OK - first thank you wgt40w. A valuable contribution which I will return to later. Now some great news for everyone. I am using my M2010 keyboard and mouse again! After painstakingly following daemont's advise (without further response) I had the idea that the problem with bluetooth was two-fold. The Dell 350 module has to be recongised but each time I loaded R142181.exe it could not switch CSR on and failed, but the installer continued in the background anyway. I found it imposssible to find the Microsoft CSR driver. Anyway I decided after cleaning up to again install R142181.exe, followed by  R16100. Incidentaly, these two are on the 32bit vista section of Dell's download centre and to note the former is listed as optional while the latter is an update patch released BEFORE the former- crazy or what. As usual these loaded up and I restarted after each as normal good policy. The Dell 350 bluetooth module appeared as usal but expereince says dont try pairing because as soon as you do anything to do with bluetooth dissapears from Device Driver. My idea was to try and install third party bluetooth software over the top of Dell's drivers. I chose BlueSoleil latest version 6.4.286.0. You maybe be aware of Toshiba's latest Version 7 Bluetooth Stack but my enquires to them about buying any  Windows 7 drivers has as yet not been responded to. So it took two attempts to install this. First failed but the second time didn't. Pairing was interesting because when asking for a keyboard Password I had to ignore the blue flashing lights and first enter it on the external USB keyboard, then tap it into the DELL keyboard and hit return. It worked. Paring the mouse was easier because a pop up window appeared to enter the pass code in. OK- it not perfect because BLueSoleil sees the DELL Keyboard as a Games controller but apart from that it works. It's early days yet but I wrote to Toshiba and I feel sure they will reply (unlike Dell). It seems that manaufacturers are taking note and interest about their millions of 3rd party OEM customers entrapped by companies like DELL/Sony and the like. My suggestion that we, fair inded peopple, won't mind paying a moderate fee for specific Windows 7 drivers to enable us to upgrade to the best windows platform yet. So watch the space. Finally, the Bluesoleil software installed a Bluetooth USB in Device Manager, and under this a Dell Bluetooth USB Adapter appears. What the heck, it works for now after several reboots. Not ideal but a result that shows THERE IS A SOLUTION!. I will continue to investigate and chase DELL/INTEL/ATI etc to help us victims move on- so watch the space.

Back to wtg40w. You can install Windows 7 64bit. Most have gone for Ultimate the same as me. We all have the same issues. Can you PLEASE identify what and where the DELL software package you managed to install the final outstanding Fn functions. OK - you got it from the original disk- but maybe, just maybe, your disc version is different to what Dell dowload offers. Incidentally again, this Fn functionality software iw written by, CSR Ltd.  Now I wonder if DELL 'tweaked' the motherboard to stop any CSR switching and for what reason. However, you may hold the final piece of the jigsaw so please dig in and see what you can do.

Will catch up again later. Time for a cup of tea (always PG tips). Sorry if any typing is a bit array. As I said the solution is not yet perfect but I do believe- we are getting somewhere!

crc2

I'm pleased that you found some interest in my comments. To further assist you:-

ACPI\Del8010 - when 'armed' with the correct driver, becomes the ACPI Function Key Handler - 1st item in System Devices section of Device Manager. The driver shown in the ACPI Function Key Handler is

Driver Provider                  CSRplc

Driver Date                       11/10/2006

Driver Version                  1.0.0.357

Driver Signer                     Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility Publisher

PS The Dell Quickset software provides onscreen control of the keyboard Fn function keys.

