Payt Sim + Dell 5530 + Windows 7 Help Needed

[Tractorbuoy]

Hi,
I'ver used a PAYT dongle successfully since Feb09. This week I got a new DELL XPS laptop with Windows 7 (64 bit) and a 5530 WWLAN card. I downloaded Vodafone Mobile Connect (full version), connecteed the dongle, and it worked fine.

Then I put the SIM from the dongle into the laptop and installed DELL 'Mobile Broadband Manager'.

I use Mobile Broadband infrequently - and I'm doing all the setting up here at home, where there is no 3G - just GPRS.

I need help with the configuration of the software, and I'm not sure what to expect... but here's what I get:

VMC.... doesn't see the 5530 card when I try to 'add new device' - I've tried all 4 hardware types.

Dell software - lets me connect- so that's a big plus - at least I can go online

SMS doesn't work in Dell or VMC

GPS doesn't seem to work with Dell software though it has a good go at trying to find its location.

Unsure about the 'Vodafone mobile connect' option listed in my 'Dial up and VPN' conections. It can't connect. What is this? do I need it?

I suppose the biggest issue is that if I cant get VMC to recognise the 5530 card I won't be able to manage the account (top-up etc) unless I remove the SIM from the laptop and go back to using the dongle.

I do't know if it's best to leave VMC and/or Dell Mobile Broadband Maanager running in the background, or just sstart them as needed. VMC doesn't seem to do aanything, but if I uninstall it, then the DDell software won't connect.

Help and sympathy will be greatly appreciated.

[Retired-Daz_V]

Hi Tractorbuoy,

Shame to hear that you're suffering this.

You'll need to download the full VMC Suite, version 9.4.3. It will provide the most compatible drivers.

After you've sorted this, you're looking at multiple ways to connect, so whether you choose the Dell software or the VMC is entirely up to your personal preference. You can also indeed connect via the Connections options from the Start Menu - just another way to connect, but bypassing the VMC / Dell software. Don't delete it though, as it's a necessary component!

By uninstalling the VMC, it sounds like you're removing necessary drivers that the Dell software relies on, so again, I recommend the latest firmware from the link above. This may also sort out your SMS and GPS issues.

Keep me updated on how you get on - whilst we aren't Microsoft Windows accredited technicians, if you can post any additional detail, we've got some very clever members on here that may be able to help!



Daz

eForum Team


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[Tractorbuoy]

Context: I have a Vodafone PAYG dongle that has worked reliably with 3 different Windows XP laptops. Now I have a new Windows 7 laptop with built in mobile broadband card (DELL 5530). I have never got VMC to work on the new laptop....
As this is a new laptop I didn't have too much to lose by reistallling Win7 (64 bit pro) and effectively returning the software environment to 'as new'. (Laptop is a DELL Studio XPS 1340)
I removed the DELL 5530 mobile broadband (WWAN) card and the SIM.
Then I installed the full VMC (Version 9.4.3.16284).

I put the SIM into my Vodafone dongle (K3565)and plugged in.
VMC identified the device as an 'E160X', couldn't set it to be an active device and it couldnt find a network.

Then I performed a restart. Got a blue screen. But when it at last restarted, all worked well though still identified the modem as a E160X. But I could connect, view own number, etc. I can't send SMS - but I've never used that feature, so perhaps that has always been the case.

Then I shut down and fitted the internal 55330 mobile broadband card and swapped the sim from the dongle into the PC.

VMC couldn't find the device - exactly as before!

Next I installed the drivers for the card from the DELL website. Still no joy.

Next I installed the DELL MOBILE BROADBAND MANAGER, and this does let me connect - but only at GPRS speed - it never picks up 3G.
It doesn't let me send SMS
The GPS works well.

I had a long call with Vodafone this afternoon, and they couldnt advise me of a way forward.

Browsing this forum tonight brought me to a link to the VERY latest VMC (V4.4) - it's downloading as I type this. I'll let you know how it goes!

[Tractorbuoy]

OK... I've given up on VMC.

Uninstalled VMC and DELL Mobile Broadband Manager and all drivers for the card (inc GPS drivers).

Went into BIOS and set wireless switch to only switch the WWAN on/off. Switched WWAN off with the wireless switch.

Then reinstalled the drivers.

Reboot

Check Device manager and all were there.

Then Reinstalled Dell Mobile Broadband manager.

Switched on wireless.

Mobile Broadband works
GPS works.
Can't send SMS - aparently this isn't enabled on PAYG dongle SIMs
Can't view account without going to vodafone website.