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Despite age and dead battery, Dell M6700 laptop serves well as a desktop replacement for tasks like email, social media, and video streaming for a family member. However, recently Bluetooth functionality has become unreliable.

The initial problem arose when a button on the wired USB mouse stop working. Attempts to install another USB mouse failed due to USB port error. As a workaround, I purchased a Bluetooth mouse, which worked for a day or two then disappears from settings.

System Configuration:

Dell M6700 Laptop Windows 10 (64-bit), with dual boot Lubuntu

Troubleshooting Steps Taken:

  • Removed and reinstalled Bluetooth drivers, intermittently resolving the issue for a few minutes post-reboot
  • Disabled Fast Startup and toggled Aeroplane mode, to no avail
  • Conducted antivirus scans, revealing no malware
  • Verified system and driver updates through Windows and Dell update utilities
  • Removed/reinserted the laptop's dead battery, occasionally reviving Bluetooth functionality but not consistently
  • Observed sporadic instances of mouse reconnecting during specific activities, such as Zoom meetings or initiating downloads
  • Reducing power consumption settings somewhat helping

Solutions:

  • I tried to use an auxiliary Android device for mouse connectivity. To me phone screen is surprisingly more pleasant on touch than track-pad, though the laptop user is more accustomed to use mouse. More, there are mouse simulation apps that only require tilt cell phone, yet I failed to install them (the cell is a bit old too).

  • Finally, replacing the laptop's battery restored Bluetooth functionality, alongside with USB port

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10
  • Try a Panda USB Bluetooth Card. I have one. Should work.
    – anon
    Commented Feb 14 at 17:24
  • Sounds like the computer is half-dead already. A new computer might be a more lasting solution.
    – harrymc
    Commented Feb 14 at 17:29
  • hrrmm.. is near dead .. I believe the proper term is mostly dead
    – Señor CMasMas
    Commented Feb 14 at 18:36
  • Battery is dead and removed, but she does not need one. This particular laptop is too bulky to use on the go anyway
    – Serge
    Commented Feb 14 at 21:02
  • 2
    Most modern laptops cannot actually be turned on or function properly without a battery.
    – Ramhound
    Commented Feb 15 at 18:34

2 Answers 2

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If none of the USB ports work well, the power supply and/or battery may be dying. Some laptops are designed so that the battery provides a boost at peak usage, e.g., when booting or powering USB devices, and the power supply just provides enough to keep the battery charged. Since the laptop has an i7, occasionally demanding more power, a weak battery could be causing the issues.

Replacement batteries are advertised for US$32 and up. Check the current battery status, and replace it if needed. It makes much more sense than waiting for such an excellent machine to stop completely.

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-1

The number of issues with this computer indicate to me there are multiple deteriorating components inside it. Power connections are a good place to start.

If the internal Bluetooth chip is actually dead-dead, an external USB Bluetooth receiver should be a good solution, but your failing USB ports makes that not possible right now.

The laptop has enough problems that a proper solution is that the laptop should be taken apart and carefully inspected and refreshed/refurbished. This will solve your USB issues, and probably your Bluetooth issue too, and if not, it will enable you using a cheap replacement USB Bluetooth adapter as a good solution.

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