The above CSRplc driver was'found' by my M2010 on an original Dell Windows Vista Upgrade Assistant DVD  (P/N MR406 Rev. A00) dated Jan 2007 [sold to me as soon as Vista was released]

Now - let's see if you can help me! My M2010 is now on Win 7 with NO problems of any sort in Device Manager. I have the Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Module, together with a Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator AND do have the icon showing in the Notification Area of the Task Bar - BUT - NO icon is present in Control Panel (it used to be there in Vista)

My Bluetooth mouse pairs up & works fine - my keyboard is the problem - when I use the Add Devices software, it SEES the keyboard, I then right click on the keyboard icon - select properties/services & tick keyboard & mouse. But then the software asks me to enter a randomly generated verify key - on the device - which I cannot do. I have tried to enter it from a usb keyboard with no luck. What I don't understand is that the Add Devices software should give you 2 pairing options - 1) to enter an OEM default passcode - 0000 - for a Dell M2010 keyboard OR 2) the software generates it's own random verify key.

WHY can't I get the option to enter a passkey?

On Bluetooth issues in general - in my opinion NONE of the Dell downloads that supply a Toshiba Stack seem to work on my M2010

Hello again wgt40w. Thanks so much for responding further.  It seems there is a relationship between Dell's wireless 350 Bluetooth and ACPI function keys, and it may be the case that without full functioning (i.e switching wireless om/off etc.), then this is enough to cause Bluetooth wobbles, such as I am experiencing. I will check the original Dell Quickset version to start with. 

In answer to your query. After consulting the manual it seems that when you boot up into DOS to access BIOS you have full keyboard control. As you leave DOS and enter into windows STACK software takes over control in order add bluetooth device connectivity. In my experience the original stack software never asked for a password for the keyboard-it just connects after pressing the computer's left side button to start a search, and then likewise the keyboard button.  Only the mouse requires a pass code, and as stated it is 0000.

So what's happening in your case? Well it is the same as I found after installing third party bluetooth software. You might try what I did as aformentioned, which is to enter 0000 on a separate usb keyboard, and then quickly again on the Dell keyboard even while it is flashing. It worked for me.

Uum, I said third party software. In your ealier post you referred to Microsoft CSR jumping in during a windows update, and downloading Toshiba Stack 7 which I assume you have on a 30 day trial. And the Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator is mentioned, which is MS's own bluetooth softeware for their keybaords and mice. In consideration that you have managed to install the 350 bluetooth module then you probably have connectivity in DOS (worth checking by pressing F2 or F12)?  If this works then it seems the problem is the changeover from DOS to Windows, although I am not sure which software is responsible (Toshiba 7, DELL 350 or MS Enumerator). However I think you can rule MS out.

I also managed to get Dell Wireless Stack sitting happily in Device Manager alongside MS Enumerator, but pairing wasn't possible. The accustomed to pairing software never appeared for the mouse, so I always new something was wrong, even though sometimes the keyboard connected. I am as sure as can be that the problem is the connectivity software and not the chip driver.

Having said all that my keyboard is now repeatedly going to sleep! Try DOS connectiviety, and pairing as suggested. In the meantime i will do some digging this side. Best wishes.

crc2 - Hello to you. From reading your latest post I am convinced you are more pc knowledgeable than me - so the depth of comment you are making is getting a bit past my level of comprehension - but here goes.

Since my last post I actually managed to get the bluetooth keyboard working !(for only 3 minutes) But immediately the blue mouse stopped working!! I am still persevering and have learnt a few new tricks - more later.

To re-explain my previous post comments. During bluetooth problem times I have either myself or as instructed by a Dell telephone support guy, downloaded & installed virtually every 350 driver from every platform. This selection does contain different versions - some use the Microsoft stack, some use the Toshiba stack. Personally I have never had my bluetooth working whilst a Toshiba stack was loaded. I have only ever had any success with the Dell 350 + Microsoft enumerator.

 In answer to your latest post I have never had any bluetooth connectivity in DOS - always had to use a usb keyboard for F2, F8 or F12. I still think there is some sort of conflict in my M2010 as I sometimes have the Add Bluetooth Device notification area icon disappear - it will then reappear 2 boots later!

