Mini 9 Bluetooth not operating

Question

I ordered and received an internal bluetooth module for the mini 9 (J613H). I installed the module using anti-static strap etc, powered up the mini and no bluetooth. I tried disabling in BIOS, rebooting, and then enabling again in BIOS and rebooting with no change. I ran the Diagnostic utility in the boot menu (0) and it did not report any bluetooth module (only the NIC and the wireless). I tried the Fn-2 function and no bluetooth - the wireless turns off and on though. Is it possible that the bluetooth module was DOA? I have warranty on the mini 9 - who would I contact?

Second question - I am new to Linux and am wondering if there is a utility like Windows Device Manager in Ubuntu that can be used to query for hardware installed?

Thanks.

(edit - I re-ran the diagnostics and it found a Broadcom Corp BCM2046 device under USB. I still do not have bluetooth but maybe I am missing software? All I have for bluetooth is under System - Preferences and the only driver listed under System - Administration - Hardware Drivers is "wl".)

dgkpcon · Accepted Answer

No you will have to google search a Ubuntu driver package for this.I ordered a Mini 9 for my daughter for christmas that came with Ubuntu and Bluetooth,she did not like Ubuntu and decided on installing XP.But the Bluetooth does work with Ubuntu,do you have the Ubuntu disk that came with the system?...It should have everything on the disk to either>re-install or repair the bluetooth.My daughters disk and manual says it is loaded with everything for the Ubuntu software.

dgkpcon · Answer

You need to install the above Broadcom Bluetooth driver before it will  work.This is for XP,dell does not have anything listed for Ubuntu.

Raitanen · Answer

I am surprised that Dell does not have a driver for Ubuntu since you can buy the Mini 9 pre-configured with bluetooth and Ubuntu. Does the driver provide the pairing software? How do you install a XP driver on Ubuntu - anything special?

Raitanen · Answer

Thanks for the info. Yes I do have the disks and I have a USB drive that hopefully I can use. I got the Mini 9 at a reduced price when I ordered a Studio laptop but it was ordered over the phone with Dell customer service (India?) and we had difficulty understanding each other. The bottom line is that my mini came without bluetooth and now I am trying to add it myself. I got the info on ordering the internal card from the dellmini forum. Hopefully I can get this resolved this weekend. Thanks again.

dgkpcon · Answer

Your welcome,make sure you have the Bluetooth card installed first before loading the Ubuntu disk.

GadgetGuy1981 · Answer

Sorry about that - Didn't see your update! Glad its working well and that I'll have nothing to worry about!

Raitanen · Answer

Just wanted to let you know that I hooked up my old Sony USB dvd+-rw drive and booted from the Dell Ubuntu disc. Did a reinstall of Ubuntu and now I get the bluetooth icon in the tray and I was able to pair up my MS mouse. Thanks for the help.

By the way how do I show that this thread is Solved?

dgkpcon · Answer

You will see at the bottom of the post 'suggest as answer',click on that for the post that answered and solved your problem.

GadgetGuy1981 · Answer

1. You can't install the Windows XP driver in Ubuntu - there is loose support for NIC/Wifi drivers, but definetely not BT.

2. Ubuntu has native Bluetooth support if the application modules are installed - check the Ubuntu forums for info on what packages you need to install - you can also check Synaptic Package Manager yourself.

3. You may want to try an XP install on the laptop if you have it available, just to see that the device works at all - Dell will be hard pressed to support the device with Linux or any custom packages, but they will easily support their Windows driver.

I'm getting my Minis (supposedly) this next week - one Windows and one Linux - Both with Bluetooth - Once I figure anything else out, I'll check back with you.

Linux General

Mini 9 Bluetooth not operating

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