You cannot add a Bluetooth printer on a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer or on a Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005-based Tablet PC (870701)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005

SYMPTOMS

When you try to add a Bluetooth printer to a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) or to a Tablet PC that is running Window XP Tablet PC Edition 2005, you may experience the following behavior:
  1. The Add Printer Wizard starts, but it does not detect the Bluetooth printer.
  2. When the Add Printer Wizard does not detect the printer, the Bluetooth Control Panel item starts. You see that the printer device is installed.
  3. When you restart the computer, the Found New Hardware wizard starts, and then it prompts you to install the drivers for the Bluetooth printer.
Note Windows XP SP2 features and components are included in Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.

CAUSE

This problem occurs if you previously installed a Bluetooth printer in the Bluetooth Control Panel item, and then you deleted the Bluetooth printer from Printers and Faxes. When you do this, the printer drivers are removed, but the Bluetooth printer is still listed in the Bluetooth Control Panel item.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type bthprops.cpl, and then click OK.
  2. Click the Devices tab.
  3. Click the Bluetooth printer entry.
  4. Click Remove, click Apply, and then click OK.
To add a Bluetooth printer to Printers and Faxes, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, and then click Printers and Faxes.
  2. Click Add a printer.
  3. Click Next.
  4. Click A Bluetooth printer.
  5. Click Next, and then follow the steps to install the printer driver.
  6. Click Finish.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/13/2004
Keywords:kbmaintenance kbHardware kbDriver kb3rdparty kbPerformance kbConfig kbprinters kbnofix kbBug KB870701 kbAudEndUser kbAudITPRO
©2004 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.