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I have Dell XPS15, dual booting with Windows 10 and Ubuntu 16.04 LTS (novice to Linux), which came with a Type-C USB. I just bought a Dell DA200 adapter for the USB which works on Windows but doesn't on Ubuntu 16.04 LTS. I checked by running 'lsusb' with and without the adapter and confirmed the problem. Could someone please suggest a solution? Thank you.

Sameer Kesava
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4 Answers4

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contrary to what the other answers to this question suggest, the da200 adapter is not a displaylink device (unlike its predecessor, i believe). it's a "docking station" adapter that connects to the usb-c port, and provides hdmi, vga, ethernet, and usb ports.

currently there seems to be a problem with the graphics on this device. the laptop does see an external screen, but it will remain black. only when a low resolution is chosen (usually much lower than the preferred resolution of the monitor or tv that is attached) the display "works".

more information and details about this issue is available from these bug reports:

wouter bolsterlee
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This is apparently fixed in the 4.5 linux kernel https://bugs.freedesktop.org/show_bug.cgi?id=92932

http://ubuntuhandbook.org/index.php/2016/03/upgrade-linux-kernel-4-5-ubuntu/

Amias
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As per the following bug it seeems to have been fixed.

If it still doesn't work for you check the kernel version uname -a.

In my case I was checking for any updates on the issue thinking it wasn't solved however when I tried it it simply worked.

According to this post on Dell commpunity someone got it to work with a patch for kernel 4.13 which I happen to have. I did not patch though.

If it's not urgent I suggest you wait for the next kernel image update.

user10853
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Try using the latest compatible kernel (i'm using 4.7.0-rc7 and it's working). You could also try to leave the plug inside the computer and reboot (still plugged). In my case, VGA is not working (Linux nor Windows) but the other plugs are working fine.

Max
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