How do I get Active Sync to work over Bluetooth ?

[Guest shadamehr]

Apologies for x-posting - I had tagged onto the end of a BT thread in News, but in hindsight think I might get better response in here, so:

ANYONE - PLEASE help... I'm exasperated...

Can I heck connect my e200 to Active Sync using BT - anyone tell me where I am going wrong?

I have followed instructions on the Phone itself, and all I get is a message:

"please bond with other Bluetooth Device wich supports serial port or activesync profile as our active sync partner".

The phone itself is bonded, and can be seen by my Belkin Bluetooth software on my laptop. In fairness, that error message means nothing to me.

Other talk through guides are unhelfpul in that they talk of going into Active Sync on the PC, and choosing the corresponding COM port for my virtual Serial/Bluetooth Port.

Problem is, this only shows COM1, COM3, and Infra Red. My Bluetooth software uses something like COM 21, and whilst I can change this, I can only go from 12 upwards, and ActiveSync only sees 1 and 3, so changing the Port my BT is set for would not help, as it still wouldn't match the options within the Active Sync software....

I just checked the Nokia connection stuff on my PC for my Nokia Bluetooth phones, and when choosing the Port to use there with Nokias syncro software, it offers 1,3, AND 21...

So please please please, Paul or anyone...

Help me get my E200 to link with ActiveSync by way of Bluetooth...

I've wasted two days trying already, and have no energy left anymore...

How do I do it, or where am I going wrong???

[Guest shadamehr]

Just to add some further information to confound this EVEN MORE...

In Paul's review ot the 200 he says that:

"the device itself exposes the DUN BlueTooth profile, allowing you to connect to the internet from other devices via the phone"

This does actually mean something to me for once. BUT... on my PC. when I 'discover available services' on the spv when connected and paired/bonded, the ONLY service it says the SPV supports is "SSA" whatever that is...

There is no DUN Profile listed, like Paul says there should be...

Should there be one listed, and if so, how do I get it to appear?

[Guest cepheus1]

I've got the same problems and need help as well.

Bonded my E200 with my computer but I only have 3 com port choices to choose from in my activesync connections and absolutely no idea how to identify the port that the bluetooth on my computer uses :lol:

I get the same errors referred to above when I try to connect the phone itself!

It's bad enough that the phones bluetooth wont connect to my BMW's bluetooth prepared service. Please don't tell me I can't activesync connect either now!

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

[Guest shadamehr]

I've got the same problems and need help as well.

I finally did what I do best, and got it to work by my own trial and error and investigation.

The problem is down to a real and supposedly known flaw in ActiveSync (in my case anyway), that is not documented anywhere in terms of the SPV.

This being the case, I will share my explanation with this board later today (its 4:33am UK time, Sunday here, as I have not long got in from work).

It might not be entirely applicable to everyone, but I have a good feeling it might cover a lot of the problems some may be having.

[Guest awarner [MVP]]

Please notify me when you do post your fix, Cheers :lol:

[Guest shadamehr]

Ok guys... Becuase my day has flown by, I'm gonna cheat a little here, and ALSO refer you to the website I used, that gave me enough knowledge to muddle through it all.

It's actually a site that explains how to connect a POCKET PC to ActiveSync over Bluetooth, but it was close enough to help me, and besides, it indicated the key problem most experience.

It can be found at:

http://www.bluetoothnews.com/features/ActiveSync.htm

BUT... BEFORE you go there, let me talk you through a few things.

The biggest problems in getting it work, seem to be because of all the confusion, and lack of information, about WHAT you need to connect - what Serial Port Profile to link to, what device you need change settings on etc.

The guide explains that quite well.

The key to it, is to have first found, identified, and created a pairing or bonding between the PC and the E200.

If you have done this, which is usually not too problematic, and hence no advice from me here, then you are on your way.

The next bit is the confusing one. But in simple terms, what you then need to do, is to go into your Bluetooth Places folder on your PC or Laptop, and then get to your "My Bluetooth Services" option. The way to acheive this differs slightly form one Bluetooth device to another, BUT, on my device (its a Belkin Laptop card, and uses the Widcomm software drivers - my USB dongle uses the Zeevo chip), before I could even find it, I had to click the 'Folders' button in Windows Explorer, to get it to 'hide' the folders pane at the left hand side, and instead show the custom Bluetooth pane, where there was a lovely line that said "My Bluetooth Services" - just what I wanted.