My latest discovery of Win 7 Pairing is:-

 For the keyboard

1) click on the notification area bluetooth icon - Select 'Add a Device'

 2) Push & hold the discovery button on the back of the keyboard for 10 seconds to get the 3 lights flashing

NOTE: Did NOT push discovery button on left end of laptop base

3) The keyboard now appears as an icon in the Add Device window

 4) RIGHT CLICK on this keyboard icon and select Add Device

 5) Follow YOUR instructions – type the random verify code into the keyboard (even though the lights are still flashing) AND press enter – SUCCESS keyboard found & working

 For the Mouse

 1) click on the notification area bluetooth icon - Select 'Add a Device'

 2) Push & hold the discovery button on the back of the mouse for 10 seconds to get the 1 light flashing

NOTE: Did NOT push discovery button on left end of laptop base

3) The mouse now appears as an icon in the Add Device window

 4) RIGHT CLICK on this mouse icon and select Add Device

5) No passkey or verify code was asked for - it connected immediately

So - I now have a M2010 running Windows 7 32bit with a fully working Dell built-in bluetooth keyboard & mouse

Am I the only one ??

That's great news- and well done. I do believe you are the very first person to get windows 7 FULLY installed on an M2010. I am very sure there are many souls in the world who also paid a premium to get a quality PC from Dell, who would be delighted to succeed in installing the valuable Windows 7. But what is emerging is that each M2010 is far from consistent in how it was originally assembled. I am a bit shocked you never had access to BIOS; no doubt you used a USB keyboard. This kind of goes back to what I said about handing over control of infamous DELL 350 Bluetooth Module from DOS to windows. I hope the tech guys at Dell are listening.

Yesterday I had a telephone call from Dell in answer to the formal letter I wrote (and posted almost a month ago). I am very pleased they responded. The gentleman I spoke to was polite in confirming that window 7 drivers are not available and apologise for the inconvenienced. He confirmed that Windows 7 drivers will be made available- although when is not a known factor at this time. Well, for me Dell answered at long last and that is good enough for now.

You should not underestimate your own I.T. ability. You have managed to travel the full distance to windows 7, which I and many others have not. By following our messages other readers can note how we both managed, in slightly different ways, to engage the M2010 'standard issue' keyboard and mouse- so we have achieved something.

As for the other main irritation (the infamous function key that gives connectivity to the keyboard to switching wireless on and off, stand by, hibernate, battery level, external CRT/LCD and other things, I am still as dead as a roast duck. I logged on last night into the Dell download Site and using Windows 32 bit Vista went to Dell Quick Set. I them switched to the Earlier Drivers Section and found three to choose from. Neither represented your version precisiely ( R140213, R151443, and R151443. Respectively these are versions   : A00,   Version: 7.2.11- then    : A03,   Version: 8.0.11,  and finally  : A0  Version: 8.0.13. Interesting to note neither is prefixed with the latest Bios version A06. Notwithstanding, there may not be any relationship between driver ID's and Bios version. After painstakingly uninstalling and installing each as appropriate, and rebooting, nothing changed.

Maybe after Christmas we will start to see some XPS M2010 Windows 7 drivers appearing - which might even start with a 350 Bluetooth Module and STACK, and a new Quickset to provided full functionaility. The way I see the siutation is that until Wireless can switch on and off we are stuck with unhappy motherboards one way or another. Like you I do have the original keyboard and mouse working but all is not quite 100%. By all means please keep in touch and lets hope the clever Tech Guys in Dell note the situation and one of them rises to the occassion. After all, the only thing that keeps any skilfull I.T. engineer in the job, is the satisfaction of resolving challenges! Best wishes.

Sorry to hear you are still having problems. I was wondering whether it might be helpful to others if I wrote a full step-by-step account of how I got my M2010 fully functioning with Windows 7 (PS and yes my Fn keys are also all working).

 If I did this do you think I should do it on this thread or start a fresh one?

PS your comments about Win 7 drivers - I thought Vista drivers were supposed to be fully compatible with Win 7 ??

I was actually going to suggest writing a step-by-step guide on how you got everything working. :)  Please post it here so that everybody who already participated in this thread (and those who would find it in the future) would know how to do it (this thread already easily shows up in search engines because of the many things discussed, while a fresh post would not attract the same attention in search engines).

