don't fail on OS in install...bad practice Dell

Question

I am running Windows Vista and found everything to be useable on my XPS M1210... that is except the integrated VZW wireless broadband minicard. Windows Vista installs the card fine (actually... the build I am runnning found everything but the integrated Logitech webcam).

The problem is that in order to use the card you need the software utility from Dell. One of the best features that Windows Vista has is the Program Compatibility Wizard to allow you to install "legacy" software.

Unfortunately, Dell has decided to also check the OS during install of their MiniCard utility and just fail it. After calling Dell, they told me the same old thing... we will have support when "Windows Vista is released". I wouldn't be asking for Windows Vista software if the orginal software would not automatically assume my system is not compatible. I am sure the software would run just fine if Dell would have just allowed it to install.

I was forced to borrow a VZW Express Card from our Verizon Wireless rep (Verizon's VZAccess Manager software has worked since early beta of Windows Vista) and forgo the use of the integrated card. C'mon Dell... Vista releases to organizations in a couple weeks. How are they supposed to test?

jmwills · Answer

Why not use WZC?

gorbett · Answer

WZC? Not sure what you mean here (Wireless Zero Configuration?). More info would be great. Thanks.

jmwills · Answer

Most of the time when you install a third party utility for wireless, it disables WZC. Turn off the Dell app and use the Windows Utility.

stonent · Answer

The verizon card isn't 802.11b, it is EVDO which runs on 850/1900 MHz Verizon cellular networks. It lets you on the internet at up to 2.4 Mbps.

It operates like a modem that dials into Verizon wirelessly.

There are ways to make a connection without using the utility at all.

Message Edited by stonent on 10-25-2006 01:41 AM

Basically you do this:

Set up a RAS connection using the 5700 as your modem.
The number to dial is #777
(REPLACE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR PHONE NUMBER)
Username: 8005551212@vzw3g.com
Password: 8005551212

.
# Disable IP Header Compression
Make sure TCP/IP Properties (Advanced) "Use IP Header Compression" checkbox is NOT checked. To verify this, do these steps:
Quote:
1. Start Menu->Network Connections->"BlackBerry Modem"
2. Click Properties Button
3. Click Networking Tab
4. Select "Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)"
5. Click Properties Button
6. Click Advanced... Button
7. Disable "Use IP header compression" checkbox
8. Click all OK buttons to close all dialogs
Also make sure you clear all these checkboxes, if you see any of these checked:
Turn off "Enable Hardware Flow Control"
Turn off "Enable Modem Error Control"
Turn off "Enable Modem Compression"

Message Edited by stonent on 10-25-2006 01:47 AM

gorbett · Answer

thanks stonent. my only problem is that i also use the PCMCIA card on my other laptop and i need to keep switching between my integrated and the card. the utility has an activation tool that i need to do when i switch between the cards.

thanks for all the help.

sreymj · Answer

sonent, I followed your instructions to a 'T', but siltl no love on the Dell Wireless 5700 Mobile Broadband. The error message states 'The remote computer did not respond'.

sreymj · Answer

DELL posted the Vista drivers and mobile utility today. It works.

jmwills · Answer

I think we will probably see the full compliment of drivers here very shortly.

gorbett · Answer

still no 5500 driver (for the Cingular Mobile Broadband card)

stonent · Answer

Someone in another thread said the final version of Vista has support for the 5500 card.

sreymj · Answer

It's available now. http://support.dell.com/support/downloads/download.aspx?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd&releaseid=R140321&SystemID=XPS_M1210&os=WLH&osl=en&deviceid=10113&devlib=0&typecnt=1&vercnt=1&formatcnt=1&libid=20&fileid=187365

Windows General

don't fail on OS in install...bad practice Dell

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