Windows 2003 and WidComm Bluetooth Drivers

Thu, 05 Jul 2007 16:52:17 -0400

Once a long time ago, in a galaxy far far errr... yeah. I once had my bluetooth key setup and working great on Windows 2003. I have since switched to a new laptop and now BT doesn't work again, so I tried to find my documentation on how I did what I did, and was unsuccessful.

To get to the point, I did it again, and I have it documented now. Now my struggle becomes your asset.

Here we go:

These are my notes to get Bluetooth support working in Windows 2003, using the WidComm family of Bluetooth software (the kind that comes with USB keys, and such, not the built-in windows stuff). Most people have problems with their built-in stuff because the software bombs with a "license.dat" error.

First:

Make sure you find and install drivers for your USB bluetooth device. For me, the drivers were on the CD that came with the dongle. If you don't have the CD, then you have bigger problems, and I wish you luck.

Next:

Software Installation:

You can refer to these sites for relevant information: http://www.jonsguides.com/bluetooth/ and http://www.neowin.net/forum/lofiversion/index.php/t309692.html

Download IBM's WidComm package. At the time of writing, the current link was ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/bthwxp1o.exe
Download the license patcher here: http://www.dev-hack.com/pafiledb/index.php?act=view&id=3 (this is a different util than many ppl refer too, although I found this very easy to use)
Run bthwxp1o.exe (you may need to reboot -- I did not however)
- When finished, you should have a bluetooth icon in your system tray -- probably RED because of license.dat errors.
Use task manager and kill bttray.exe
Run WidcommLicensePatcher.exe
- Pick the appropriate bluetooth device from the drop-down list
- Click the save button
Restart bttray.exe (or reboot). The bluetooth icon should show up, and be white, showing proper license.
Drink beer and celebrate as you have done what many have not been able to do.

Hope this is helpful!

Andrew Schwabe's Blog - Bluetooth

Windows 2003 and WidComm Bluetooth Drivers