The fact that even the displays aren't working is surprising to me because the dock doesn't even require any drivers for that, other than GPU drivers. However, I do have a few ideas for you here:
1) Does your TB16 dock have a 240W AC adapter connected to it, rather than the 180W unit the TB16 is also available with? According to Dell's documentation, when using the TB16 with the Precision 17 7000 series models, not only do you need a 240W adapter for the TB16, but if you want your system to charge while connected, you ALSO have to connect the laptop's OWN AC adapter directly. The simple reason is that the Precision 17 7000 series models draw more power than the Thunderbolt spec currently supports. But if you don't have the TB16 itself connected to power, that might explain everything.
2) Make sure your system's BIOS, Thunderbolt software, and Thunderbolt firmware are all up to date, and if not, update them in that specific order. All of those updates are available from support.dell.com.
3) Open the Thunderbolt software, right-click the system tray icon, choose Settings, and then select Manage Approved Devices. Make sure both the dock and the cable are set to approved (no idea why the cable is a separate entity, but it is....)
4) In terms of other software, below are all of the drivers (and one firmware update) that apply to the dock. These are ALSO all available on support.dell.com, but they might be easier to find if you search for the dock rather than your system. Just click "Let me choose my system", then select Accessories > Docks > TB16:
DELL-Jesse L
Moderator
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17.9K Posts
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September 8th, 2017 08:00
Mike Deignan,
Click the links below for troubleshooting and resolving setup problems with the dok.
How to Use and Troubleshoot the Dell Thunderbolt Dock (TB16)
Dell Thunderbolt Dock (TB16) information, specifications & Frequently asked questions
TB16 User Manual
jphughan
9 Legend
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14K Posts
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September 8th, 2017 08:00
The fact that even the displays aren't working is surprising to me because the dock doesn't even require any drivers for that, other than GPU drivers. However, I do have a few ideas for you here:
1) Does your TB16 dock have a 240W AC adapter connected to it, rather than the 180W unit the TB16 is also available with? According to Dell's documentation, when using the TB16 with the Precision 17 7000 series models, not only do you need a 240W adapter for the TB16, but if you want your system to charge while connected, you ALSO have to connect the laptop's OWN AC adapter directly. The simple reason is that the Precision 17 7000 series models draw more power than the Thunderbolt spec currently supports. But if you don't have the TB16 itself connected to power, that might explain everything.
2) Make sure your system's BIOS, Thunderbolt software, and Thunderbolt firmware are all up to date, and if not, update them in that specific order. All of those updates are available from support.dell.com.
3) Open the Thunderbolt software, right-click the system tray icon, choose Settings, and then select Manage Approved Devices. Make sure both the dock and the cable are set to approved (no idea why the cable is a separate entity, but it is....)
4) In terms of other software, below are all of the drivers (and one firmware update) that apply to the dock. These are ALSO all available on support.dell.com, but they might be easier to find if you search for the dock rather than your system. Just click "Let me choose my system", then select Accessories > Docks > TB16:
- Realtek USB audio driver
- Realtek USB Ethernet driver
- ASMedia USB host controller driver
- Realtek USB Ethernet firmware
Mike Deignan
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31 Posts
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October 10th, 2017 11:00
> DELL-Jesse L on 8 Sep 2017 9:02
Thanks for the links. Unfortunately I cannot find anything which seems to pertain to my problem. Neither dock is recognized by my 7720.
> Posted by jphughan on 8 Sep 2017 9:3
1) I have two 240w A/C adapters, I've tried both ways - connecting one to the laptop directly and not. Neither has any effect.
2) All my firmware is up to date.
3) Both are set to approved, but display as "not connected"
4) I do have all the latest drivers and firmware -- I even updated to the 27 Sep 2017 BIOS firmware earlier this month, with no effect.
I suspect I have an issue w/ the thunderbolt jack on the 7720, but have no other devices other than the 2 docks to test with it.