Does WinXP Pro have built-in Bluetooth support?

[Ichinisan]

I bought the Logitech DiNovo Bluetooth keyboard/mouse set. The Bluetooth software from Logitech is bloated and proprietary. I uninstalled Logitech's software and searched the Windows Help system for "bluetooth". It mentions using a standard option in the Control Panel, which is not there. How can I enable Bluetooth support without installing Logitech's bloated proprietary software?

 

[MisterChief]

Unless I'm mistaken (that happens alot), Macs are the only systems with native bluetooth support (OS X Panther and up). I've never used a bluetooth device with XP, so I may be wrong.

 

[Ichinisan]

Well, is there a slimmed-down third-party solution to enable the Bluetooth options mentioned in the Windows XP Help & Support system?

 

[kylef]

Originally posted by: MisterChief
Unless I'm mistaken (that happens alot), Macs are the only systems with native bluetooth support (OS X Panther and up). I've never used a bluetooth device with XP, so I may be wrong.

XP SP2 has native bluetooth support.

You must first install a bluetooth device, however, before the Bluetooth control panel will be visible (bthprops.cpl).

 

[Ichinisan]

Well, damn. The only way to install the BT hub is to install Logitech's bloated crapware. 😡

 

[kylef]

Originally posted by: Ichinisan
Well, damn. The only way to install the BT hub is to install Logitech's bloated crapware. 😡

I admit that I haven't used Bluetooth much on XP... I assume you've tried just plugging in the bluetooth adapter and seeing if Windows will recognize it with the inbox drivers?

(In other words, try without installing the CD and see what happens...)