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Go to SolutionE5450 Bios A19 + E Port Plus serial port missing
This is something i noticed with Bios A18 as well. When i upgrade to A19, the com1 port on my E-Port Plus disappears - it's not listed as unknown device, nor does it appear like a device that cannot start or doesn't have the correct driver. As soon as i downgrade to Bios A15, it appears again.
This is actually critical for my job, where I end up spending a lot of time configuring network equipment, and i do not want my usb to com adapter to go missing.
DELL-Alasdair R
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Posted March 1st, 2018 08:00
When you update, does the serial port still appear in the BIOS? If it does, are the settings changed? (it's listed under System Configuration)
The E-Dock doesn't have its own serial port controller. The chip actually resides in the system itself and the connector pins simply extend from the underside docking connector out to the dock to provide a DB9 connector, which means you should actually see the serial port in Device Manager even when you're not docked. If you're NOT seeing it in Device Manager even when it's enabled in the BIOS, then I'm not sure what's going on there, but note that even if the internal serial port isn't working, that would not at all affect your ability to use a USB to Serial port adapter. That's an entirely separate piece of hardware that has no dependencies on any internal serial port.
@plhess wrote:
The usb to com DOES work, I just don't like leaving it out on my desk.
As soon as i back the bios down to A15, the com port is available again. I've tested the upgrade / downgrade procedure twice today.
Therefore, since it does work with older bios versions, either the bios programmers didn't test with this port replicator, or the code from intel disables this.
Ok, just making sure you were aware of the distinction since you mentioned both types of serial ports originally.
@DELL-Justin C, there's some very clear info in this post that should make it easier to determine root cause. Any chance you might be able to ping Engineering on this to get them to see what broke the serial port between BIOS version A15 and A18 (and remains broken in A19)?The usb to com DOES work, I just don't like leaving it out on my desk.
As soon as i back the bios down to A15, the com port is available again. I've tested the upgrade / downgrade procedure twice today.
Therefore, since it does work with older bios versions, either the bios programmers didn't test with this port replicator, or the code from intel disables this.
Thank you for the mention. Yes, I will coordinate with @DELL-Alasdair R and work on this.
Thank you bringing this up. I will post back here with updates when I know more.
geonerdist
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Posted March 10th, 2018 20:00
I am seeing this same issue on a Precision 7520 with the E Port Plus. I believe I have to downgrade to bios v1.7.1 in order to get it back.
New BIOS for 7520 solves the issue. It just came out only yesterday. Here you go: http://www.dell.com/support/home/us/en/19/drivers/driversdetails?driverId=YJ17C
Dell engineering is working to resolve 5450 and 7450 as well. No ETA at this time however.
I will certainly be back with updates.
plhess
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Posted October 31st, 2018 07:00
I just installed A20 on my E5450, and I confirm that the Serial Port is now working again.