How to Turn off IR on Windows XP

Many computers come with infrared receivers as standard equipment, and optional infrared receivers can be added to virtually any system. These devices rely on IR drivers and, in some cases, third-party software in order to operate, but they can easily be deactivated. This is particularly handy to know how to do if you sometimes use your computer in an area where unwanted IR signals interfere with your hardware.

Instructions

1. Click the "Start" button in Windows XP and select "Control Panel" from the Start Menu.

2. Double click the "System" icon.

3. Click on the "Hardware" tab, then click the "Device Manager" button.

4. Expand the Infrared Devices entry, then right click on each adapter listed under the entry and select "Disable." Once you've done this to all of the adapters (there may be only one listed), your IR devices will not do anything until you reactivate them.

Tips & Warnings

• Reactivate your system's IR by going back into the Device Manager, right clicking each of the infrared device adapters and selecting "Enable." If you ever need to block input into your IR receiver for only a moment or two, you can cover the receiver with your hand or a piece of electrical tape.

References

• Windows XP for Dummies, Andy Rathbone, 2004
• Microsoft.com