I just got a new TBT4-UDZ to replace an older Lenovo USB-C docking station. I am using a Windows10 ThinkPad laptop (the same one I had been using with the Lenovo dock).
Problem 1: I want to connect from the dock to a single Dell 3219q monitor via DisplayPort (straight DP to DP; no HDMI adapter). This worked fine with the Lenovo dock, using the same DP cable and same laptop; but it works only rarely and intermittently with the TBT4-UDZ. Notably, when I shut down my laptop and boot back up again, the Lenovo startup logo does appear on my external Dell monitor, every time; but then 75% (but not 100%) of the time, the monitor then goes black and gives me the “No DP signal from your device” message once my firm’s login screen shows up (but before loading Windows). The other ~25% of the time, it works fine.
Problem 2: The ethernet connection worked the first time I connected but has not worked since. The connection does not even show up as a network connection; and I get a “This device cannot start. (Code 10)” message in the properties tab of a Realtek Gaming 2.5GbE Family Controller — which I think may be the Ethernet port/controller in the dock? I am using the same Ethernet cable as I had been using with the Lenovo dock, and it connects directly to an AP that is hardwired to my main router, which gets internet through a fiber connection.
Thank you for contacting Plugable support! Sorry to hear about these issues. I’d be more than happy to assist you.
For the display related issue if you have not already done so I would suggest to ensure your computer has the latest driver and firmware updates from the system manufacturer installed to begin.
For the Ethernet issues, I would suggest to try updating the dock Ethernet chipset drivers from here: https://www.realtek.com/Download/List?cate_id=585 The drivers provided through Windows 10/11 by default, and through Windows Update, can be unstable and/or offer poor performance so in many cases updating these drivers can help.
After updating the drivers if you are able, I would then also suggest to power cycle the dock in this order: Fully unplug the dock from all devices, power, and Thunderbolt 4 cable to the host computer. Reboot your computer and after logging back in wait about 30-60 seconds, then reconnect the power cable first, Thunderbolt 4 host cable next, and USB/all other devices last. This should help to ensure the dock and laptop are in a good state.
If these initial suggestions do not help then I would like to get a closer look at your system from a software perspective if able. We have a troubleshooting tool that helps us find out what is going on in situations like this. Please plug the dock with your monitors and Ethernet connected to it into your computer, then go to this page and follow the instructions there: http://plugable.com/support/plugdebug
When emailing us the diagnostics results to support@plugable.com (do not post them here), please mention ticket #475507 in the subject line so we can match things up. I can then take a look for anything that may stand out and offer some next steps.
Please don’t hesitate to let us know of other questions.
Thanks again for contacting Plugable support and best wishes!
Thanks Joshua. I actually just got my work laptop (which was the ThinkPad) replaced yesterday – this was a scheduled, every-other-year, upgrade – and everything is working just fine with the new laptop. So I’m sure you’re right that this was a driver issue: the new laptop has clean, updated drivers across the board. Appreciate the response and am now enjoying the new dock!
