Windows8 Dell USB 3.0 Dock freezes mouse, monitor, ethernet

[Ruud]

Hi James,

Another black-out just occurred. Again this one maybe related to increased/heavy bandwidth usage:
- Listening to streaming audio
- Browsing local server
- Uploading large files to wetransfer

.. and boom, 'lights' out!

Also yesterday, after the driver/bios upgrade, no black-outs occurred but the also reported problem that windows doesn't shutdown happened this time.

[JamesH]

Hi,

I think we've exhausted all system level issues.

Please return your dock for a replacement.

Thanks,
James

[Ruud]

Hi James,

Could you explain to me how replacing the dock hardware really fixes my problems? I mean, I using the latest bios, and all updated drivers I assume and in normal situations is just works, so hardware wise it is fine, not? Could there be external triggers involved like over-heating sensors? or other dock electronics which doesn't respond well to 'stress'? And if so: how would replacing the dock with similar hardware alleviate the problems?

Only when things gets pushed to its limit the software breaks down it seems.

My hypothesis is that the dock drivers have some serious issues with maintaining stability when juggling all the traffic going to and from the dock to the laptop.

[tbm]

Originally Posted by JamesH

Hi,

I think we've exhausted all system level issues.

Please return your dock for a replacement.

Thanks,
James

James,

I've returned the dock for a replacement. Still the same issues... I think i have to ask Dell for a refund...

[JamesH]

Originally Posted by tbm

James,

I've returned the dock for a replacement. Still the same issues... I think i have to ask Dell for a refund...

Hi,

Can you post the logs? I know you say that the dock isn't detected but the logs will give me some idea as to why. Also the output of the system information tool would be very useful. To get this run the program msinfo32.exe (it's a native Windows tool). Export the output to a text file, save it and post it.

Thanks,
James

[JamesH]

Originally Posted by Ruud

Hi James,

Could you explain to me how replacing the dock hardware really fixes my problems? I mean, I using the latest bios, and all updated drivers I assume and in normal situations is just works, so hardware wise it is fine, not? Could there be external triggers involved like over-heating sensors? or other dock electronics which doesn't respond well to 'stress'? And if so: how would replacing the dock with similar hardware alleviate the problems?

Only when things gets pushed to its limit the software breaks down it seems.

My hypothesis is that the dock drivers have some serious issues with maintaining stability when juggling all the traffic going to and from the dock to the laptop.

Hi,

My reasoning for recommending a replacement is because I believe the issue to be hardware related. Of course I may be wrong and if you get a replacement and you're still seeing the issue then I'll take another look at it as that means it's a firmware issue.

Thanks,
James

[tbm]

Take a look at the firmware JamesH... Dell replaced my dock, but the second one also died... Can't connect it anymore..

[JamesH]

Hi,

Please post the logs and system info output.

Thanks,
James

[Ruud]

Hi James,

Dell support (or actually their supervisor) read this thread about the issues i'm having, and concluded that simply returning the dock won't help.
Instead they propose the real problem lies with the fact that I first attached the dock and later installed its drivers. According to Dell that could lead to driver instabilities.
As an work-around Dell now suggest that I remove the dock, then uninstall all drivers/software related to the dock, (probably do a reboot here), install all dockingstation drivers and finally attach the dockingstation.

I'm willing to try this out (although skeptical of this working), but how?

2 questions:

1) Do you have a complete driver removal tool or something (or some other method so I can be sure not to miss something
2) Do the dockingstation drivers install themselves correctly without an attached dockingstation?

[JamesH]

Hi,

After uninstalling DisplayLink software run the cleaner tool from here http://www.displaylink.com/support/ticket.php?id=297

You'll need to connect a DisplayLink enabled device to complete the installation of the drivers.

Thanks,
James