T42: Can't get bluetooth on COM port work for ActiveSync

[zsofia]

My much beloved T42 is somehow not willing co-operate today with Microsoft ActiceSync software. Namely, I got a Vario 2 MDA - also known as HTC Hermes - and I would like to sync it over bluetooth.

I have Windows XP SP2 and the trouble already started with trying to turn on "Discover" for bluetooth where checking the box results in "an error occurred" and windows says it cannot save the box like this. I understand the trouble is related having both a MS and an IBM Bluetooth software but I am not sure about why the following things happen.:

1. When I try to add Incoming serial port:
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/img/35751660.jpg#3
the result is simply this:
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/img/35751662.jpg#3

2. But clicking the right one from the 2 bluetooth icons
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/size2/35752002.jpg
and using Explore My Bluetooth places does show the mobiles in the house connected:
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/img/35752044.jpg#3

3. So I tried to run Bluetooth configurator which is the IBM one, and succeeded to add COM5 (and COM7 at a second try)
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/img/35752095.jpg#3
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/size2/35751684.jpg

but when I make the Active Sync software connect
http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/size2/35751661.jpg

http://img1.tar.hu/chicken/img/35752145.jpg#3

it sits there scanning everything and then it says it cannot find a device.

I hope someone can help with this before my hair falls out... any suggestion is greatly appreciated.

[zsofia]

not sure how to request moderation.. this topic may need to be moved to the OS section please.

[zsofia]

I can't believe I just got this working!

First of all, the windows bluetooth stack does not physically see the onboard bluetooth device, only the ibm one does, but this is not a problem as I thought it would be...

The actual step I missed was on the PDA, not the PC.

So here is the full list what needs to be done:

1. Add the com port at the ibm bluetooth configurator just like in previous post to any free COM port

2. Pair the PDA with the thinkpad

3. On the PDA, at the bluetooth settings, doubleclick the paired PC, and at the so called "PartnerShip settings", tick the ActiveSync checkbox,

4. Move to the COM Ports tab and selec New Outgoing Port, and add a COM port

5. Initiate Sync from the PDA first. Windows will prompt you to accept the request and if you do it all will start working.


I hope this will be useful for others struggling with this in the future.