MC8775 for Dell XPS m1330

I have a Sierra Wireless MC 8775 which I installed in the WWAN slot of my XPS m1330. But I cannot seem to find any software to make it work.
I found a driver online for the Thinkpad, 7qwc02ww.exe, which seemed to install fine (though I'm not sure what it means)

But how do I get the 8775 to work on my XPS?

Things to know:
I'm using Windows XP on my m1330
I know the SIM is active as I pulled it from my Sierra Wireless 775 attached to my Inspiron 6000.

Device Manager is not listing the device. (!!)
The 8775 has only one antenna terminal -- I just connected the grey antenna cable to it.

Any ideas on how to get it working?

 

The XPS m1330 doesn't recognize the MC8775 card in the BIOS. The Cellular Info will say Not Installed. Install at Dell Sony Ericsson based 5530 or 5520 and it will be recognized.

 

@anirbansen: I've also read that BIOS version A0 will recognise 3rd party WWAN cards, but above that they've locked it so only Dell cards are recognised.

I don't know if that's true or not.

When I wanted the WWAN I just bought one from ebay.

 

yup only works on A02.. I wonder if A05 works o not.. anyone got A05?

 

Thanks guys.
Guess I am stuck with the MC8775 then.
I may have A02 BIOS on the original setup disk. Will check it when I have the time - but really don't want to downgrade from A14 to A02.

Willing to explore if there is any workaround.

Any links on further reading?

 

anirbansen, A02 works completely fine. Fan is running low when the machine is idle. Cd eject still freeze. Video performance drop like 1-2% Dont think that bothers. A02 can be downloaded at Dell supports. It would be nice if you have A05 and give a test on it.

 

Well I've tested all the bios. Only A02 work with mc8775.

 

Thanks laziepig. I downgraded to A02 and used sp36889.exe. Now MC8775 is working fine! Thanks to you!
I've also raised a complaint with Dell over this policy decision. I think its monopolistic. Plus, I don't remember agreeing to such limiting terms and conditions at the time of purchase.

 

yeah hopefully they will unlock it on A16 :/ anyway A02 is running fine.. but the fan really worries me coz it seldom spin =.="

 

Can't seem to get thru to the real Dell guys who handle the 'policy' of not allowing 3rd party WWANs on m1330.
Incidentally, I have a feeling my battery drain has increased since the downgrade. Ever noticed this before?

Notebook Hardware Control gives some details of charging and discharging rates.

 

No changes for me.. my xps still last around 2hrs plus with heavy surfing, chatting and copying files from usb drive.. with level 2 (dimmest=level 1) brightness on my "LCD".

 

anyone know if the later bios works with 8775? Running A02 and its superb with the card I hooked of ebay for 30notes

 

so far nope..

 

I noticed the Dell BIOS A15 was modded by some to include SLIC 2.1 so an OEM version of Windows 7 could be installed. Can someone mod the BIOS to also allow the MC8775 in BIOS A15?

Any ideas people?

 

This is not the place to discuss such issues.
A mod bios any how you use at your own risk..Try Google for your request.