Database Users

Bluetooth activesync - Can it Really be This Difficult????

I'm using - Dell laptop with integrated Dell bluetooth, XDA2 with original 1.03 rom, ActiveSync 3.7.1, Windows XP+SP2. I *AM* able to: synchronize fine with USB cradle, synchronize with IR, and beam files directly to the XDA2 from the laptop via bluetooth.
I have successfully: removed all traces of Widcomm, removed and reinstalled the plain old XP/SP2 BT drivers, have removed the pairings and re-created the device pairings successfully, removed and re-created the incoming COM port, renumbered my incoming COM port to 3, set ActiveSync to 'allow serial connection' to COM3, turned off XDA infrared, tried out "Pocket Bluetooth Tools" too, disabled my firewall. I moved my modem from COM3 to COM13. All the devices are 'working properly' according to control panel. Bluetooth switched to 'On' on XDA, once already paired. Bluetooth Devices/Options/Connections/Allow BT devices to connect is ticked.
Now I have tried to connect as documented in the many webpages on this subject, including GeekZone:
A. On the desktop - ActiveSync/File/Get connected... gives the message 'looking for mobile device on IR and COM3' but then nothing happens. After failing, it shows the list, and COM3 is 'available'.
B. On the XDA2 - Start/Settings/System/Bluetooth settings/Start activesync setup - gives message 'Please bond with device supporting serial port' - then takes me to the bonding screen. But I am already bonded successfully!
C. On the XDA2 - ActiveSync/Tools/Connect via BT with 'Laptop' - gives the message 'Cannot start communications with the desktop computer, critical error 608'.
As the pessimistic bobopopo recommended, I tried doing these last things repeatedly in every possible order!
Possible clues as to the problem:
1. I can't get the bluetooth icon to come up in the system tray. It comes up temporarily if I uninstall and reinstall the XP-SP2 drivers, then goes away next time I reset - even though the item 'Show the BT icon in the notification area' is always checked.
2. The first time I make a pairing, the word 'connected' appears below the icon for my XDA2 in the "Bluetooth Devices" dialog, on XP. Once it goes away, thereafter I am unable to get it to say 'connected' again. How can I get it to connect?
3. First time I bonded I got the Pocket Bluetooth Tools profiles dialog on the XDA2 - and ticked all the boxes, including serial port. Now I can't seem to get that screen back again?
4. On the XP machine, if I go to Control panel/Bluetooth Devices/Devices, select the XDA2 that is paired, then Properties/Services, I get only 'Dial up networking', and no exciting stuff like COM, OBEX, audio, PAN etc. - is this right?
5. If I go to Control Panel/Bluetooth Devices/COM ports/Add/Outgoing, and put Browse.., it searches for a while then says 'Windows cannot find any Bluetooth devices. Make sure it is switched on' etc.. although the device is clearly visible. So I can't create an outgoing COM port.
6. Can't beam files from XDA2 to Laptop: though XDA can see the other machine when you try to pair, it can't see it when you go to File/Send To/Infrared recipient - just empty dialog 'Searching...' forever. ('Accept incoming beams' is on and Bluetooth is on.)
????? Is it me or is it Microsoft ?????

mate,
reading through your post (although don't consider me an expert on this) it appears that you have the same problems i had before. bottomline? i discovered that windows xp service pack 2 screws up installation of bluetooth software. took me ages to figure this out but what i did was uninstall sp2 and went for sp1 instead. i've read several posts here and in other sites that sp2 doesn't really do well for bt apps...not sure if this is the same for the other chaps but it sure was for me. anyway; i uninstalled all bt software, uninstalled sp2; installed sp1 (reboot, etc), and from there proceeded with reinstalling my bt and activesync apps. from there i followed the guide given in geek zone and presto bt activesync.
the items you described in 1-6 definitely remind me of the sp2 trouble i had.
hope that helps.
cheers mate

I found that if I use the cradle to link to activesync this will create the partnership, then use the bluetooth next time and it will work, it seems you cannot get an original partnership over bluetooth.

I don't think its SP2 itself thats the problem. Its the Microsoft bt stack built into SP2.
You can actually run SP2 and the Widcomm bt stack. If you install Widcomm before SP2, then it won't install the Microsoft bt stack. I had the same problem and this resolved it.
The Microsoft bt stack in SP2 is Microsoft's first attempt at bluetooth. Looks like they still have work to do.
JD

Bluetooth activesync is easy IF YOUR NOT in Windows XP SP2!!! best thing to do is to downgrade to SP1.. unfortunately for me im stuck with SP2 in my desktop... but upon discovering this problem i never upgraded my laptop to SP2.. i left it with SP1 nd everything works in harmony...

MORAL LESSON OF THE STORY: NEVER UPDATE TO XP-SP2 if your using bluetooth activesync. :wink:

I've had no problems syncing over BT with SP1, SP2 MS stack and widcomm.
Here's how.
First of all delete any pairings on both PC and XDA.
Sync over USB then on the computer use connection settings to select the correct BT com port.
On the XDA goto Settings->System->Bluetooth->Start
Now repair your device and select ok till you get back to today screen
Goto activesync and then tools->sync over bt
Always has worked for me. If you're still having problems its quite possible that you haven't got the right ports setup on the PC.

YUP! it's all about the COM ports... SP2 gives out extremely high COM ports that activesync doesnt recognize...

