XPSP2 Bluetooth

As Graeme has posted, Bluetooth has been much improved with Windows XP SP2.  This makes it much easier to activesync over bluetooth, and worked perfectly out of the box with my Belkin adapter (except for the fact that I had to say yes to install the unsigned drivers). It took a few tries to realize the reason I couldn't sync even though I could connect was due to the fact ActiveSync wanted to connect over COM3, which was not a port that the XP service had installed by default. However, adding a new COM port under the Client Applications tab in the configuration did the trick.  Since the software was already installed, the WidComm stack is used, and works great... now if I could just figure out how to stop the Bluetooth signal from wreaking havoc on my cordless phone...

Bluetooth

What does Bluetooth do?

Bluetooth? is a wireless networking technology available in a wide variety of devices. Support for Bluetooth wireless technology is included in Service Pack 2 for Windows XP. This support was not previously available directly from Microsoft. It is included now because customers requested that this technology be added to the core Windows operating system.

Some of the features that are included in this release are support for PAN (personal area networking using Internet Protocol over Bluetooth), Hard Copy Replacement Profile (HCRP) for printing, dial-up networking, Host Interface Device (HID), object push, and virtual COM ports. Support for selective suspend and boot-mode keyboards (based on specifically configured hardware) is also included.

If no Bluetooth transceiver is present on the system, there is no change to the system's behavior. When a Bluetooth device that is approved by the Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL) is present, Bluetooth support is enabled. When Bluetooth support is enabled, you can find changes in the Network Connections section in Control Panel. A new Control Panel item called Bluetooth Devices has also been added. In addition, you can find the new Bluetooth File Transfer Wizard by clicking Start, pointing to Accessories, and pointing to Communications.

If an existing non-Microsoft Bluetooth network driver is installed, upgrading to Service Pack 2 for Windows XP does not cause the existing driver to be replaced. It can be replaced later, either manually or programmatically.

For complete documentation on Bluetooth in Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, see online Help.

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