(Now this is already sounding confusing, but once you see some screenshots on the website link, it will make more sense).

Clicking on My Bluetooth Services should make the main window pane change to show a list of icons, relating to the various different bluetooth services/profiles that your COMPUTER and its device, can offer.

All we are really interested in however, is the first one, Bluetooth Serial Port.

OK - Problem 1 is that the SPV, when bonded and queried as to available services, will report that it only provides 'SSA' whatever that is. In reality, the SPV is capable of, and offering up, Serial Port Profile, Headset, and various others, but it uses a weird MS way of identifying this (SSA).

So panic not - the E200 can do what we want.

OK - getting back on track - what you need to do, is right click on the icon for Bluetooth Serial Port, as mentioned above, then choose 'Properties' from the menu, and this is the important bit... Note down the COM port it says it is using.

To get a sync to work, its then MEANT to be as easy as just telling ActiveSync to allow serial connections on this same port number, BUT for me there was a LOT more still to do...

(Bear in mind guys, this makes a lot more sense when you see the screen shots on the web link I mentioned - and it also talks about the next problem I found)

Problem 2 - the error/know issue I hinted at in my last post relates to ActiveSync. True to life, ActiveSync will only let you choose a COM port of 9 or lower for the port to 'marry up with', and when I checked what my Blutooth Serial Port was using on my PC, as described earlier, I found mine was something like COM 14 (note, this is a VIRTUAL port, not a real one, so numbers can be very high).

So the website link I sent mentions this problem, and suggests a limited work around.

For you nice people, I will tell you what I had to do. It suggests removing other devices from your system to free up COM ports, then changing your Bluetooth Serial Port to a now lower available number (?), before re-attaching whatever you had removed, and letting them happily get a higher port number, that will not be a problem for them (unlike ActiveSync).

In my case though, the only way I could get this all to work, was to completely un-install my Bluetooth Software on my PC. Then, after re-booting, I had to go into device manager and 'uninstall' my dial up modem, and also my USB ports - in order to hopefully free some COM assignments.

I then re-installed my Bluetooth Software, and had to reboot.

Before getting to work then though, I once again went into device manager, and uninstalled the modem and usb again (as these are detected after a re-boot).

Then I bonded/paired with my SPV again.

I then went into My Bluetooth Places, on my PC, and clicked the "View My Services" button - just like way back near the very first steps up above.

I then right clicked on the "Bluetooth Serial Port" icon, and in the drop down list box for the COM number, I found I could now choose a much lower number, under 9.

I selected COM 3.

Now it was a case of going into ActiveSync, and TELLING it that it is to use COM 3 (or whatever you chose in the previous step), for connecting over Bluetooth.

This is meant to be apparently the number one issue in getting connected - marrying these two settings up.

This might be enough for you lot, but for whatever reason, I found I had to go back to my PC, and this time go into my "View or modify configuration" option. Then I had to click the 'Local Services' tab, and at the bottom check that Bluetooth Serial Port (the local one remember) was showing as now using COM3.

Having done all this, and set ActiveSync on the PC, to connect via serial or IR on COM3 (or whatever yours needs to be from checking earlier), I found I STILL had more work to do.

You THEN go into your actual phone, and the start menu, second page, and the ActiveSync option (this is on the phone).

When this loads, press the menu button, and then choose "Setup BT ActiveSync".

A wizard is then meant to talk you through it, but nevertheless, it kept telling me I needed to bond with an ActiveSync or Serial Port partner, even though I supposedly had just done all this.

Not to be put off, I actually ignored the error, and pressed the menu button again. This time, instead of choosing "Setup BT....", I just dived straigh in to "Connect via Bluetooth", and nearly fell of my bed when I saw the ActiveSync icon go green on my Laptop's System Tray...

So, a MASSIVE and confusing task for me to get connected, but eventually I managed it.

I appreciate how dry and confusing these instructions may sound, BUT, that's becuase of just how difficult it all was for me, and also of course because of the fact that there was little help anywhere else.

All I can say is have a look at the link I sent for the talk through of setting it up on a Pocket PC. Remember its not exactly the same, but the PC side of it advice is good, and that's what I needed.

Feel free to yell at me for more info if you come up with some specific questions, and above all, I hope it helps - if not 100%, at least now making a light come on for you.