Is your PC using...
1. SP2 + MS bluetoooth stack
2. SP2 + Widcomm bluetooth stack
I've followed the method laid out by fruitloaf many times, and only the 2nd combination works for me.
You might also want to consider upgrading from rom 1.03 if you can.
JD

fruitloaf said:
I've had no problems syncing over BT with SP1, SP2 MS stack and widcomm.
Here's how.
First of all delete any pairings on both PC and XDA.
Sync over USB then on the computer use connection settings to select the correct BT com port.
On the XDA goto Settings->System->Bluetooth->Start
Now repair your device and select ok till you get back to today screen
Goto activesync and then tools->sync over bt
Always has worked for me. If you're still having problems its quite possible that you haven't got the right ports setup on the PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Fruitloaf, is yours an original Orange machine? I've heard this works with SP2 + MS stack, but the O2 Xda II doesn't.
JD

I had this problem constantly with my XDA II and a Toshiba Laptop. All routes of advice came to nought.
The answer for me was to install Pocket Bluetooth Tools, a BT connection manager which has a specific Activesync Profile. Using this has enabled me to use BT A/S with my Win XP Tablet SP2 PC without problems. You have to initiate the Activesync process from the XDA though.
Once you have installed BT Tools, and created an A/S profile using the cradle, go back to the XDA and delete all existing BT Pairings. Then go through the "Bluetooth / Paired Devices/ New routine again. After finding your PC, continuing will give a new Dialogue box with available pairing options. Select "Activesync" and finish. Do a soft reset.
From there, go to Start/Activesync, then tap Tools/Connect via Bluetooth and all should work.
I recommend using PBT Tols version 1.0.1.2 not the newer version, as the later version causes some power management problems with the XDA II.
Available Here

bluetooth virtual com port too high for activesync
I have a Belkin F8T001 v2 BT USB dongle. BT was working under win xp sp2 and could transfer file etc from PC to XDA IIs and back.
However I tried setting up a BT active sync connection and had the problem that the virtual com port picked by the belkin supplied widcomm BT driver was too high for activesync, it was com20. I followed this thread but could not uninstall the driver and use the driver from SP2 as it doesn't seem to support my belkin USB BT dongle. So I had to go back to the driver supplied by Belkin. I thought I was stuffed until I came across a post that sorted the problem, I'm afraid I dont have it to hand to give author the credit. But here is what he/she said to do.....
1. Disable bluetooth in device manager and remove the high numbered com port from device manager.
2. Then use regedit to change
"HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\COM name arbiter"
I followed the instructions and changed the first 3 entries in theComDB field to be "0f".
3. Enable Bluetooth in device manager
4. Use bluetooth settings -> local servies to add a new COM port, then set it to autostart in the profiles section.
This time it came up as com5, and bingo activesync could find it and I was off....
Hope this helps others with this problem, usual disclaiamer when fiddling with registry back it up and dont blame me if it doesn't work or your equipment goes up in smoke
Good luck, Wayne

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?ContentId=3163
this guide works just fine for me

Marc MD said:
YUP! it's all about the COM ports... SP2 gives out extremely high COM ports that activesync doesnt recognize...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's is my problem, the high COM ports are not recognised by ActiveSync! I think i have 2 downgrade to SP1 and then upgrade again to SP2, hopefully that will work.
The BT drivers is not my problem but it's impossible to select the com port in activesync (but the com ports are visible in the device manager!).
Thanks to this forum for geving me hope , now i know what the problem is.

If you read my post with the registry change above I think you will find it will solve your problem, as I stated this was the only problem I was having with the BT driver.
This is a lot simpler than downgrading to SP1 etc.

AT last I done with this help and use widcomm Bluetooh Software 1.4.2 bulid 10 now my active snc work great with winxp sp2and wm2003se ..
just flow the thats:.....
This issue may occur because the Bluetooth drivers that are provided by Microsoft support a different set of profiles than the drivers that are provided by some third-party vendors. The Microsoft-provided drivers are also signed and will therefore be installed instead of a third-party driver for supported Bluetooth adapters. The Windows XP SP2 Setup program will try to detect if a third-party driver is present. If the third-party driver is installed, the Microsoft-provided Bluetooth drivers will not install. This action makes sure that an existing configuration is not modified. If both provided drivers were installed, and the Bluetooth Radio were connected to the computer, the Microsoft-provided driver would load because it is signed.
If the missing functionality is critical, you may restore the third-party support. To do this, follow these steps.
Note The following steps assume that the third-party software is installed. If it is not, install the software according to the manufacturer's instructions. Then follow these steps from the point in the installation process where the adapter is connected to the computer.
1. Click Start, and then click Run, type devmgmt.msc, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then expand Bluetooth Radios.
3. Right-click the Bluetooth adapter, and then click Properties.
4. On the Driver tab, click Update Driver.
5. Install the updated driver manually by using the Have disk option in the wizard. Locate the manufacturer's installation files, and then find the .inf file that is required to install the driver.
6. Complete the manufacturer's software installation steps.
At this point, the third-party provided drivers should work. If at any point you re-enumerate the Bluetooth adapter, the Microsoft driver will be reinstalled, and you must repeat the procedure. This issue will occur only if the third-party driver is removed or if another model adapter installed.

thats link is for bluetooth software v 1.4.2.10
http://asia.giga-byte.com/Communication/FileList/Driver/btd01.v.1.4.2.10.zip

i've tried everything but it still gives out high COM ports...

Marc MD said:
i've tried everything but it still gives out high COM ports...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Go to device Manager, find those high Com Ports, choose Properties - Advanced and at the COM port number choose a low one, Like COM3 etc. Don't bother if it say that it is alreaddy in use...
The go to Active Sync and in the Connection Settings choose from the drop down menu COM 3...
Go to the Activesync in you XDA, in the Options choose connect using Bluetooth and the... click on Connect via Bluetooth from the XDA...
You're done...

