Bluetooth issue

I have a Dell Latitude D830 that I bought new, though not directly from Dell. I've had it for almost 2 years with only minor problems.

When I purchased it, I was told that it had bluetooth capability built-in. At the time, I had no bluetooth device, so I didn't think much about it.

Now, I have a new cell phone that I wanted to pair with the laptop. I could see all of the bluetooth software that came preloaded when the laptop was new, but I could not enable the bluetooth. I tried everything.

I finally notified Dell with what I was experiencing. They came back and said they could not understand why it would have bluetooth software installed on the machine, because the system did not ship with a bluetooth card from factory.

So, my two questions are: Has anyone else had this same thing happen to them; and, why would Dell go to the trouble to install all the necessary software, if they didn't install the card?

 

I can understand what Dell is doing. Dell clone a standard HDD image in the factory so it may include software which is not applicable to an individual hardware configuration. Think of their logistical nightmare if they had a different HDD image for each possible hardware configuration. And think of the disgruntled customers if they had to do a lot of the software /driver installation for themselves.

John

 

I had the same issue with my D830. The Bluetooth was DOA, and it took me a few months before I purchased my first Bluetooth device.

The little blue-LED-illuminated Bluetooth LED logo should illuminate when the computer is turned on. If not, then the Bluetooth is either not installed, or the module is defective.

Dell sent me a replacement module under warranty coverage. Solved the problem.

The physical module is located right underneath the hinge cover, near the power switch. If you remove the hinge cover, you will be able to see (replace) the Bluetooth module.

 

I can understand the logic in what Dell is doing. It makes sense. Thanks for the info.

As far as my laptop is concerned, I have taken the cover off and removed the keyboard and found that I don't have a bluetooth chip installed.

So, I have a few choices: either I purchase a bluetooth internal card from Dell, or I purchase a Bluetooth USB adapter/dongel that will take up one of my USB ports.

Thanks, guys for the suggestions and the help.