One last thing - the 'pass-thru' really is useful - lying in bed chatting on Messenger at no cost, given that it links to my laptop, home network, and 2Mb Broadband, is really cool... But I found I had another step to sort out to achieve this...

ActiveSync on the Pc needs to be set to use either "The Internet" or "at work" as the connection - what it is really saying/asking - is what are you using on the phone, which has a similar option within the phone settings.

So make sure you set this on the PC, to whatever you are using on the phone (go into settings > data connections on the SPV and check).

And then finally, you can set the SPV, when using this connection just discussed (The Internet or Work), to use a specific connection itself - namely Orange GPRS, Pass thru, or Automatic. I found Automatic didn't work, so if you want to use the phone to browse the net at no cost, set it to pass thru, and then remember to set it back to Oraange GPRS when you are finished.

Lastly (again) for this huge and boring post... When setting your phone up for Email sending and recieving... If you already have your own ISP, use those settings for username, mailbox, etc, and incoming mail server. BUT, your OUTGOING mail server must be ORANGE - smtp.orange.net in order to be able to send Emails when using GPRS.

Soon as you link to you PC and piggy-back that connection to the internet tho, you need to remember that you are no longer using an ORANGE connection to the internet.

In short, this means that your real ISP OUTOGING mail server will NOT work for sending mail when using the phone for real, and Orange GPRS etc as the connection to the net, so set it to smtp.orange.net and all will work.

But of you do this and then use a PC pass-thru connection to the internet, remember that you are NO LONGER using an Orange connection, and that the smtp/outgoing server may not work.

Wow, that just about wraps it all up... Please refer to the website link below for examples and screens, and yell me if you need more specifically.

Hope it helps guys.

http://www.bluetoothnews.com/features/ActiveSync.htm

[Guest cepheus1]

Great reply shadamehr!

Glad to see that you've got it working for you but I've still got no joy and it's really doing my head in! :D

I've got 2 distinct problems.

Firstly, I'm using the microsoft bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Everything is installed and working just fine and the microsoft bluetooth tranciever allows you to connect something like 20 other bluetooth devices.

I've bonded my SPV E200 and my new PocketPC to my desktop computer and my desktop clearly shows a connection having been made with both the SPV and the iPAQ. Both the iPAQ and my SPV shows that they have bonded with my desktop. So far so good :lol:

Problem number 1 is that I do not have a folder called "My Bluetooth Services" anywhere on my desktop. The best I can manage is to go to "Control Panel" and "Wireless Link" which lists all my bonded devices, but NO WHERE can I identify the Bluetooth Serial port! :shock:

Problem number 2 is quite simply that when I click the "Connection Settings" on ActiveStink there are only 3 com ports to choose from - numbers 1,2 & 3!

So even if I could I determine the port in the first instance how on earth would I be able to select anything other 1,2 or 3?

I appreciate that probably every bluetooth dongle will put different "stuff" onto a computer when loaded, but I consider myself an advanced PC user and NO WHERE can I find the port number my bluetooth is using!

Please help....if you can.....anyone! You don't want to see a grown man cry do you? :cry:

[Guest shadamehr]

Ok mate - a couple of points.

It sounds too bizarre to be true, but I seem to recall reading somewhere that the MS Bluetooth Keyboard/Mouse kit, is not a full Bluetooth Software solution, in the sense that it doesn't offer the software support a proper Bluetooth Adaptor, Dongle, or Card would.

This sounds rather strange to me, as the devices need to 'talk' to the PC to work, but the fact that you can't seem to locate a "My Bluetooth Places" folder or option might point to this.

Can I ask, do you have the little blue Bluetooth B symbol in your system tray icons? If so, what sort of options do you get if you click on it/right click on it? I have a Setup option if I right click on mine.

If you DO NOT have this in your system tray, then bizarre as it might seem, I would offer that maybe there is some truth in the MS BT Keyboard NOT being a full Bluetooth Communications solution, and thus no use for the purpose you want.

Hopefully though, there might be something in your system tray.

As for how you would then change COM 1, 2, or 3 in ActiveSync - well that's just it - you DON'T change - you just choose the one from the list that mirrors your BT settings. What you DO change, if needs be, is the port the LOCAL Bluetooth Serial Port is using within your Bluetooth Places folder/options on your PC. And this of course, depends on you being able to find this/do this.

So you need to see if you can find your Bluetooth Setup Options on your PC. I am worried now though, based on your info, that it might indeed not be supported by your MS Bluetooth kit - perhaps other users can confirm or deny?