I have an O2 Xda II Mini (Magician) and I am using an XMicro Dongle on my laptop (Win XP with SP2) and ActiveSync3.8. Initially syncing with BT was a problem but now its not a problem at all.
To reduce the COM port nos. on your computer try the following website
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;315539
Once you can see the hidden devices and ports delete/uninstall all the ports which are not in use.
1 To sync with BT first delete all your pairing with your computer and phone on both devices.
2 Go to BT Manager on your phone and click both check boxes for Inbound and Outbound COM ports and pair the devices.
3 Once they are paired go to BT manager again and click on the start button (for BT activesync setup) and pair the devices again if you have to.
4 Once that is done check on the computer in BT Manager click on the phone device>property>services....the Serial Port Profile (SPP) "Serial Port COM4" will be checked.
5 After that on the computer's BT Manager itself ensure that the COM ports folder shows incoming and outgoing ports with the phone's name in front.
6 On the ActiveSync (on the ocmputer) ensure that the COM port no. is the same as the Incoming COM port no. given in step 5 above and it being shown as available. Sometimes if it is unavailable, the computer needs to be rebooted and then it will be shown as available.
7 Click on ActiveSync thru BT on the phone and it should work.
It has been working for me since the past couple of weeks. Initially it took a lot of time to set up but now even if the pairing gets deleted or something messes up its working fine. One thing to remember is that in case you are using a dongle with a laptop ensure that the dongle is plugged in BEFORE you boot up the laptop. A lot of people plug it in later and then ActiveSync on the computer shows the COM ports as unavailable.
Hope this helps.

Toshiba/Widcomm Bluetooth Stack in Vista for WMDC

Hey guys,
Don't know if this has been posted here or not, but here is a tip for anyone using Vista and WMDC with the Toshiba or Widcomm Bluetooth stack, that have been unable to sync via bluetooth.
From HowardForums:
"If you are running the new Windows Mobile Device Center on Windows Vista, and using the inbuilt Microsoft Bluetooth Stack, then syncing via bluetooth probably works fine for you. However if you are using the Toshiba Bluetooth Stack (for example, to get A2DP profile support) then you need to do some work to get bluetooth synchronising working.
Firstly, on your host machine, open Regedit and navigate to:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows CE Services
and change the value from "Bluetooth" to your incoming bluetooth COM port. Normally this is COM7 if you are using v5 of the Toshiba Bluetooth Stack (the Vista compatible version). Change the value to "COM7" (without the quotes). You will need to restart your machine.
Now pair your Windows Mobile device with your host machine. You should see the ActiveSync service listed. If you've previously paired your device, then you would have seen "Serial Port" listed as a service (which isn't enough to get ActiveSync working). Instead go into the properties of the bluetooth device and select "refresh" to get an updated list of services that your host PC is advertising. ActiveSync should now be an option. Select it. Now, when using ActiveSync on your WM device, Connect via Bluetooth should work just fine. "
Hopefully this helps a couple people out; it helped me out for sure.

Toshiba Bluetooth stack + HTC Tytn WM6.1
Hello all,
in order to get your HTC working with Toshiba BT Stack do the following:
download the latest Toshiba BT drivers from www.toshiba-europe.com and also the latest Windows Mobile Device center.
Install Toshiba BT Stack
Reboot
Install Update to WMDC
Disable BT on both PDA and Laptop
Connect you HTC via USB (WMDC should popup now, if not goto control panel and run it)
configure you HTC in WMDC
disconnect USB cradle
check with Serial port is available (usually COM7) - goto control panel an run
"Bluetooth local port"
turn on BT on both ends
On the WMDC select you HTC and goto Settings->Connection Settings
Enable connection on BT serial port (usually COM7)
Now on your HTC goto BT settings and "add a new device"
Find your laptop connect with it (passkey and so on...), next goto advanced and enable activesync service
and that's it!
you don't need regedit and other tweakings i've seen on the net about.Trust me! If it's not working for you try to unistall any BT stack you have, reboot, a start a fresh install.

Vista + WMDC + bluetooth = no joy

Hi,
I can't get sync over bluetooth to work with the WMDC in Vista.
First I established a partnership with the device using a USB cable. That worked!
Then I paired my toshiba laptop (internal bt radio) with the blueangel (ticked the ActiveSync service checkmark). That almost worked.. I entered the same passkey on both and then vista tried to add a driver for the blueangel, but never found the driver. Goes online, doesn't find it and prompts me for a CD. Does such a driver exist? I just end up with a nonfunctionning "Bluetooth Peripheral Device".
If I press on nevertheless and on the blueangel I "Connect via bluetooth" it authenticates and says "Connected", but on the laptop in WMDC it says "Connecting" for a while, then "Error".
Any help appreciated!
PS: Amazing job on getting WM6 out on this device!!

jamesjay said:
Hi,
I can't get sync over bluetooth to work with the WMDC in Vista.
First I established a partnership with the device using a USB cable. That worked!
Then I paired my toshiba laptop (internal bt radio) with the blueangel (ticked the ActiveSync service checkmark). That almost worked.. I entered the same passkey on both and then vista tried to add a driver for the blueangel, but never found the driver. Goes online, doesn't find it and prompts me for a CD. Does such a driver exist? I just end up with a nonfunctionning "Bluetooth Peripheral Device".
If I press on nevertheless and on the blueangel I "Connect via bluetooth" it authenticates and says "Connected", but on the laptop in WMDC it says "Connecting" for a while, then "Error".
Any help appreciated!
PS: Amazing job on getting WM6 out on this device!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just curious, do you have WMDC 6, or 6.1?

