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So, I have a netbook and a Vodafonne SIM and dongle, and when I first used the dongle I was prompted to install the Vodafone Mobile Connect (or whatever it's called) software, which I duly did. Trouble is, it's hateful bloatware as these things often are and wants to control all connectivity on the netbook - 3g, wifi, ethernet, the lot. This seems to cause lots of conflict with the onboard network connectivity stuff (Windows 7), which causes the poor little netbook to eventualy give up trying to work out who's trying to do what and hang.
I just want some software that will make the 3g dongle work. I'm quite happy to switch between 3g and wifi manually, I don't need it to learn locations, I just need it to connect to the interweb when I click 'Connect to the Interweb'.
Any ideas?
I use the dongle on a netbook and two laptops - no problem at all. I plug it in when I need it, it auto-detects, it works. If it isn't plugged in it doesn't work. Used on XP and Windows Vista - never had an issue.
Im with IHN, its a horrible bit of software.
I think you should be able to flash the firmware to get it back to the OEM manufacturers spec. See if you can find the model - it's probably a Huwaei
EDIT: like this maybe?
http://huaweifirmware.blogspot.com/2011/05/huawei-k4505.html
TooTall - is that using the Vodafone software?
I've used an older version of the software at work before, and that was fine; it just looked after the dongle. This version wants to look after everything, swapping between different connectivity methods in different locations etc etc. Maybe I'll experiment a bit more with disabling as much auto-functionality as I can.
I thin it is a Huwaei. I'm nit sure its the firmware on the dongle though, it's the software on the PC.
I wonder if I don't install the software, whether windows will have a generic 3g driver?
the software is stored on the dongle, so when you stick it in the computer it will install it.
I reckon you can flash the dongle then use the huawei console to manage the modem.
I'm pretty sure ( I could be wrong, it was a while ago) that when I forst used the dongle it asked me if I wanted to install the software.
Maybe I'll uninstall it and when I insert the dongle again and it asks me I'll say no. I bet there's something in Windows that will control it...
I recognise the problem, but I found a way to disable it. I'm sure it was an option in the software somewhere.
Cheers for the link, I'll have a play.
If you install a version of Mobile Partner that should manage the dongle for you without the vodafone gimpware.
In my experience USB dongles are all pretty flaky.
I would go for something like a 3 MiFi or T-Mobile Wireless pointer instead. These have lots of advantages including:
No dodgy software on your PC
Ability to support multiple devices simultaneously
Ability to position the unit remote from your PC for best 3G reception
Or you could do effectively the same thing by using a smartphone that supports tethering.
Cletus +1
I have a free dongle but dont bother using it. Instead I put the SIM into an unlocked MiFi dongle. But thats just when Im on the continent and using local pre paid data sims. in the UK I just tether to my android phone.