Bluetooth on laptop

[karenmac60]

I've just got a new Dell Inspiron m5040 with windows 7 installed. I know I have bluetooth, but for the life of me I cannot set it up. I've got so far and it tells me to switch bluetooth on by turning the wireless on - but it already is. I've searched in case there is another switch cos it does mention a radio switch too, but I can't find one. I've looked online and can't find any answers. And I get so far on the Dell support site before it says an error has occurred. I don't need it, but it's really bugging me now. Anybody got any ideas?

Thanks

[what..the?]

it sounds like you need to find the blue tooth management section where it searches the area and lists any other devices if finds (which have there blue tooth turned on) then you click connect and it will ask for a password or code to allow permission a passcode will show on one device which should be typed into the other device. Can you not click or right click on a blue tooth logo in the bar to get an option to open the management window?

[Aquariel]

I've looked on the Dell website, so hopefully this information is current! Firstly, is there a bluetooth icon (a capital B) in the icon tray at the bottom right of the screen (it may be hidden)? If so, is the "B" white, green or red? If there is no icon, it may mean that you need to install the drivers.

[karenmac60]

It can't find any other devices, even though there are several all switched on in the house. I can't find any way to show if I am discoverable or not either.

[what..the?]

having looked on my computer the confusion may be because it classed as a wireless device and not bluetooth now

[what..the?]

i have a sony and I go into the control panel and then click on 'network and internet', then 'add a wireless device to the network'

[karenmac60]

Nup, still no joy. It still seems to think my bluetooth is switched off and can't find anything, or be found. I suppose I'll just need to wait till I can get onto Dell properly and figure out what the radio switch is. Thanks for your help what..the? :)

[what..the?]

no prob worth a try :) gl with it, maybe someone will give you the answer on here in the morning

[kariah]

I bought a lap saying just the same - i asked my geek mate and he said I need to buy something to plug in that makes the bluetooth actually work. I purchased this gadget from amazon for about £3, and it works! x

[what..the?]

new idea - Push the F2 key without pushing the Fn key. It is a radio tower icon on the key, the key is used for turning the radio (wi-fi) on and off. See owners manual!

[kariah]

** Laptops often come bluetooth enabled but you still need this little chip to make it work. I thought the same as you, I could just 'switch it on' and away we go, but no!

[what..the?]

when a do an internet search for 'dell radio switch' loads of info comes up

[Fitzer]

The Dell website indicates that BT is optional on that model
" Wi-Fi Options:
Standard Dell Wireless™ 802.11b/g/n

Bluetooth Options:
Optional Combo Dell Wireless Card 802.11b/g/n, BT3.0+HS"

are you sure that is what you've got?

[karenmac60]

Who knows! I have officially given up - I'll just stick to email or the wee cable. Thank you all for your help, especially what...the? who has been cheerfully persistent :D

[what..the?]

:)