Getting Full Bluetooth Capabilites from Microsoft Bluetooth Desktop dongle

BullsOnParade

Golden Member
Apr 7, 2003
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After ages of searching a number of hours of playing around I was able to install a
modified widcomm bluetooth driver and get the full bluetooth networking capability
out of the Microsoft bluetooth desktop dongle. My mouse works perfectly and I can now
connect to the bluetooth lan using my palm T3. I am going to pick up an apple wireless bluetooth keyboard later today and test it out. If anyone with the MS bluetooth setup would like to learn how I will write up a tutorial and provide links. Feel free to PM me.

~bulls
 

Amaroque

Platinum Member
Jan 2, 2005
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Originally posted by: BullsOnParade
If anyone with the MS bluetooth setup would like to learn how I will write up a tutorial and provide links. Feel free to PM me.

~bulls

I have the MS Bluetooth desktop also. I've tried to get networking capability, to no avail. It would be beneficial for many more people to post it in a thread. :)
 

BullsOnParade

Golden Member
Apr 7, 2003
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First of many thanks to the handful of clever individuals who came up with this fix
and by my research have easily been doing this for 2-3 years now.

My platform is Windows XP Professional SP2 and my Bluetooth adapter is the Microsoft Desktop for Bluetooth adapter.
I was able to get the Microsoft Bluetooth Intellimouse Explorer (Ver. 1) working as well as the Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
and a Bluetooth LAN connection with my Palm Tungsten T3 and bluetooth HotSync capability.

Overview:

The procedure below attempts to do the following:
1. Obtain the driver and hex editor tool
2. Uninstall current MS Bluetooth driver/stack
3. Install the IBM packaged Widcomm 1.4.3 driver stack and enable the driver to recognize
and install the MS Bluetooth adapter.
4. Install the MS Bluetooth Adapter
5. Install the MS Bluetooth Mouse
6. Install the Apple Wireless Bluetooth Keyboard
7. Setup Bluetooth LAN access and Hot-Sync capability for the Palm T3


1. First obtain the IBM 1.3.4 packaged widcomm driver from IBM here:
<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/bthwxp1o.exe">ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/bthwxp1o.exe</a>
Next if you do not already have a hex editor download and install hex workshop from
here:
http://www.bpsoft.com/downloads/index.html

2. The next step is to uninstall your current Bluetooth adapter. Enter the Device Manager
and uninstall any Bluetooth radios or devices. There should be two for the MS adapter.
After this unplug the Bluetooth dongle.

3. Next you may begin installation of the IBM driver. The driver will unpack all files to
C:\Drivers\WIN\BDC. After the unpacking is done navigate to that folder and begin the installer, Setup.exe
The installer will display a notification to expect a warning regarding windows digital signing of the driver.
After this the essential files will have been placed in the necessary directories. When the installer begins
configuring these files you will receive the first of a series of digital signature warnings. This is
the best time to patch files as they are not yet in use.

There are three files that require patching, BTStackServer.exe, BTTray.exe and wbtapi.dll.
The first two files, BTStackServer.exe and BTTray.exe, should be located in the
C:\Program Files\IBM\Bluetooth Software folder. The wbtapi.dll file will be located in the
C:\WINDOWS\system32 folder (*Note these directories assume your system root at C:\ and default installation of the driver).
Before patching the files create backups of them if you feel it necessary.

To patch these three files open each in your hex editor. In each file do the following:

find the hex string:
3B F5 75 0E 3B FD 75 0A
and replace it with:
3B F5 90 90 3B FD 90 90


find the hex string:
83 C4 04 85 F6 0F 85 1F 01 00 00
and replace it with:
83 C4 04 85 F6 90 90 90 90 90 90

again, this should be done to each of the three files BTStackServer.exe, BTTray.exe and wbtapi.dll. After you have patched
the files save them over the originals, creating a backup of the original if you see fit. After patching return to the IBM
driver install and select ok on the Windows Digital Signature warning to proceed with the install. There will be a number
of further signature warnings as the installation proceeds, select ok on these and allow the install to finish. After the install
is complete restart your PC.