Wmdc 6.1.6965

works fine here with wmdc 6.1. Besure to tick to the box for activesync in bletooth profiles on your device when pairing the first time.

Canaan,
I did tick the box.. which BT stack and monitor are you using on the PC and on the device? Were you prompted to install drivers on vista at any point? Thanks!

No, i wasnt prompted to install any drivers.Never have,not even on xp pro/wm2003-2005. I'm running vista and broadcom stack. Check your in discovery mode and your com ports match on both device and desktop/laptop bluetooth settings.

Here is how it is done under vista
1.go to control panel, bluetooth devices and turn your BT discovery on
2.then turn your devices BT on and search for devices
3.after finding your pc pair it with your BA ( i use passkey 00000)
4.then the wizard will ask you which services you want to use from your pc, select activesync
5.then open activesync on BA and select from the menu "connect via bluetooth"
and thats all
requirements are that you have WMDC 6 or 6,1 with default connection options (by default BT sync is on)

Thanks for you reply. I guess I wasn't clear in my initial problem description.. the steps you outlined are exactly what I'm doing. However, when I get to step 4 and pair the device with the laptop, vista doesn't find the driver for the BA. It looks online for it and doesn't find it, so it prompts me. I don't know where that driver is and so I end up with a non-functionning "Bluetooth peripheral device" in the device manager.
I'm kind of suspecting the Toshiba proprietary bluetooth stack and monitor on the laptop at this point. I had no luck with the MS stack either. I guess I'll try to get the widcomm stack going on the laptop, sounds like it's the only one that works with the BA.

well connect your device to cradle or usb, then run windows update, it will find updates to the windows mobile device driver (here it done it twice) install it reboot and your device will be found

there is no service "activesync" after devices are paired
Hi Xplode,
I did your steps and my BA can find my pc via bluetooth...
However, when you said a list of services comes up, and choose "activesync"... it is not there...
the only 2 sevices I can choose are "wireless stereo" and "serial port".
Also, when I try my PC to find my BA, it says that "it cannot detect remote devices"
Am I doing something wrong here?

do you have WMDC installed and updates installed ?

go to your bluetooth settings of your laptop and delete the serial port created for your phone and delete your partnership. delete partnership from phone too,then re-pair them.You should see your laptop's bluetooth searching for services on your device.It should list dial-up networking,serial,handsfree and activesync.If this fails,i suggest your try and force-install widcomm/broadcom drivers.On www.parrot.fr they have instructions on how to install a microsoft bluetooth stack over the toshiba one's.the toshiba stack doesnt play nice with a lot of devices.

Xplode, yes I installed the updates... as I have read before, connect via usb and run windows update... I found 2 updates, installed them and reboot...
Maybe before I go on, jst a quick question:
is bluetooth activesync faster than usb activesync?
The point of my question would be.. I wouldnt want to go through all these hassles if at the end, bt connection is slower, cause for me it is just a nice add in function, not a requirement.....
Thanks and please answer this question for those who have done it...

Bluetooth activeync is a little slower than usb activesync but for me,its still more convenient than carrying the cradle or cable around.

USE this way.
After having connect your device once over USB to the WMDC in BT device manager in your PC add an incoming port i.e. COM3, now go to the Mobile device, turn on BT, open BT manager and in the setting under Com port tab add the same # COM port, if you can't find under COM scroll to BTS, it doesn't matter where the port number is located. Now go to WMDC click your Device icon go to Connection Setting and instead of leaving the default Bluetooth for others device scroll to the number of Com port you choose before COM3. Try to connect from device et..voila. I really would like to know why u have to guess always everything with Microsoft and paying and never being paid for my long night spent to solve their problems.
..I forgot for the further access you must start from BT manager on device --> acttyvesynch BT and click on your PC icon
to synch. If ever will not work maybe WM6 reset in your device actyvesynch to USB instead leaving BLUETOOTH, just change it.
Hope it helps somebody !

I ran into this same problem with the Toshiba BT stack on an ASUS notebook and an HTC Wizard (WM5). The solution was found in a Toshiba troubleshooting PDF.
From Control Panel, start the Bluetooth Local COM applet (installed by Toshiba BT), find the COM port labeled “LocalCOMServer[SerialPort(TOSHIBA LocalCOM)]”. Usually it's COM7.
After identifying the correct COM port, open WMDC, click “Connection Settings” under “Mobile Device Settings”, ensure "Allow Connections to one of the following:" is checked, then select the COM Port found above (again, usually COM7).
Proceed as usual and "ActiveSync" should appear instead of "Serial Port".
I'll continue the instructions for whoever might benefit:
With the computer's BT in discoverable mode, run ActiveSync on the mobile device, and tap [Menu][Connect via Bluetooth]. If there is no existing partnership, you'll be prompted to create one. Afterward (or otherwise), the computer will be checked for a running ActiveSync/WMDC process, and if all goes well, you'll see "ActiveSync" among the available services, which should obviously be checkmarked, followed by a tap on [Finish].
Now a BT link can be initiated from within ActiveSync on the mobile device, by tapping [Menu][Connect via Bluetooth] as above.
Hope this helps.

