How to fix common docking station issues

Quick guide for troubleshooting when a docking station is not working.

Common issues for troubleshooting include: 

  • Monitors not exiting Power Save Mode
  • Laptop not receiving power or ethernet from the docking station

Most issues are resolved are by unplugging and replugging:

  1. Check that all cables are firmly connected from the docking station to all ends; especially the display cables at the backs of monitors. (See image 1 below; Ports 1 & 2) (See image 2 below; Ports 1, 2, & 3)  

    If there is no change, proceed to:

Power Cycle the docking station

  1. Disconnect the laptop from the docking station (See image 1 below; Top View A) (See image 2 below; Top View A)
  2. Locate and unplug the power cord from the docking station (See image 1 below; Port 5) (See image 2 below; Port 6)
  3. Wait 10 seconds
  4. Before plugging the power cord back in, locate the power button on the docking station. The power button will illuminate with a small white line when ON and connected. In this case, the illuminated power button should blink rapidly after you plug the power cord back into the docking station. (See image 1 below; Top View C) (See image 2 below; Top View C)
  5. Plug power cord back into docking station and check to see if the power button illuminates and blinks rapidly before going dark again.
  6. Connect the laptop to the docking station. The power button light should illuminate and stay on. The light on the USB that connects the laptop to the docking station should also illuminate and stay on. If there is no light present on the USB, disconnect from the laptop and try plugging it in again to make sure it is securely connected.

    If there is no change, proceed to:

Check the Power Cord

  1. Depending on which charger you have, there should be one of two power lights that appear.
    1. On the charger "brick" itself there should be a visible GREEN light in one of the corners of the charger.
    2. On the charger plug that connects to the docking station (See image 1 below; Port 5) (See image 2 below; Port 6) you might see WHITE RING around the plug end.
If your power charger brick and plug are not illuminating and continue to stay dim when plugged into a different power outlet and/or power strip, please contact Extension IT Support for further assistance.
 
Image 1 (Dock WD19)
WD19
Image 2 (Dock WD15)
WD15


KeywordsDocking station, wd19, troubleshooting   Doc ID113604
OwnerWil B.GroupUniversity of Illinois Extension KB
Created2021-09-09 14:37:50Updated2023-09-12 12:05:10
SitesUniversity of Illinois Extension KB
CleanURLhttps://answers.uillinois.edu/extension/how-to-fix-common-docking-station-issues
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