Mylaptop dock randomly doesn't work...then it does...then it doesn't
October 18, 2022 7:05 AM Subscribe
I have a Dell G7 15. I have this dock. Usually it works. Sometimes I take the laptop away and bring it back and it works. Sometimes I take the laptop away and I bring it back and it doesn't. I try everything. It doesn't work. Then a few days later it works again.I can't find the pattern. What's happening? Hope me!
I have tried:
Rebooting the computer with the dock unplugged
Rebooting the computer with the dock plugged
Turning the little dock plug upside down and right side up and upside down again.
Unplugging the doc's power and then plugging it back in while connected to the computer
Unplugging the doc's power and then plugging it back in when not connected to the computer
Just unplugging the dock and plugging it back in.
When it doens't work, nothing works. I can spend two hours just plugging and unplugging and and booting and rebooting. This ONLY happens when I have taken the computer away and then bring it back and connect it. It never happens while it's connected and working (i.e. it never just stops working once it was working, unless I disconnect it and take the laptop away). It doesn't ALWAYS happen if I disconnect the laptop and take it away. Just sometimes.
I'm going crazy trying to fix this. I swear it's always at the most inconvenient times that it doesn't work. Help me.
To be clear doesn't work means "I connect it and absolutely nothing happens. No 'you just plugged in a new device noise.' No error. Nothing.'
Windows 10.
I have tried:
Rebooting the computer with the dock unplugged
Rebooting the computer with the dock plugged
Turning the little dock plug upside down and right side up and upside down again.
Unplugging the doc's power and then plugging it back in while connected to the computer
Unplugging the doc's power and then plugging it back in when not connected to the computer
Just unplugging the dock and plugging it back in.
When it doens't work, nothing works. I can spend two hours just plugging and unplugging and and booting and rebooting. This ONLY happens when I have taken the computer away and then bring it back and connect it. It never happens while it's connected and working (i.e. it never just stops working once it was working, unless I disconnect it and take the laptop away). It doesn't ALWAYS happen if I disconnect the laptop and take it away. Just sometimes.
I'm going crazy trying to fix this. I swear it's always at the most inconvenient times that it doesn't work. Help me.
To be clear doesn't work means "I connect it and absolutely nothing happens. No 'you just plugged in a new device noise.' No error. Nothing.'
Windows 10.
Could it be dirty contacts? Maybe try cleaning all the relevant contacts while it's unplugged and turned off with a microbrush and rubbing alcohol.
posted by overhauser at 7:28 AM on October 18, 2022
posted by overhauser at 7:28 AM on October 18, 2022
There's been a batch of bad* Dell USB C docks - and my take is these are all the ones without venting. That is because the new docks for Thunderbolt and display now feature a small grill, and the old ones don't. I just upgraded my docks to Anker hubs (and my monitor to fancy dell usb c one- it's the best and so worth it) and considered the current (fall 2022) offering from Dell as I have used them in the past, but there was too many bad reviews mixed into the usual one line 5 star chuff.
In terms of troubleshooting your actual device I would suggest checking your power source and ensuring your power strip is providing clean juice. And the easiest way to achieve that is just pay the cash to get a decent one, or get a battery backup unit. In my experience usb c ports are on the envelope of not having giant fancy PSU's like a desktop or a battery like a laptop to smooth the power, but also requiring high quality power to function properly.
*and docks that are sold generally but are actually dedicated to specific devices/scenarios, which is functionally bad as well
posted by zenon at 7:39 AM on October 18, 2022
In terms of troubleshooting your actual device I would suggest checking your power source and ensuring your power strip is providing clean juice. And the easiest way to achieve that is just pay the cash to get a decent one, or get a battery backup unit. In my experience usb c ports are on the envelope of not having giant fancy PSU's like a desktop or a battery like a laptop to smooth the power, but also requiring high quality power to function properly.
*and docks that are sold generally but are actually dedicated to specific devices/scenarios, which is functionally bad as well
posted by zenon at 7:39 AM on October 18, 2022
I missed that the dock wasn't a Dell branded on but one named: ABIWAZY. Amazon is absolutely rubbish with all these off brand peripherals that's nothing more than someone's side hustle. I hope it's within the return/warranty window because I would just return it and get an Anker.
posted by zenon at 3:20 PM on October 18, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by zenon at 3:20 PM on October 18, 2022 [1 favorite]
How much power is going to the dock? If you are just using the 65w (small brick) that come with some Dells, it won't give enough juice to CONSISTENTLY power all (or, as in your cases sometimes, any) of the peripherals.
Like zenon said, if you can return it, do so and get a Dell dock.
Also, upgrade any drivers from Dell that specifically say anything about Docking stations. Update BIOS. I usually go ahead and update all labeled chipset as well.
Best of luck.
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 11:07 AM on October 19, 2022
Like zenon said, if you can return it, do so and get a Dell dock.
Also, upgrade any drivers from Dell that specifically say anything about Docking stations. Update BIOS. I usually go ahead and update all labeled chipset as well.
Best of luck.
posted by a non mouse, a cow herd at 11:07 AM on October 19, 2022
Response by poster: How much power is going to the dock?
The dock plugs into my Belkin surge protector which plugs into the wall. I dunno...how much power is that? It does that via...like a phone charger usb cable plugged into one of those little things you use to plug your phone charter into the wall.
But you think this has something to do with the LAPTOP charger? Hmm...I wonder if hte issue is whether the laptop itself is plugged into the wall vs. just running on battery?
I've had it for probably a couple of years now. Can't return it. Most of the time it works. It's just thta when it doesn't it's absolutely maddening because there's no rhyme or reason to it.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:23 AM on October 19, 2022
The dock plugs into my Belkin surge protector which plugs into the wall. I dunno...how much power is that? It does that via...like a phone charger usb cable plugged into one of those little things you use to plug your phone charter into the wall.
But you think this has something to do with the LAPTOP charger? Hmm...I wonder if hte issue is whether the laptop itself is plugged into the wall vs. just running on battery?
I've had it for probably a couple of years now. Can't return it. Most of the time it works. It's just thta when it doesn't it's absolutely maddening because there's no rhyme or reason to it.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 11:23 AM on October 19, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by If only I had a penguin... at 7:20 AM on October 18, 2022