The Definative Guide to BT Services

After a lot of strugle with using Wireless Headsets, Serial Ports, Activesync over BT and Sideshow... i managed to have them all work.. on VISTA and XP.
So i decided to write a fully detailed tutorial for whoever needs it.
1. Know your Stack.
if your stack is the toshiba one, when you right click on the bt trayicon you should see OPTIONS..
if your stack is the microsoft one, ... well.. you will not see OPTIONS
2. before starting to deal with services i suggest you download one of the stacks below, according to your demand, and install them. also install Windows Mobile Device Center (from now on WMDC).
This is WMDC6.1 x86...
http://rapidshare.com/files/120340376/MobileDeviceCenter6.1-x86.exe.html
These are both the LATEST versions of both stacks: (up until the day of posting this message of course )
TOSHIBA STACK:
http://rapidshare.com/files/120186967/TOSHIBA_BTSTACK.zip
MS STACK:
http://rapidshare.com/files/120187911/MS_BTSTACK.exe
i strongly suggest you keep both files on your comp as a cover for any services one might provide while the other doesn't.
to save you the trouble. (after a correction from Jadel):
MS Stack works with both Activesync AND sideshow.
TOSHIBA Stack is problematic although more userfriendly AND provides some different options which might come handy. i had to go thru a ****load of trouble to sync it with Vista... and syncing it with XP isn't a teaparty either.
3. after finding out which one you have we can begin.
AS - ActiveSync.
this will probably be the most problematic service to have working since a lot of times it DOESNT APPEAR AS A SERVICE. when you try to sync with the comp it tells you you have to pair it.. even tho the device is already paired with the comp.
XP might be more flexible with this but the solution is for both XP and VISTA.
To Async using TOSHIBA Stack do the following:
a. open Control Panel and open the BT Ports editor..
b. add a port and choose it as a Server.. (usually it rounds up to ports 6 or 7 but you may have to try others..)
c. go to WMDC/Connection Settings and mark "Allow connections to one of the following.." and choose the port you created.
d. on your device go to Bluetooth Settings and add a new device... put the desired passkey... and you should see a list of the services the computer provides the PDA.
e. now this is a bit tricky to deal with. sometimes ActiveSync might not appear there. if it doesn't, go to COM Ports (in bluetooth settings on your device) and add the COM port you added on your comp..
go back to Devices and choose your comp and click Refresh. if ActiveSync appears there, mark it. if it doesn't, you should delete your comp from your device and this time add the port BEFORE finding your comp. it that doesn't work, you should follow the links i will provide soon.
f. on your device, open ActiveSync and under Menu choose Connect Via Bluetooth.
To Async using MICROSOFT Stack do the following:
a. open Control Panel and open Bluetooth Devices
b. click Add and add your device. go to Options and mark "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer" and "Allow Bluetooth Devices to connec to this computer". you can also mark other options as desired.
c. go to COM ports and add an INCOMING port. it will choose a port for you automatically.
d. go to WMDC/Connection Settings and mark "Allow connections to one of the following.." and choose the port you created.
e. go back to Devices and choose your PDA. choose Properties and go to Services. there you should see all services your PDA provides. one of them should be Active Sync Bluetooth Service. mark it and click OK. your comp and PDA should connect and disconnect a few secs later.
f. on your device, open ActiveSync and under Menu choose Connect Via Bluetooth.
(if these methods don't work you should follow the reference links in the below post).
SP - Serial Port.
some services demand a serial port. for instance, if you're using the Desktop iGO8 and would like to connect a BT GPS receiver to your comp the serial port service must be enabled. i found TOSHIBA's stack to be much more flexible concerning port usage. in Control panel you have a BT Ports icon somewhere.. if you double click on it.. it will let you play with the ports and change them to help you adjust various devices as well as use the ports as Clients or as Servers. this is important for ActiveSync as well (depending on the device).
An example:
Ipaq's Desktop iGO8 supports a Bluetooth GPS receiver. to use it, you have to define a COM port (just as we did for activesync, depending on your stack)...
you will have to define a port for the receiver and make sure the Serial Port service is marked or the program will not identify the PDA. some programs might NOT need this service at all.
(of course, this is only for people who want to use their PDA's GPS receiver. people who have a seperate GPS receiver might get the port number automatically when pairing it with the computer or have to find the correct port themselves (in older receivers).
also, to use the Networking feature you have to use the Serial port service. (i will post links for this as well).
WH - I would prefer leaving this for later as i play with it a little further.
SS - Sideshow. (Vista Users)
i tried using sideshow on 3 different devices. Wizard, Polaris and Titan.
all 3 came out with nothing when i used the TOSHIBA stack. the devices didn't discover the SideShow service even tho it was installed on my comp and my device was paired with the comp.
now if you're using the MICROSOFT stack.. it's a whole different area.
Alright. so a little batch of detailed insturctions about using this:
(during the process make sure your device is DISCOVERABLE)
IMPORTANT! you should make sure the Sideshow software is active on your device while doing this. i tried syncing the service once with it on and once off and it sorta confused me. so we'll just agree on having it ON.
To use sideshow using TOSHIBA Stack do the following:
a. on your device, go to Bluetooth Settings
b. add your device.
c. look for the Sideshow service in the list. if it's there, Mark it, (on your comp) go to control panel, go to sideshow, and you should be able to mark V on the gadgets you'd like to use.
d. if it's not there, you should add a port on both your device and your computer. the ports should match.
e. go back to devices and refresh the Services list.
f. to my knowledge, if it doesn't work up to this point, give it up
To use sideshow using MICROSOFT Stack do the following:
a. open Control Panel and open Bluetooth Devices
b. click Add and add your device. go to Options and mark "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer" and "Allow Bluetooth Devices to connect to this computer". you can also mark other options as desired.
c. go to COM ports and add an INCOMING port. it will choose a port for you automatically.
d. go to Devices and choose your PDA. choose Properties and go to Services. there you should see all services your PDA provides. one of them should be Windows Sideshow. mark it and click OK. your comp and PDA should connect and disconnect a few secs later.
e. go to control panel, go to sideshow, and you should be able to mark V on the gadgets you'd like to use.
after syncing the service and choosing the gadgets you'd like to use from Control Panel/Windows Sideshow you can go back to your device and go back to the sideshow software and click Connect....... ................. ........
TP - Technical Port (this concerns only people who use ASUS's GXP Factory PDA so if you're not, just ignore this).
for the GXP to control Wireless devices such as ELTO's waterpipe controller and Applied Materials' connectors you HAVE to have a Technical port enabled as a service. other than Serial port this is the only service the GXP provides, so you won't have much trouble enabling it as it's part of the software.. it will always appear. MAKE SURE you DO NOT create another bluetooth port as it will use it instead of the default one and you will not be able to control ANY of the wireless devices around you.
i will update this post further on with detailed instructions for the use of every service and some howtos.
Hope it helps.
If you found this guide helpful please Donate.. (all donations go to TZABACH Wounded Animal Service)

