Bluetooth device cannot connect to your computer running on Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 (870882)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to use a Bluetooth-connected device to connect to a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer or Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005-based computer, the device may not be able to make the connection.

CAUSE

This problem may occur if the discovery option is turned off on a computer that is running on Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005 that has Bluetooth support. By default, the discovery option is turned off so that the Windows XP-based computer cannot be discovered by a Bluetooth-connected device without your knowledge or consent.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, you must turn on the discovery option in Bluetooth. To do this, follow these steps:

Right-click the Bluetooth icon in the notification area, and then click Open Bluetooth Settings. If the Bluetooth icon is not in the notification area, click Start, click Run, type bthprops.cpl, and then click OK.
Click the Options tab.
Click to select the Turn discovery on check box, and then click Apply.
To permit other Bluetooth devices to connect to your computer, click to select the Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer check box.

Bluetooth devices can now discover and connect to your Windows XP SP2-based computer or to your Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005-based computer.

Important Turn on discovery only when you want a Bluetooth device to find your computer. After the device has been added or bonded with your computer, discovery is no longer required. You can turn it off to help protect your privacy.