Installing Device Drivers for Bluetooth Devices

We have all seen the futuristic and bulky earpieces sported by many cell phone users. Bluetooth is what enables these users to enjoy hands-free functionality, but how does it actually work? Bluetooth is a wirelessly technology that gives mobile devices the ability to interact over short distances via radio signals. The power of Bluetooth isn’t limited to cell phone usage. The technology also works with computers and a wide range of peripheral devices. Some of the most common types of Bluetooth-enabled hardware include PDAs, printers and GPS devices.

Integrating Bluetooth with Your Computing

The best thing about Bluetooth is that it allows you to integrate various devices implemented with the technology. However, if want to use a Bluetooth-enabled device, such as a PDA on your PC, your computer must be equipped to handle the Bluetooth signal. More of the newer computers offer built-in support for the technology with Bluetooth adapters. If the network adapter isn’t installed on your computer, you could integrate the Bluetooth devices with a dongle. A dongle is a small device that connects to the USB port and delivers the Bluetooth signal to your computer.

Installing the Appropriate Drivers

A special network adapter allows your computer to accept the Bluetooth reception. In order for your computer to recognize the hardware, you will need to install the appropriate device drivers. Whether you are using a network card or dongle, both devices should come included with an installation CD that contains the device drivers you need. Keep in mind that you will have to install the device drivers for each piece of Bluetooth hardware you want to use on your computer. Thus aside from the PDA, for example, you would also need the installation disc for your Bluetooth-enabled printer.

Troubleshooting Problematic Bluetooth Drivers

Just like all computer hardware, there may come a time when your Bluetooth devices endure problems or stop working entirely. This could happen for a number of reasons. Perhaps after installing a new Bluetooth device, the installation overwrites the drivers for an existing device.
Perhaps you uninstalled an application that removed critical files one of your other devices need. Other instances that could ruin your device drivers would be a system crash, an unexpected shutdown or failed hard drive. If you find that your Bluetooth devices are not working properly, the device drivers probably need to be updated.

While you can attempt to reinstall the device drivers from the installation CD, you may want to get the files directly from the manufacturer. This is especially true if the manufacturer has made improvements to enhance functionality.

There are two ways you can check for updates: visit the manufacturer’s website online or perform an automatic search through Windows. To search from the operating system, open the “Control Panel” and select “Device Manager.” Navigate the page, find your Bluetooth device, double-click it, and then lick the “Driver” tab. Next, click “Update Driver” and choose the option that performs an automatic search. If updates are found, simply follow the instructions and install the device drivers.

Tip: If you are using a Bluetooth printer, you must open the Control Panel and select “Printers.” From this window, right-click on your printer, select “Properties,” click the “Advanced” tab, select “New Driver” and follow the prompts for installing the appropriate driver.