On the other hand, I suggest that you ALSO repost it as a new thread for the benefit of those who might actively search the Dell forums for such information.

This way, we get to help a lot more M2010 owners. :)

I suggest that GeekGirl also post a step-by-step guide to how she did her upgrade.  Her use of a Vista-to-Seven upgrade instead of a fresh install seemed to instantly solve all problems and was less complicated, though I'm sure that there are many out there who would rather go for a fresh installation of Seven instead of an upgrade from Vista (especially if the user wants to upgrade from Windows Vista 32-bit to Windows Seven 64-bit).

I agree with both Overkill_001 and wgt40w on this line of thought. The more posted then the easier it gets, and as a bonus the smart guys at Dell might also help out.

Ideally we need a new thread specific to the M2010, and for old times sake keep this and anyothers updated. I have already posted my set up guide and nothing has really changed since (not for the lack of trying).  Either URL should connect:

http://northernlights.me.uk/Dell%20XPS%20M2010%20reinstall.doc

http://northernlights.me.uk/Dell XPS M2010 reinstall.doc

I think we all agree that the starting point is a clean install of either Windows 7, and preferably 64bit because we know it can take it.

Anything else I can do to further the cause just let me know.

An afterthought. Is it possible you could copy your original disc [or at least the Quickset or whatever it is that holds the full set of ACPI dirver(s)]. I can always set up a temporary email for you to send it to. I don't know how safe it is on these forums to reveal an email address or phone number etc..? What do you think? Thanks again.

Postscript to Step-by-Step Guide

If anybody is brave enough to try following my guide, PLEASE come back and tell us how you got on.

Further - strongest advice - if after following the guide you cannot get your Bluetooth to work - DO NOT try to download and over-install any other bluetooth driver - it will not work (the previous one doesn't get fully deleted). If anyone insists on trying a different bluetooth driver, my strongest advice would be to start another full Win 7 install - I know, I had to do 4 complete Win 7 installs, each trying different blue drivers, before I hit a working combination. Furthermore my 32bit experience is that my only success during the 3 years I have owned an XPS M2010 came from using the Microsoft Stack. As far as I am concerned any driver with the Toshiba stack does not work on 32 bit.

I have no experience of ever using any 64 bit platform.

Dell XPS M2010 install Windows 7 Professional successfully - with working bluetooth keyboard & mouse

Step-by-step Guide

Disclaimer: The following guide is provided by a private owner who after hours of trying various methods finally managed to have a fully functioning XPS M2010, including Function keys and bluetooth keyboard & mouse. I cannot guarantee this will offer success to all other owners. I am not a computer professional - just a keen meddler!

Software Assumptions: The pc previously had installed Windows Vista 32-bit, installed from Dell purchased cds. The Windows 7 Professional is also 32-bit and is a Full install cd - NOT an Upgrade cd.

Hardware Assumptions: M2010 is as supplied by Dell, incorporating - ATI Radeon 1700 (?1800) graphics card, Sigma Tel sound card.

The guide has been written from memory - some of the descriptions of what is said at various screen stages may need slight common sense interpreting!

Preparation

1) Using an external usb drive, copy over your folders for:-

Documents, Music, Pictures, Videos etc.

Favourites and if you use Windows Mail - copy over your Mail Store folder and export over your Contacts as a .csv file

Any installation files for 'other' software you may have.

Create and copy over a txt file containing the licence keys for your 'other' software

2) If you connect to the internet via wireless, write down on paper your wireless network password.

3) Write down your Dell M2010 Service Tag.

4) Have ready:-

The new Windows 7 Professional 32-bit Full install cd.

Your Dell Windows Vista Upgrade Assistant dvd (contains drivers) This is absolutely vital to a successful conclusion.

Install and confirm working OK a usb keyboard and a usb mouse.

Installation

General Note: At a lot of steps I ask you to reboot - do not skip these - always do a 'cold' reboot, i.e. 'shutdown' your pc, count to 10, switch on again - do not do a 'restart'.

