Q. Hello, I have a Dell laptop and I just reinstalled Windows 7 Ultimate x64 64-bit clean install on it. Ever since that time I have an unknown device in device manager. It is called ACPI\SMO8800 and I do not know what the heck it is or how to even get it working/configured. I really need to know where I can download the right driver and any help is appreciated!!!
A. That unknown device in your Dell laptop is a ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor. You can get the correct driver right here:
local mirror, Dell dl link
More details about free fall sensors:
That free-fall sensor is an accelerometer which can detect movement (i.e. downward acceleration or falling) and using that sensor your laptop can take steps to protect itself by parking the hard drive heads or other measure.
IBM pioneered this technology in their ThinkPad line way back in 2003 and Dell has implemented it as well. Of course, it has applications beyond protection as even the Apple iPad/iPad 2/iPhones have an accelerometer which developers can use for games and other purposes!
PS I would like to thank you for your question, as I am a bit fan of the Latitude E series (and also the Dell Precision line). You have a nice laptop!
Affected Dell Laptops/Notebooks:
Latitude E4310
Latitude E5410
Latitude E5420
Latitude E5420m
Latitude E5510
Latitude E5520
Latitude E5520m
Latitude E6220
Latitude E6320
Latitude E6410
Latitude E6410 ATG
Latitude E6420
Latitude E6420 ATG
Latitude E6420 XFR
Latitude E6510
Latitude E6520
Latitude XT3
Precision M4500
Precision M4600
Precision M6600
(and potentially more if you see an unknown device with Hardware ID ACPI\SMO8800)
Supported Operating systems:
Microsoft Windows 7 32-bit (x86)
Microsoft Windows 7 64-bit (x64)
Microsoft Windows Vista 32-bit (x86)
Microsoft Windows Vista 64-bit (x64)
Microsoft Windows XP (x86)
Microsoft Windows XP x64
More info on this topic:
![10 Creative Ways to Use the Accelerometer [iPhone] | CreativeApplications.Net](http://www.jdhodges.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/tiltpost1.png)
Device manager properties page after the correct driver has been installed:
Code 28 on PCI bus
Driver functionality rated 5/5 stars (no problems and simple install)
Thank you!! Worked for me.
I only wish Dell would allow an easier way to find drivers for unknown devices. They’re bad for that.
Awesome J-P, you are certainly right about Dell!
Glad these drivers worked and enjoy your laptop
Best regards,
-JD
Also works with Dell Vostro 3500 , THX !!
Just a FYI, but I have the same issue in Device Manager, same listing in the Details tab, but the device driver did not work. Now its listed as a ST Micro Accelerometer with error “..This device is not working properly because Windows cannot load the drivers required for this device. (Code 31)”.
Running on Dell Latitude E6320
Hi T.L.,
Thank you for the information. I am sorry to hear about the problem you encountered
If anyone else with an E6320 has a similar issue or a solution, please post in the comments.
Best regards,
J.D.
I have the exact same problem as T.L.
Running Win7 x64 on Dell Latitude E5220
Best Regards
Armand Aanekre
Problem solved om my Latutude E5520. (Wrong model number in previous post)
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/t/19371943.aspx
Hi Armand,
Thank you for your comment and the helpful URL!
Best regards,
-JD
FYI, the link to Dell no longer works, here is the link that is working:
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/us/en/19/DriverDetails/Product/latitude-e6420?DriverId=F91KT&FileId=2731102933&DriverName=ST%20Microelectronics%20Free%20Fall%20Sensor%2C%20v.2.00.10.33%2C%20A10&urlProductCode=False
Thank you for the new link Tony!
I will update the article to reflect the information you provided.
Best regards,
-JD
Worked like a charm, thank you for the informative report, and workng link. I share your enthusiasm, to discover that this kind of technology is being implemented!
Dell Latitude E6510 Windows 7 64 bit
Excellent Loukas!
Great
On Vostro 3300 it’s perfect
Win 7 32 bits
You are the best beaause even Dell’s Support didn’t know this problem.
Thanks from France
Sorry for my english
Hi JM!
Merci you for your nice comment
I am very glad to hear that the driver helped on your nice Vostro 3300!
Your English is excellent and I thank you again for your comment, I hope you are enjoying beautiful France!
Au revoir,
-JD
Hi
i Thank you Must to Install “ST Microelectronics Free Fall Sensor”
Link is :
http://www.dell.com/support/drivers/fr/fr/frbsdt1/DriverDetails/Product/latitude-xt3?driverId=F91KT&osCode=W732&fileId=2731102934
Hi Nurtin,
Thank you for your helpful comment!
Best regards,
-JD
After few hours of downloading every listed driver for Win7 64bit for this machine E5520 none cleared the Unknown Device *shock*
Downloaded the Dell *Find my driver thingy*, still nothing.
So this unlisted for my laptop driver fixed my issue. Yay Dell for wasting my day.
Thanks
Hi Birdman,
Thank you for your comment. I am very glad that my page helped!
Hope you have a great week.
Best regards,
-JD
thanks
You are very welcome, thanks for visiting my site!
Best regards,
-JD
Thank you, this was bothering me for some time. Now at last my Studio 1458 is ok, I appreciate your work and know how.
Regards
Rudy
Hi Rudy,
Thank you for your comment Rudy. I am very glad that the driver works well in your Studio 1458.
Best regards,
-JD
Thanks!! Works Fine in Dell Vostro V13 Windows 7Pro Sp1 32bits Thank You!!
Hi Walter,
I am a big fan of the V13 and V131, they are very nice machines!
Thank you for your comment Walter. I am very glad that the driver works well in your Vostro V13.
Have a great week and thanks again for commenting,
-JD
Thank you so much! Worked perfectly on my Dell Latitude 13.
All the best from Germany
Ms. Wallace
Hi Ms. Wallace,
Thank you for your kind comment. I am very glad the driver worked well for you!
Enjoy your nice Latitude 13 laptop
Best regards,
-JD
I have the same above mentioned problem with dell inspiron 14Z Model
thanks from your info;
Hi M M K,
Thank you for your comment! Did the driver work okay for your Dell Insprion 14z?
Best regards and have a great week,
-JD
Hello Sir/s,
I have faced the same problem after formating the orginal windows 7 64bit operating system in my dell inspiron N 411z model no it ask every time to install SMO8800 driver for your unknown device in device manager please send me this driver to my e mail adddress,thanks from your kind help
Hi M M K,
Thank you for your comment. Here is a page I put together to answer your question:
Dell Inspiron 14z (N411z) ACPISMO8800 Windows 7 driver
I hope this helps!
Best regards,
-JD
Cheers from the UK. Just reinstalled a Dell Vostro 3300 & got this as an “unknown device” – installed your suggested driver and worked a charm. Will link you on my business page
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your comment and for your kind offer to link to me. I appreciate it!
I am a big fan of the Vostro line of Dell laptops and I am very happy that the driver helped. Enjoy your nice laptop Chris.
Best regards,
-JD
No worries JD, just linked you on my blog – http://www.onetouchservices.co.uk/laptop-repair-egham-blog.html
kind regards
Chris
Thanks Chris, much appreciated! I enjoyed checking out your blog and have added it to the list of RSS feeds that read.
Have a great weekend!
-JD
Cool!
Worked perfectly. Thank you very much.
Regards & Respect
Ban
Hi Ban,
Thank you for your nice comment.
I am very glad that this driver solved your issue!
Best regards and have a great week,
-JD