But if this proves fruitful in the end, then it is the port setting in that you need to change.

ActiveSync is only reporting the COM ports it sees. So set the port in your BT software/setup/configuration (if we do find this is possible with your kit), to a low number, and THEN go into Active Sync and set this to the same.

Sometimes I find that in order to get it to work over Bluetooth, I actually need to temporarily turn OFF support for USB connections (as i supsect it is now conflicting with the COM port assignement for the Bluetooth).

Let me know if you have an Icon for Bluetooth in our system tray though mate - as if not, it sure sounds like your MS BT keyboard kit does NOT support full Bluetooth communcication of external devices. This would be weird though...

[Guest cepheus1]

Thanks for taking the time to reply - sorry about not getting back sooner but been very busy!

Well, unfortunately no bluetooth icon in my system tray so that about sums up lousy microsoft bluetooth for everyone!

What on earth is the point of microsoft boasting about connecting upto 20 bluetooth items if they don't work!

If anyone has any more information about microsoft's bluetooth keyboard and mouse set up and knows how to get active stink to work with it I would love to hear more :wink:

Thanks again shadamehr!

[Guest shadamehr]

No problem mate, and thanks for replying.

Over the course of the next few days I'll try to find out more about MS Bluetooth Keyboard pack.

But, it does seem coincidental that I seem to recall reading that it is not a REAL BT product, in the sense that its not a communications solution, but simply a cut down means to wirelessly connect a mouse and keyboard - and your own experiences with it.

Maybe there is a way around it though?

Good luck regardless.

[Guest shadamehr]

Quick update...

The MS site clearly states that the Bluetooth Keyboard IS compatible with external Bluetooth devices, INCLUDING phones etc, using the supplied USB dongle/transceiver.

So your kit SHOULD do it.

The problem you have, seems to be getting into your Bluetooth Places/Bluetooth Neighbourhood.

And as I don't have the software you do, I can't really help.

What have you got in your Start Menu options mate? Browse through all of these carefully, see if anything rings a bell.

Somewhere, thsi should be possible on your PC. We just need to find out where its hiding...

[Guest cepheus1]

Well, if it's hiding it sure as hell don't wanna be found! :cry:

If anyone else can help please post here :idea:

Thanks again shademehr - you're a gent!

[Guest Maverick]

But isnt bluetooth and USB supposed to work seamlessly ... :evil: .. Grr.. SO much for "Plug and Play" devices... Might as well call em "Plug and struggle" devices. :roll:

[Guest jo12]

im quite new to all this, but it sounds as if you have drivers missing, could be wrong, but that would explain why there is no desk top icon!!

[Guest aidanapword]

All,

Shadamehr ... excellent post. Sudenly I can't remember when you posted this but ...

After having problems with BT and ActivSync somewhere directed me to your post ... and what a bonus that was!

I did however continue to have problems even after following your instructions to the letter ... find that the simplicity of "Connect via Bluetooth" on the ActivSync on the phone did not help though. Nothing happend on the PC end.

But after installing the latest drivers from the D-Link website for my BT dongle (using the same chipset as yours) it worked first time (lucky for me, too, the BT was setup on virtual Serial port: COM8) ... the phone inititaes stuff on the PC that starts the security config stuff ... :0)

So, the lesson learnt, I think is: if it don't work check for latest version before hacking at it for too long!

Thanks again, though *all* ... Modaco's forums are made by the work you all put in!

GB,

AidanApWord.

[Guest aidanapword]

I don't know if I should move this question to another forum but ...

Having successfully synced my phone via BT to my home machine ... it appears that all attempts to get ActiveSync (using the Orange supplied cradle [uSB]) at work to function fail miserably.

I have tried (variously):

1) restarting the phone

2) re-installing ActiveSync (on the work machine)

... and others of that like.

I do notice that when I re-install the ActiveSync the hardware (my phone - via USB) is recognised and drivers are installed on the machine and the "Get connected" wizard disappears and my hardware is refered to as "Installed and ready to use" (and the phone connection tone/WAV/whatever is played ... but thereafter ... zip, nada, nothing happens within the ActiveSync window ... *sigh* ...

I can re-initiate the "Get Connected ..." wizard ... but nothing happens!

Like I say, the sync with this machine worked until I got the sync working with my machine at home (via BT) ...

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks,

AidanApWord.