Put in the Windows 7 install cd - stop if from running and shut down your pc. (Now is the time to say a final farewell to Vista and any files you haven't copied over to an external drive !)

Switch on pc - a black dos screen will appear asking if you want to boot from cd\dvd - Yes - hit enter.

A screen will ask if you want to Upgrade or Full install - select Full install.

A screen shows the partitions on your hard drive - a small 40mb OEM partition and a large previous platform partition of approx. 100gb. Hit the 'advanced' link - select the large 100gb partition and hit delete (no turning back after this, your hard drive is now being 'wiped').

Windows 7 now starts installing files etc. It takes about 24 minutes, much quicker than XP or Vista. During this time various screens will pop up asking:- Language, keyboard layout, User name, Computer name, Windows 7 product code.

Towards the end the install will automatically find your internet connection - if it was wireless, a screen will ask for your wireless password - which you wrote down, didn't you?

Finally the Windows 7 desktop will appear - do not worry that it will appear larger (smaller resolution) than you were expecting - do not try to adjust anything.

Go Control Panel - top right 'View by' select 'Large Icons' - go Device Manager. Look for any problem devices - with small red or yellow flags showing. In my case there were 2 'Base Devices' and 1 'Unknown Device' flagged up.

Remove Win 7 cd and insert Dell Vista Upgrade Assistant (drivers) dvd. Right click on one of the Base devices - select update driver software and manually browse through to the cd \DellVistaUpgrade\drivers - hit enter. Repeat for the other Base Device (in my case both were Ricoh card controllers) and the Unknown Device (in my case the now famous ACPI\Del8010, which becomes the ACPI Function Key Handler. You should now have no warning flags showing. Remove the cd and Reboot the pc.

Note: Although there should now be no warning signs - some of the drivers present will be generic (i.e. basic) and some missing alltogether, so further updating is needed - read on.

After reboot look in the bottom right of the desktop (notification area) and see if there is a Windows Update icon showing - if so click on it and install the possibly 3 updates showing, one of which will be an update for your ATI Radeon 1800 graphics card - Install and then reboot again! If no Windows Update icon is present, don't panic - it will appear automatically within about an hour of Win 7 being installed.

Go online to Dell Support and Downloads - enter your Service Tag - select Vista 32-bit as the Operating Platform - expand Audio - download and install the Sigmatel driver (R147073). Reboot the pc after install. (Sound on PC should now be fully back to normal)

 After reboot go Online to Dell Support and Downloads again - enter your Service Tag - select Vista 32-bit as the Operating Platform - expand Applications - download and install Quickset (R156212).

Go back to Dell Support and Downloads - enter your Service Tag - select Vista 32-bit as the Operating Platform - expand Input Device Drivers - download the second item - Logitech Application, dated 20/03 (not the third item) and install the webcam (R151795). Reboot the pc after install. Go Control Panel, Device Manager and expand Imaging Devices - should be QuickCam for Dell Notebooks there. If for any reason there is a warning flag attached, you may need the Logitech Quickcam cd that originally came with your M2010 - insert cd and manually browse to it for your pc to look for a driver. I cannot quite remember whether I had to do this or not! Reboot your pc.

Let's now have a recap - The graphics card driver was updated by Windows update automatically; you have updated\restored the correct sound card driver. You have installed the Quickset software that controls or is a graphical interface for the Function keys on the keyboard. You have installed the driver and software for the built-in web cam. So now, all you have to do is get the Bluetooth working!!

Back to Dell Support and Downloads - enter your Service Tag - select Vista 32-bit as the Operating Platform - enter your Service Tag - select Vista 32-bit as the Operating Platform - expand Network - download and install the second item, dated 29/09 (R142181). Reboot pc - this reboot is most important.

Switch on pc and again go to Dell Support and Downloads - enter your Service Tag - select Vista 32-bit as the Operating Platform - expand Network - download and install the third item, dated 31/07 (R161000). Reboot pc - this reboot is also most important.

