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7651
April 27th, 2001 05:00
8100 Support Center Button
OK, I reformatted my computer a while ago, as part of my usual maintenance, and re-installed WinME and my software, but not things like “ATTUNE”, “RESOLUTION ASSISTANT”, and “SUPPORT CENTER”.
So now in my device manager there is an "Unknown Device" listed (The Support button) and was wondering if Dell or anyone else has a driver that I can install to use that button for a system command. Like suspend or reset? Kind of like the buttons at the top of the 8100’s keyboard.
Not that holding the power in for 6 seconds is inconvenient for resetting, but I just don't like to have useless buttons. (Actually what I’d really like to set it is to “winipcfg.exe”)
Wm (Holy Icon)
Computers:
Dimension XPS M200s::8YGPT
Dimension XPS T500::0C147
Dimension XPS T600r::ESI8U
Dimension 8100 (1.3gHz)::DVWKB01
So now in my device manager there is an "Unknown Device" listed (The Support button) and was wondering if Dell or anyone else has a driver that I can install to use that button for a system command. Like suspend or reset? Kind of like the buttons at the top of the 8100’s keyboard.
Not that holding the power in for 6 seconds is inconvenient for resetting, but I just don't like to have useless buttons. (Actually what I’d really like to set it is to “winipcfg.exe”)
Wm (Holy Icon)
Computers:
Dimension XPS M200s::8YGPT
Dimension XPS T500::0C147
Dimension XPS T600r::ESI8U
Dimension 8100 (1.3gHz)::DVWKB01
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wsnyder
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580 Posts
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April 27th, 2001 20:00
(2) As for re-programming it to do something else, I have read much talk about that, but I have never seen anyone say HOW it is done. I have my doubts; fundamentally, the Metolious Vendor-Defined Sensor (that is what it is called when installed) is part of the motherboard and is intended (by Intel) to act as an interface with certain ACPI functions. But since it is "Vendor-Defined", that suggests that Dell can define it in a variety of ways. Unfortunately, that means dealing with a Dell tech and my experience with them is that the ones I have talked to do not even know what it is or what it is supposed to do. Back in January several different techs did not even know what the "unknown" device might be. See http://developer.intel.com/ial/metolious/index.htm for what Intel views as appropriate use.
Bill Snyder
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7 Posts
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April 27th, 2001 23:00
Thanks again for the links.
Wm (Holy Icon)
Computers:
Dimension XPS M200s::8YGPT
Dimension XPS T500::0C147
Dimension XPS T600r::ESI8U
Dimension 8100 (1.3gHz)::DVWKB01
Holy_Icon
7 Posts
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April 28th, 2001 03:00
The keys on the keyboard, key at the top of the keyboard, and the "E" on the tower. all use different drivers.
But what I've done is to write a driver that replaces my 101-key driver and DellTouch driver with a new custom driver.
This new driver allows me to macro (or rather replace using a DWORD case select.) any keyboard key to another function (via a control application ".cpl").
I'm not sure on how many other system configurations this driver will work on, but once I get the address for the "E" key on the tower (it's located just below the power button) I will add it. Some day I might make this driver available, but that might get me into trouble without the proper authorization hehe :)
Wm (Holy Icon)
Computers:
Dimension XPS M200s::8YGPT
Dimension XPS T500::0C147
Dimension XPS T600r::ESI8U
Dimension 8100 (1.3gHz)::DVWKB01
wsnyder
1 Rookie
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580 Posts
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April 28th, 2001 17:00
If you succeed in writing such a driver, I would appreciate your sharing it with me. My e-button is useless, since I do not have Support Center installed. Interestingly, when I did a clean install of 2K, 2K went ahead and installed its own driver! I did not have to go to the CD for it. The driver installed, just in case the info is useful is c:\WINNT\System32\Drivers\MTsensor.sys. My email address is wsnyder@sciti.com
Bill Snyder