HOW TO: Configure Your Computer for Infrared Communication in Windows Server 2003 (325867)

SUMMARY

This step-by-step guide describes how to set up your Windows Server 2003 computer for infrared communication.

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Add a New Infrared Device

This procedure assumes that the infrared device is connected to a serial port on your computer. Use this procedure only if Windows did not automatically install an infrared device when you turned on your computer. Typically, Universal Serial Bus (USB), PCMCIA, and other Plug and Play-compliant infrared devices are automatically detected and installed.

To add a new infrared device:

1. Click Start, point to Control Panel, and then click Add Hardware.
   
   The Add Hardware Wizard starts.
2. Click Next.
3. Click Yes, I have already connected the hardware, and then click Next.
4. In the Installed hardware list, click Add a new hardware device, and then click Next.
5. Click Install the hardware that I manually select from a list (Advanced), and then click Next.
6. In the Common hardware types box, click Infrared devices, and then click Next.
7. Do one of the following:
   • If you do not have an installation disk for the infrared device, click the manufacturer of the device in the Manufacturer list, click the infrared device that best matches your hardware in the Infrared Device list, and then click Next.
   • If you have a manufacturer's installation disk for a compatible driver, click Have Disk. Insert the manufacturer's installation disk into the appropriate drive, and then click Next.
8. Follow the instructions that are displayed on the remaining pages of the Add Hardware Wizard to install the infrared device.

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View the Properties of an Infrared Device

To use this procedure, there must be an infrared device installed on your computer. Note that the settings for the infrared device are configured automatically when you install the device, and typically do not have to be changed. To view the properties of an infrared device:

1. Click Start, click Control Panel, and then click Wireless Link.
2. Click the Hardware tab, click the infrared device for which you want to view properties, and then click Properties.

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Configure a Serial Port for Infrared Communication

Your computer must support an infrared mode for a serial port. Use this procedure to install an IrDA transceiver that is provided by the computer manufacturer. To configure a serial port for infrared communication:

1. Start the BIOS configuration utility for your computer. Note that the method for starting the BIOS configuration utility varies from one computer to another. For many computers, you can start the BIOS configuration utility by pressing a function key that is indicated during the computer startup process. Some computers require that you start by using special configuration disks. For more information about how to enter BIOS Setup, see your computer manufacturer's documentation.
2. In the peripheral or serial port configuration section, change the mode to IrDA or Infrared.

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Troubleshooting

Installing an IrDA transceiver disables the serial port. Do not attach a serial IrDA transceiver to a serial port.

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