Switch on pc and go Control Panel - Device Manager - expand Bluetooth Radios and you should see 2 items - Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Module and Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator. Further down the list of Devices expand Network Adapters, amongst which 2 items should be Bluetooth Devices - Personal Area Network  and RFCOMM protocol. Hopefully there should be no warning flags anywhere.

This note is for experienced computer users only: at this stage of my install I employed a purchased software called Driver Robot to check my system. It provided me with updates for the Intel Chip Drivers & the Ricoh Card Controllers. Whether this has any relevance to my subsequent overall success, I do not know, but I doubt it.

Final Stage, starting with, guess what - Reboot the pc. On starting again follow these steps:-

Pairing of Bluetooth Keyboard and mouse:-

For the keyboard

1) click on the notification area bluetooth icon (bottom right of Desktop) - Select 'Add a Device'

2) Push & hold the discovery button on the back of the keyboard for 10 seconds to get the 3 lights flashing

NOTE: Do NOT push discovery button on left end of laptop base

3) The keyboard now appears as an icon in the Add Device window

4) RIGHT CLICK on this keyboard icon and select Add Device

5) Software will now give you a randomly generated verify key - type it into the keyboard quickly (even though the lights are still flashing) AND press enter - you should have SUCCESS - keyboard found & working

For the Mouse

1) click on the notification area bluetooth icon - Select 'Add a Device'

2) Push & hold the discovery button on the back of the mouse for 10 seconds to get the 1 light flashing

NOTE: Do NOT push discovery button on left end of laptop base

3) The mouse now appears as an icon in the Add Device window

4) RIGHT CLICK on this mouse icon and select Add Device

5) No passkey or verify code will be as asked for - it should connect immediately.

crc2 - ACPI\Del8010

I have searched around. The actual Fn driver installed in windows\system32\drivers is called DellFn.sys.

A search for this file on the Dell drivers cd revealed that it is ONLY present in the Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth 32 bit driver folder, i.e. it is NOT present in the 350 64 bit, nor is it present at all in the 355 folder.

Is this any help?

Ps re the possibility of  'copying' parts of the cd - I'm in the UK - I assume you are not??

Dell XPS M2010 - 32bit or 64bit suitable ??            (Just to stir things up a bit)

crc2 - I have been researching your statement  that the M2010 is compatible with running a 64 bit platform.

I read on the web that an X86 processor is 32 bit; an X64 processor is needed to run 64 bit.

See http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20091211095109AApoi9a

My M2010 is ACPI X86 based. Are other M2010's X64 based??

Good Morning- my processor(s) Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU T7600 @ 2.33Ghz. Windows 7 Upgrade Assistant reported these as x64bit compliant, as did a further check with the manufactuer, Intel. If your CPRU(s) is similar then 64bit is an option, but as previously posted my Ram upgrade to 4GB (from Crucial) only produced 3,25 of usable Ram despite everything read to the contrary. Another dissapointment!

Your user guide is great. Well done again. I'm tempted to start all over again following your lead but Christmas is coming. I live in Glorious Gloucester, Gloucestershire, but if you do as well then you might call it something else!

Incidentally I removed the BlueSoleil bluetooth software yesterday because the Dell keyboard that this software recognised as a game controller, threw up a yellow exclamation mark. I am back to both Dell Wireless 350 Bluetooth Module and Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator  (Device Manager/Bluetooth Radios). Oh- and I am using the Dell mouse which is a bit erratic, and the keyboard needs to be woken up everytime I want to type something.

Apart from the elusive Fn, and I still don't get the Dell Bluetooth Software on screen as it used to be we are actually pretty close in the scale of things.  Windows 7 Pro and Ultimate; with 32 and 64 bit respectively.  Now then I wonder, is it possible to get a copy of your Fn ACPI and 350 Bluetooth?  If so I am seriously tempted to start all over again with another clean install sometime between Christmas and the New Year. Best wishes again.