4. After the restart log into windows and connect your MS Bluetooth adapter. The device will likely be automatically detected and
installed. In the event that this does not happen and you are prompted to manually specify the driver:
- select Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)
- select Do not search I will choose the driver to install.
- select Show compatible hardware
- select Microsoft Bluetooth Device and click next to have it install the device
After this your Microsoft Bluetooth Dongle should be installed and ready to use. Check for the Bluetooth icon
in your system tray. It should have the blue background with the white/blue-green B indicating correct operation.
If the B is red the driver installation has failed and you will need to either repeat these steps or try this operation
on another driver. You will need to verify the necessary hex string needing to be replaced however.

5. At this point you will need to enable devices/services. To bring the Microsoft Mouse online start the My Bluetooth Places
from the shortcut placed on your desktop. Assuming you have folder tasks enabled (tasks listed in the left margin) select
Search for devices in range. You may need to press the Connect Device button on the bottom of the mouse so that it is able
to be found (make sure you have strong batteries in place during the initial setup). When the mouse appears on the list right
click its icon and select "pair device". You should not enter a string in the prompt and just select to proceed. The mouse should have a
red check mark on it after this. Next, right click the mouse icon and select "connect to device" this should install the driver for
the mouse and prompt you to verify that the mouse is working.

Troubleshooting: it is likely that the only problem will be in pairing the device, make sure that the device is detectable and that
the Bluetooth dongle is away from any sources of interference. You may need to hold the mouse vertically and move it around to aid in
detection. It is important to remember that antennas work best when held at 90 degrees rather than being pointed at their intended receivers.

6. To install the Apple Bluetooth Wireless Keyboard, begin My Bluetooth Places from the shortcut placed on your desktop. Assuming you have
folder tasks enabled (tasks listed in the left margin), switch on the keyboard and select search for devices in range. Locating the keyboard
make take a minute or so. Holding the keyboard vertically helps in detection. After the keyboard appears in the devices list, right click and
select pair device. The popup should display a pin prompt with a pin already present. You will need to type this pin using the number pad on the
apple keyboard and press enter on the keyboard. You will not receive any feedback from the screen while doing this. After you have entered the pin
and pressed enter, the busy mouse cursor should appear and your keyboard will be installed. During this time test your keyboard for functionality in
some typing space, it is likely that the prompt will persist after the keyboard is successfully installed, in which case you can close it.

7. A full tutorial documenting the process of enabling Bluetooth services for the palm tungsten devices can be found here:
http://www.whizoo.com/bt_setup/

8. This tutorial is based on a number of forum posts at http://forum.gsmhosting.com/vbb/forumdisplay.php?f=237 in the Bluetooth software section.
There are discussions of a number of Bluetooth drivers in addition to the widcomm series, so if you are having any trouble I recommend searching
and posting questions there.


 

buddster

Junior Member
Mar 25, 2001
4
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Bulls...
I think I follow your tutorial, but I'm getting stuck on the section where you replace the hex code. When I open the file(s) in Hex Works, I can't seem to find that string. I did a "find" for it and nothing came up? What's the best way to find that string?
 

jlillia

Junior Member
May 14, 2005
1
0
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I have tried about every guide to get apple wireless keyb work but still having some problems. With your's, BullsOnParade, JonsGuides and couple others but no good. Basically these guides are the same...

Well, in fact, I get the keyboard work, but only temporarily. Meaning, I get it paired, it works fine (with older Widcomm and with basic MS SP2 stack.) But after I boot, it won't connect. Even as paired device, the connection won't go through. Not automaticly nor manually. I have to unpair the device and pair it again.

Still haven't tried the 4xx Widcomm yet...

But you guys, who have got the keybaord work, does it work straight from boot, meaning you can log into windows with apple keyboard? Or can you even change settings in BIOS with it?

I'd be happy to get it even autoconnect and those others would be just extra. I've tried Widcomm's 1.3xx, 1.4xx, 3.0xx, only the oldest did let me pair the device.

Could the problem be my USB hub which I use, Logitech MX900. Has anyone got it work with it? I've tried to read posts about the subject from GSM-Forum but no luck.

I got connected with two Nokia phones (N-Gage QD and 6230), Jabra BT250 headset and of course the mouse itself but the autoconnect with the apple keyboard won't go.