*reserved* for LINKS to other tutorials and downloads.

Links
hi!
please check your links, they don´t work!
regards
chuckbert

sorry.. i will fix it when i get home.

links are now working and there is a more detailed explenation of.. it all.
if anyone has any additions, good links to other types of instructions or other types of bluetooth stacks.. please post them so i can add them to the guide.
thanks

hi,
first, thanks for this guide. i hope its helping others, but me wasnt successfull : (
here whats up:
dualcore notebook with toshiba bt stack, running Win XP (sp2+ new sp3)
htc polaris, custom rom
what ive done:
a. open Control Panel and open the BT Ports editor..
b. add a port and choose it as a Server.. (usually it rounds up to ports 6 or 7 but you may have to try others..)
heres my configuration:
Port Description Owner
----------------------------------------------
COM1 Toshiba BT Port (COM1) LocalCOM-Server[SerialPort(Toshiba LocalCOM1)]
COM2 Toshiba BT Port (COM1) LocalCOM-Server[SerialPort(Toshiba LocalCOM2)]
COM3 Motorola SM Speakerphone System
COM4 System
COM5 System
COM6 System
COM7 System
COM8 System
COM9 System
COM10 Toshiba BT Port (COM10) LocalCOM-Server[SerialPort(Toshiba LocalCOM10)]
c. go to WMDC/Connection Settings and mark "Allow connections to one of the following.." and choose the port you created.
-in my case COM1 and COM2
d. on your device go to Bluetooth Settings and add a new device... put the desired passkey... and you should see a list of the services the computer provides the PDA.
-yes, Bluetooth headset and SerialPort
e. now this is a bit tricky to deal with. sometimes ActiveSync might not appear there. if it doesn't, go to COM Ports (in bluetooth settings on your device) and add the COM port you added on your comp..
- not appearing, added the COM1 in the device, same as on notebook
go back to Devices and choose your comp and click Refresh. if ActiveSync appears there, mark it. if it doesn't, you should delete your comp from your device and this time add the port BEFORE finding your comp. it that doesn't work, you should follow the links i will provide soon.
- still not appearing, deleted my Notebook on the devices list. I tried to add the port before it found my notebook, but thats impossible because i cannot change the view when its searching bluetooth devices.
f. on your device, open ActiveSync and under Menu choose Connect Via Bluetooth.
- a dream
im fking sad its not working, i tried other tutorials, but alsways same result, been reinstalling AS, the BT stack.. the only thing i made no hardreset yet on my polaris.
to analyse:
choosing COM4 and COM7 on my device, it runs an error: The COM Port couldnt be done. Check the Settings und retry.
On my notebook i cannot delete COM4 till COM9, because they are used by the system.
I can only choose from COM0 (Zero) to COM9 in my device.
I have no problem to send/receive files from my notebook to pda and reverse.
if you have any suggestions to go further, really appreciated.
would be nice if you hit me a pm or start a convo on msn : )
thanbks so far
manaaa
**edit**
i attached the ports configuration after a fresh toschiba BT stack install

