Help with updating Bluetooth drivers

Question

I purchased a Logitech Bluetooth mouse to use with my new Inspiron 1720, and it works really good for the most part. Occasionally when the notebook wakes from the sleep mode, even though it shows to be connected in the Bluetooth options pane, it won't work. I have to reconnect it by adding as a new device. I downloaded and installed the latest driver for the Dell Truemobile 355 Bluetooth module, but wasn't sure what to do about the Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator. They both appeared to have the same driver listed under devices. When I tried to update the enumerator with the driver listed for the module, I got a message that the driver should first be uninstalled. I decided to ask here first before I messed something up. The mouse seemed to working better with the new driver, until I woke the notebook to use it, and the mouse wouldn't work. When I tried to add the device again to get it working, I noticed the enumerator had disappeared from devices. I did a system restore and got it back, but it also restored with the old driver for the module. I plan on reinstalling the new driver for the module again, but can anyone help me with advice on updating the driver for the enumerator. Does the enumerator driver need to be updated, and is it the same driver as the module? Should I uninstall the driver for the enumerator, and then install, or should I just leave it as it is? Any help would be appreciated.

eugene89us · Answer

Hi!

From my personal experience about the Bluetooth 355, I came up with a little solution, and it works with most users. Dell is currently working on the new drivers, how long it will take to release those is a big question. Visit this link and read my thread, you might want to follow it and see if the solution works out for you. It worked well for me, and so far I am satisfied, when before I always had to restart Bluetooth to make it work again. Updating the drivers solves the issue temporarily until the next restart, shutdown, and in rare cases - sleep or hibernation. I decided to try to go with the old and experienced drivers, than with new and faulty. Try this and post back how everything went.

http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=vista&thread.id=35753

Eugene

P.S.: If the solutuon works or doesn't work, also please post the answer in that thread, so the new users with same problems would see what results other people are getting.

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

Ag76 · Answer

Hi Eugene- Thanks for the reply....I put in my service tag, and then Windows XP as the operating system, but there aren't any Bluetooth drivers listed for the Inspiron 1720. When the notebook woke from sleep mode a few minutes ago, I found the Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator was missing again. When it's gone, I can't get the mouse to connect. I restarted the computer, and it was back. I then can add the mouse as a new device, and everything is fine for a while. I wonder if I can use the drivers you are using for the 1705?

eugene89us · Answer

I want to make sure - are you sure you have Dell Bluetooth 355 2.0 + EDR technology, because recently I found out that 1720s are sold with Dell Bluetooth 350? If the device manager displays that it is 355, then have no worries about getting the Bluetooth driver from E1705 system - they are all the same, so it doesn't matter what computer, as you are getting driver for Bluetooth, not Inspiron. I hope nothing will prevent you from installing due to the difference in systems, but I would try. In any case you have the option of returning back. Try this and see if this works.

Eugene

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

Ag76 · Answer

It's the Dell Truemobile 355 Bluetooth + EDR. The driver I downloaded for the E1705 was the R127314. Is this the driver you are using? You mentioned uninstalling the Widcomm 6 stack from Programs and Features. Is this the program that puts the Bluetooth icon in the taskbar. If so, and I uninstall this program, how do I add new devices. I checked on Broadcom.com, and found where you can download WIDCOMM Bluetooth software for Windows. Do you know if this is the the same program I will be uninstalling, in case I ever need to get it back? Eugene, thanks for your help.

eugene89us · Answer

OK, I am a little unhappy that my 3 MBps DSL died and i have to use slow Dial-up. When you get used to DSL, it looks crazy to browse I-net on a dialup.

Yes, I absolutely use R127314. That exact driver. The icon that you see in your taskbar is the Windows stack icon - it will be there whether you uninstall Widcomm 6 or not. Widcomm 6 just adds additional features, such as Digital Sound, BT modem, etc. The difference about XP Bluetooth stack is that it doesn't simply enhance Microsoft's stack, but installs its own software. The bluetooth icon displayed by XP BT software is fatter and more light blue. Anyways, you need to go to Programs and Features and remove Widcomm 6. Remember, if it asks to reboot, do so, as you want to ensure Vista stability. It always happens that if you don't restart, whether it is AV uninstall, drivers, etc, Vista will get unstable and will make you hard shut down it once. It always happens when I install some driver, Vista won't normally shutdown. I shut it down by holding the power button and then everything works. I have no idea why Vista is so bad about software changes. Oh well....

When you uninstall the Widcomm, restarting Vista or not, the Microsoft stack will have the same icon, only it will have only 3-4 tabs, rather than how many? 8? I guess so. But no worries. Then run the R127314. It will start installing. Ahh, you know all this Bluetooth troubles, so make sure that before you perform anything, the Bluetooth should be enabled. So the installation starts and when it starts installing drivers, Vista will ask you 15 times (I counted!) that the drivers are not signed, do you wanna continue. Say Yes. It will seem like the progress bar is not going anywhere, as it will take you 5 mins to install this driver with all these messages, but be patient, it is installing. Accept all warnings, and when the installation is complete, the MS BT icon disappears and Widcomm 5 stack icon appears. If Vista asks, once again restart the computer. Then you double click the bluetooth icon, it installs all drivers really quickly, and you will be able to find, add, manage all BT devices in that BT program. It is a lot better than Vista's Bluetooth stack. I love it.

