How to Install a Bluetooth V2 Adapter

Although you may want to use Bluetooth on your computer, not all modern machines are compatible with the wireless networking protocol. Fortunately, installing a Bluetooth adapter for your computer is a fairly simple process; once you are finished, you should be able to chat wirelessly using your Bluetooth headset and use other Bluetooth peripherals, like keyboards and printers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with USB 2.0 port

1. Find a Bluetooth V2 adapter. Since V2 is the most current form of Bluetooth, all modern adapters that are sold in electronics shops should conform to this standard. However, if you are concerned that some of your Bluetooth 1.X peripherals will not work with the adapter, you should know that V2 is fully backwards-compatible, so using older peripherals should not be a problem.

2. Plug the adapter into your computer's USB 2.0 port. On most modern computers, the USB 2.0 port(s) is located on the front of the computer, although you may want to check your owner's manual to be sure. Note: Bluetooth adapters will only work with USB 2.0 drives, so if you have a computer that was manufactured before 2004, you will not be able to install a Bluetooth adapter.

3. Install all drivers and device-management programs. Your new Bluetooth adapter should come with a CD that, once inserted into your CD-ROM drive, will install the necessary software automatically. If you are trying to re-install a Bluetooth adapter and have lost the CD, try checking `the support section of the adapter's official page for links to alternative driver/software downloads.

4. Test the connection. Once your Bluetooth adapter is plugged in and all of the necessary software is installed, attempt to use one of your Bluetooth peripherals. If it is not working, try troubleshooting with your Bluetooth software.

Resources

• Computer Hope Bluetooth Main Page