(POST EDITED)
Hi Nir36, awesome post! I had planned on doing this myself at some stage, but your details are far more inclusive than mine would have been. Good work!!
Here are a few additions:
In relation to Activesync and Bluetooth, the only way I personally (using a HTC Himalaya, WM6.1) was able to connect was by partnering the two devices from the mobile device side, not the PC side. I could only do this using Windows Xp’s built in Bluetooth drivers, and my device’s built-in Bluetooth drivers. Other drivers did not work for me. I suspect that whatever drivers you use on your mobile device should be used by the PC as well.
The information provided below is from me, the Windows Forum and Treo Central Forum, cobbled together and edited to suit this site. So cheers to those folk over there. It is for users of Windows XP.
***
1. First of all, open up “Control Panel” and open “Bluetooth Devices”.
2. Under the “Options” tab, tick the boxes in “Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer” and “Alert me when a new Bluetooth device want to” and “Show the Bluetooth icon in the notification area” and “Turn discovery on”.
3. Under the “COM Ports” tab, click add. Add an incoming COM port below 9 (it appears numbers higher than that are not recognized). Click the “OK” button.
Now for the next part:
1. Ensure Bluetooth is turned on, on both your PC and Mobile Device, and each is in Discover Mode.
2. In Bluetooth setup on your Mobile Device, DELETE any existing partnership with the PC.
3. In Activesync on the Mobile Device, choose Connect via Bluetooth. Activesync will say it cannot, but will ask if you want to set up a new partnership. Choose yes.
4. When the Mobile Device Bluetooth application comes up and presents the Devices tab, click “Add New Device”. Go through the normal pairing process when it finds your PC (entering passcode on Mobile Device, accepting connection on PC, entering passcode on PC, etc.). It will probably not show "Activesync" as a service on the PC yet (you may have to tap on the “Advanced” tab to see the list of services provided from your PC).
NOTE: Sometimes the Bluetooth icon on your PC will not let you know that a Mobile Device is trying to connect until you double-click on it.
5. In ActiveSync on the PC, go to Connection Settings. Verify that it allowing connections via com ports (combo box) is checked and you can see a list of available com ports.
6. Here's the trial and error part. Start by selecting the same COM port in the list as what you selected under Bluetooth Devices on the PC, clicking OK. If Activesysnc gives you an error, start Step 5 over again and choose the next COM port on the list (change the one under Bluetooth Devices in Control Panel first) until you get one that does not produce an ActiveSync error (cannot connect to COM port). NOTE: DO NOT select "Bluetooth" from the drop down list. Don't forget to click OK each time and to close the Connection Settings dialog box.
7. On the Mobile Device click refresh. If "Activesync" shows up as a service from the PC, check it and you should be OK to select "Connect via Bluetooth" on the Mobile Device and start synchronizing. If "Activesync" still does not show up as a service, go back to Step 5 and just keep moving on to the next COM port in the list. One of them should work eventually.
NOTE: Others suggest that you need to make a connection with the PC first using the cradle and Activesync. Using the above steps, this was not the case in my case. I connected straight away with Bluetooth without ever first having to connect my device using the cradle and USB.
***
Connecting external Bluetooth GPS receivers to your Mobile Device for use with navigation software ie TomTom, Garmin etc
(by Jadel)
1. Switch your Bluetooth GPS device on (this example is with an early model Navman external GPS device).
2. Pair your Bluetooth GPS device with your Mobile Device first using your device Bluetooth manager (Go to the devices tab and “Add new device”, click on the name corresponding to your external Bluetooth device, entering passcode on Mobile Device which should come with GPS device’s documentation).
3. After this, make sure to choose the “Advanced” option which will give you the choice of choosing a serial connection. Select it and click “save”.
4. Go to the tab down the bottom that says “COM Ports” a new “Outgoing Connection” and then which port you want to use. I always choose COM5 as this seems to work fastest, most stable etc (on a HTC Himalaya and HTC Hermes).
5. Then, leave your Mobile Devices bluetooth on and in discoverable mode.
6. After this, load up your software (TomTom/Garmin etc).
7. The correct COM port should then appear in the list of possible COM ports for you to choose from in your software’s External Bluetooth GPS device section (the correct COM port should be the same as the outgoing COM port ie COM5). After that, all should be well with the world.
Note: Sometimes your mobile device may reset when it is scanning the COM port in your navigation software if the incorrect COM port is chosen.
***
Go online with Activesync: Skype over Bluetooth Activesync
(by Jadel)
If you managed to get your device to sync over Bluetooth using the above guide, then most of this should work automatically. If you connect correctly, you should be able to use most internet related applications on your device such as MSN Messenger, Windows Live, Pocket Internet Explorer (PIE) and Opera. Email should also work.
But you can also use Skype! Even though it says you need WiFi or 3G, it can also work over Bluetooth ActiveSync.
This means that if someone else is using the computer (family members etc) you can still call people and send messages to them over Skype.
1. Install the SkypeforPocketPC.cab file on your phone.
2. After it installs, log in, and make sure it remembers your login details, by ticking the “remember me” box.
3. When it asks how you plan to connect, make sure to chose “Wifi and 3G”.
4. If you choose just Wifi, it won’t work.
That should be all you need! You may need to restart your device or re-establish the Activesync to get it to work. The first time I tried this, I was able to do the echo test and pass, but my messages did not send. The second time I connected, everything worked.
And having tested Skype over Bluetooth Activesync many times, I can tell you that the sound was perfect/crystal clear. I think the minimum you need for Skype is about 54Mbps, whereas Bluetooth 1.1 (older Bluetooth) transfers at about 750Mbps if I am not mistaken.
***
Cheers Nir36.
PS Good work!

Jadel, this is great. i don't want to add it to my post.. but to leave it like this.. it's much better having a whole thread concucted by different people with different solutions than having one guide.
i would be happy if other people added more posts like this one.. so we can collect a whole thread for others to look at when they need to solve their bluetooth issues.
i will be developing it more.. adding links and such.. but it'll take time as i'm in the middle of my final exams.
and in reference to manaa's problem.
from what i've read around in different websites, no one was able to have the ActiveSync service show when using ports other than 5-9 (only when using TOSHIBA's Stack. when using MS Stack you can use any port to my knowledge). if anyone made it thru other ports, please post the solution here. i suggest you try and check if you can switch some system ports to other ports and then move one of your BT server ports to 5,6,7,8 or 9... and then try again.
hope it works.
i hope that with time we will be able to build up a pack of solutions for anyone who wishes to use AS with TOSHIBA's stack.. so that we won't have to go thru all that trial and error **** everytime.

Sounds like a good idea Nir36. Have edited my post down slightly so as to leave it as is. Will try add to it when I get the chance as well.
PS did you have a look at this section of your post below?
Under your description for “Async using Microsoft bluetooth stack”, part D mentions Windows Mobile Device Centre. Are you sure this shouldn’t be Activesync? Just checking.
Cheers!

well.. XP AND Vista can both work with WMDC. i'm assuming that people would upgade from ActiveSync to WMDC. the MICROSOFT Stack has nothing to do with either WMDC or ActiveSync... they are both PC clients, not drivers.
to be clear. WMDC and ActiveSync can both work with MICROSOFT Stack and TOSHIBA Stack.

