptops).    I didn't notice whether the MediaDirect button works within Windows, but I'll check it later today.

psychocat · Answer

I just purchased an Inspiron 9400 with Vista Home Basic and the ExpressCard remote.  It also starts up MediaDirect any time a button is pushed on the remote.   IF YOU HAVE VISTA, DON'T INSTALL THE XP PATCH FROM INTERLINK!   I tried that and the remote stopped working all together.  I ended up doing a System Restore and had a heck of a time getting the remote to work again.  I am going to send an email to Interlink and find out if they have a Vista patch.  I guess the other alternative is turning off MediaDirect - does anyone know how to do that?

John_Hatchett · Answer

I just received a e1405 with Vista home basic and the bluetooth remote. I can't seem to use the transport control buttons in MediaDirect Express when watching a DVD. The transport controls work fine with MediaDirect (inside Vista) though.   Seems like this needs to be fixed within MediaDirect Express.   Would also like Quickset to support assigning the MediaDirect ,and remote, buttons to alternative applications like iTunes .

wario_02 · Answer

How do I pair the remote with the computer?  Keeps coming up 'registration failed'....getting frusterated!

wario_02 · Answer

Have WinXP 32bit MCE...I press both volume buttons to get the PC to read the remote, then it shows the passkey box, I hit enter for default or none, since there isn't one, it starts to install then a box pops up and says registration failed. retry?  I click yes, it comes up all the time.  Don't know what to do....upgraded to a wireless 360 bluetooth module if that makes a difference...

wavesurf · Answer

Put the remote in discover mode by holding the two buttons down (I think it was the volume buttons?) then add a bluetooth device. Don't use a passphrase. If your device is not found then you may need to charge it up. I never had an issue with the device being found.

If you are installing the software and get a "registration failed" for a dll or driver file then turn off UAC if using Windows Vista, and make sure you have admin rights on the machine.

Not really sure where you are having trouble. If these hints don't solve your problem, post back with more details and I'll see if I can help.

Message Edited by wavesurf on 02-09-2008 08:21 PM

wavesurf · Answer

I have the internal 355 Bluetooth + EDR card. My M1710 is a year old.

The only two things I can think of to try are download the update from the InterLink site mentioned previously. And make sure you chose No Passphrase. The default for my bluetooth setup is "Assign Passphrase for me" which never works.

Other than that, I'd say you have a long call with Dell Support in store for you.

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MediaDirect and Bluetooth Remote Control

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