If this doesn't help, you can download Widcomm 6 from E1705 once again. It is all easy to revert back - simply uninstall and reinstall the old one. But my Widcomm 5 for XP works great, I don't even want to think about reverting - no way, this one is always on when I need it and doesn't simply disconnect when I need it the most.

Hope this helps.

Eugene

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

eugene89us · Answer

Well, my dial-up disconnected and I was scared that my last long message would be gone, but it got published, so I got lucky.   I just want to clarify this: Broadcom will not let you download and install Widcomm stack. You can only get it from Dell. The stack you are currently using is Widcomm version 6. You can get it back by downloading it from Dell web-site. For the XP driver, you will basically uninstall this Widcomm 6 and downgrade the program to Widcomm version 5, which in my case and of many other people works a lot better and more reliably. If you are not satisfied with it, you will easily download Widcomm 6 from E1705 for BT 355 for Vista, and everything will be running as before. So no worries about that.   Eugene

Ag76 · Answer

Eugene, your help is greatly appreciated!

Ag76 · Answer

Eugene, one last question. I'd like to find where to download 'WIDCOMM Bluetooth software 6.0.1.3100' before I uninstall it (in case I want to go back for some reason),but I can't find it on the Dell support site. Is this a standalone application, or is it installed when installing the Bluetooth drivers for Vista? Thanks again for the great help!

eugene89us · Answer

Hi!

Widcomm verson 6 is the application and drivers that are installed when you download the Driver for BT 355 for Vista. So you can get it back by going to Vista section and getting those drivers, I believe they are 44 MB. When you download XP driver for BT 355, you get Widcomm 5 and BT 5.XXX drivers. :)

Eugene

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

Ag76 · Answer

Eugene, thanks for the confirmation....you're better than tech support! I previously downloaded and installed the latest BT 355 drivers from the Dell website, but after doing a system restore, I have the drivers that came installed on the notebook again. I went back to the download website last night, and noticed the description for BT 355 drivers mentioned version 6.0.1.3100. I wasn't sure if installing that package also installed the version 6 software, but now that you've confirmed it, I feel safe in trying the XP drivers. Thanks again, you've been a great help.

eugene89us · Answer

You are the most welcome. I will be waiting for your reply to see if the solution worked out or not for you. I hope it does.

Eugene

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

Ag76 · Answer

My Logitech V270 Bluetooth mouse is now connected with the XP drivers. I'll keep you posted as to whether the connection problem is fixed. If Dell comes out with a fix for the BT 355 on Vista, would you consider trying those drivers, or are you staying with what you have now?

eugene89us · Answer

When the new drivers come out, I will definitely try those. However, if the drivers continue to create the issue, I will revert back to XP drivers. Please let me know if you mouse stays connected or not. If it continues to be a problem, I will surely continue researching on the cause of the issue. Dell technical support told me today that we can expect new BT 355 driver to come out sometime within a month, so hopefully it will resolve all problems and let Vista users use Vista drivers. I had to call Tech support as I couldn't reinstall Roxio Creator 9 Suite - the install shield continued freezing on some component. The technician could help me a little, but the install still froze at the very end - well, at least very end, not in the middle where only 50% were installed. This proves that Dell distributes copies of software that are not yet Vista compatible. Hopefully new version will be released before my warranty expires, so I can call and request them to send it to me. The software works well after couple of patches, and reqiring patching proves that those guys had to wait before burning the CDs and distributing them. God, it is so sad - nothing is quality now, as quantity is the most important for any business. Just my compaints - now I feel a lot better. :)

Eugene

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

eugene89us · Answer

Well, sometimes when Vista starts, you might not see the icons such as the battery, sound, or network icon. To correct this press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open the task manager and go to processes to select explorer.exe. Press End process button. All toolbars, icons, and windows will be gone. Now go to File --> New Task... Write explorer.exe and press OK. The taskbar, windows, icons will restart, and this always corrects the problem - the battery, sound, and network icons come back. Usually this happens most if you upgraded to Vista from XP. Clean installation reduces the number of problems like that. I experienced that myself. :)

Eugene

________________________________

Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium
Dell Inspiron E1705: Centrino Duo Computer
Intel Core Duo T2350 @ 1.866 GHz D-0 (Yonah)
17" WXGA+ Screen by AU Optronics
2 GB RAM at DDR2-533 by Hyundai Electronics
ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 256 MB Graphics Card with Hypermemory
120 GB 5400 RPM Hard Disk Drive M60 Series HM120JI by Samsung
Dell 355 Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR Technology
Intel PRO/Wireless 3945 a/b/g 54 Mbps
Sigmatel High Definition Audio
Sony DVD+-RW with DL Support

Ag76 · Answer

I'm not sure if this is because of Vista, or not, but it seems like occasionally when I update or install applications, I have weird things happen to Windows. After I installed the XP drivers, I hadn't rebooted because the mouse seemed to connect okay. When it disconnected, I rebooted, and when Windows restarted, my icons in the notification tray were gone. I restarted again, and they reappeared. Later, when I was notified of an update available to 'No Script' addon in Firefox, the computer hung when I clicked okay to restart Firefox. I had to power off to get out of it. I've never had these type of things happen on my four year old Dell desktop running XP. I'm not sure if this is Vista acting up, or my new notebook. It's a little frustrating, so I know what you mean. So far the mouse is working fine, but the machine hasn't been in sleep mode since I've installed the XP drivers.

Windows General

Help with updating Bluetooth drivers

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