Using the Microsoft Bluetooth Stack

Microsoft’s Service Pack 2 for Windows XP includes its own Bluetooth stack. The stack has limited support for Bluetooth applications compared to other Windows-based implementations, but covers most of the applications that the average user will require, including:

On the positive side, the stack is more tightly integrated than other stacks, and most users will find it more than adequate for their needs.

Microsoft has taken the sensible approach of setting the default security levels of Bluetooth to a high level. This means that some applications may not work in the same way that they do with other Bluetooth software. This document explains how to perform everyday Bluetooth tasks with the Microsoft stack.

Microsoft’s Service Pack 2 for Windows XP includes its own Bluetooth stack. The stack has limited support for Bluetooth applications compared to other Windows-based implementations, but covers most of the applications that the average user will require, including:

Microsoft has taken the sensible approach of setting the default security levels of Bluetooth to a high level. This means that some applications may not work in the same way that they do with other Bluetooth software. This document explains how to perform everyday Bluetooth tasks with the Microsoft stack.

Installing the Microsoft Bluetooth Stack

The Bluetooth software is automatically installed when you upgrade to Service Pack 2 of Windows XP. It is activated as soon as you plug in a Microsoft compliant USB Bluetooth adapter.

Note: Microsoft’s Bluetooth stack does not work with PCMCIA cards

Note: You should always use the same USB port for your adaptor. Windows XP installs a new set of drivers for each port, which means that the settings it presents to other applications, such as COM ports are unique (and different) for each USB port.

When you plug in your Bluetooth adaptor for the first time Windows will detect it and install the Bluetooth stack. At this point it will ask you to give your PC a name. This is the name that other devices will see if you make your PC visible to them. Use a name that is memorable. You should also give a sensible name to all of your other Bluetooth devices. (Phones and PDAs should be given names.