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    Sony Z and bluetooth - Won't turn on! (Even with SmartWi)

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by SZ-zer, Jan 20, 2010.

  1. SZ-zer

    SZ-zer Notebook Guru

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    After opening up my Sony Z to repair the cooling system, I found my laptop could not detect my Bluetooth module anymore. It worked perfectly before.

    I mean, not even find the piece of hardware. It's not that it can't detect Bluetooth devices, the laptop doens't think I have one anymore!

    1. SmartWi - Checked, double checked, uninstalled and then reinstalled - nada. SmartWi says it's on!

    2. Reinstalled Bluetooth driver - Attempt failed, since it persistently informs me to "turn on Bluetooth" or "plug it in".

    3. Toggled Wireless switch - Several times - the green light is on! I'm connected to WiFi! So that can't be the cultprit.

    4. Hardware - i checked the Ribbons / antennae (FPC-123) - all intact with no scratches.

    5. Bluetooth is not even listed under Device Manager.

    Model: Sony VGN-650N. OS: Vista

    Any other suggestions?
    Anyone heard of Bluetooth suddenly puttering out?
    Should I extract the Bluetooth Module and give it a beating?
     
  2. arth1

    arth1 a҉r҉t҉h

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    Take a scientific approach, and narrow down the problem before attempting fixes.

    Boot a Linux LiveCD and see whether it can detect the bluetooth module (and turn it on). If so, the problem is Windows and drivers. If not, the problem is hardware.
     
  3. onimod

    onimod Notebook Guru

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    I have had this problem with my SZ680.
    I fixed it, but for the life of me I can't remember exactly how.
    Is your bluetooth enabled in the device manager?