WMDC6.1 x86... Got that in Vista64 flavour?

What version Toshiba stack is this?
Also, why do you even need the MS stack? I have everything from activesync to A2DP, to PAN (basically, you name it and it works) functioning with just the toshiba stack.
I'm running XP.

sonus said:
What version Toshiba stack is this?
Also, why do you even need the MS stack? I have everything from activesync to A2DP, to PAN (basically, you name it and it works) functioning with just the toshiba stack.
I'm running XP.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well, it depends on your device rather than on your stack (sometimes).
i have a Polaris and when i try to get an ActiveSync service using the toshiba stack i .. well.. can't. so i have to use MS stack which works wonderfully.
it's less GUI'd but it's working.

desolateone said:
WMDC6.1 x86... Got that in Vista64 flavour?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i'll add a link to x64 soon.

nir36 said:
well, it depends on your device rather than on your stack (sometimes).
i have a Polaris and when i try to get an ActiveSync service using the toshiba stack i .. well.. can't. so i have to use MS stack which works wonderfully.
it's less GUI'd but it's working.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's odd, I also have a Polaris...ActiveSync works without any issues on my Toshiba stack. What version of the Toshiba stack did you post?

Bluetooth Peripheral Device (Other devices)

Hello.
When I plug in the HTC HD2 I got a new device in Windows 7 Ultimate - Bluetooth Peripheral Device with a yellow mark (code 28).
Windows mobile center is working.
Tested some typical actions (update drivers, uninstall, disable PAN, ...) without success.
Any idea?
Thanks.

SOLVED
Update drivers in device manager.

what make is your laptop/pc and what bluetooth stack do you have on your pc/laptop?

INFO
Sony Vaio VGX-TP3/Z (No bluetooth integrated)
External Bluetooth MSI Dongle (old)

I have exactly the same problem with my HD2 and Fujitsu Siemens Amilo with windows 7, built in bluetooth. (peripheral bluetooth device exclamation mark and error 28)
I tried the broadcom update but it wont install. I dont really know what bluetooth stack is on this laptop but I've been hunting around for a driver for a few days now but nothing seems to work.
Anyone any ideas how to get this paired succesfully?
Cheers

Try seaching ALL OF C:\ when looking for a driver
I've had the same issue, just browse for the driver yourself, and when you
can enter an location, enter c:\ and have it run for a few minutes.
For me, my comp. found the driver on my c:\ drive, even when auto-update and look for drivers on my computer failed.
Please report

Cheers. I'll give that a try tommorrow at work

Still cant get this to work.
Can anyone else help?
Cheers

Hi mates,
I had the same problem as you. But I don't think that driver is that important. But however I figured it out.
- First you have got to install the driver for your Bluetooth Device (either it's integrated or a seperate device)
- Then you go to Device Manager and double click on that yellow marked driver
- You go to Driver->Update Driver-> Browse My Computer for Driver Software-> Let me Pick From a List of Device Drivers on My Computer-> Mobile Devices->
- Then you find Microsoft Corporation and and install Windows Mobile-based Device ..... (something)
That will fix your problem...
And to activate the ActiveSync or HandFree or Stereo Sound (music playing through your PC's speakers, you go to Settings, in the righ corner Menu and then advanced. There you will have the Bluetooth Manager thingy.
You know the rest....

I have the same problem, I was following the guide above and when I chode the mobile devices there was no list of the manufacturers and the only option is to "Have a disc".
Any idea please ?

sorry misstyped - not "chode" but "chose".

lutanica said:
- Then you find Microsoft Corporation and and install Windows Mobile-based Device ..... (something)
That will fix your problem...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have 5 choices under Microsoft there: Windows Smartphone 2002 and 2003, Windows PocketPC 2002 and 2003, and Microsoft USB Sync. I tried PocketPC 2003 - no luck. Tried some other ones for fun, no luck. Tried HTC as manufacturer but all the drivers there are for USB Sync.
I have a Dell E6500/Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Mini-card, Windows 7 Pro.
Anyone have any other ideas? At this point, I just want to sync via Bluetooth...

I have the same issue. Can't get bluetooth to work on Windows 7, 64 bit. I get the same options as the reply above.
Tried the bluetooth.zip file in this thread but the computer does not recognize the files.
Haven't found anything on the HTC-website either.

Gunnarson said:
I have the same issue. Can't get bluetooth to work on Windows 7, 64 bit. I get the same options as the reply above.
Tried the bluetooth.zip file in this thread but the computer does not recognize the files.
Haven't found anything on the HTC-website either.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's what I found: connect via bluetooth, ignore the missing driver warnings, and start the sync from ActiveSync on the phone. This seems to work for me...

Thanks! It solved my problem.

I'm having the same problem with my HD2 on Win7 x64. I tried the solutions above but no success. Any new ideas to try? Thanks!

Sorry, forgot to subscribe to the thread.

Spizella said:
Update drivers in device manager.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What are we meant to do with these files exactly? My computer doesn't recognise them.

I'm still having this problem too.
I've tried all suggestions including the one to select Microsoft Corporation for both the Mobile Devices and Bluetooth Radio categories. However, Microsoft Corporation is not listed as a manufacturer for either of those categories.

iphoneresister said:
Here's what I found: connect via bluetooth, ignore the missing driver warnings, and start the sync from ActiveSync on the phone. This seems to work for me...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Dear iphoneresister - you are a genius!
Just spent 3 hours trying to connect my HD2 to my Lenovo laptop with Win 7 Ultimate.
Whyt didn't i see your solution earlier