How to Pair Bluetooth Devices in Windows Vista
If you own a Bluetooth enabled device or BlackBerry as is my case, you have the ability of syncing your phone wirelessly via a Bluetooth connection, but before you can sync your phone or device, you must first pair that device with your computer. The how-to below will show you how to pair a Bluetooth enabled device to your computer, the guide will walk you through the pairing process for a BlackBerry 8830 and a Lenovo laptop. The pairing process is pretty much the same for any Bluetooth device, but it is a great reference for BlackBerry users as well. If you have any comments or questions, please post them below.
Note: I used BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.3 (1107) on Windows Vista 64bit, BlackBerry 8830 Version 4.2.2 with Sprint. Make sure to accept connections from your computer so that the sync process works, you will not be able to use Media Manager or Application loader via Bluetooth, you must be connected via USB to use these two features. You must have a Bluetooth radio installed in your computer for this to work.
BlackBerry Setup (Pairing with Computer)
Unfortunately I don’t have the capability to take screenshots on BlackBerry (yet)
1. In the device Options , click Bluetooth
2. Press the Menu key
3. Click Options
4. Set the Discoverable field to Yes
5. Press the Menu key
6. Click Save
Computer Setup
There are two ways that you can reach the Bluetooth menu on your computer.
Method 1 Double-click on the small Bluetooth icon located in the notification area to the right.
Method 2.A Click on Orb > Control Panel
Method 2.B When the Control Panel window opens locate and double-click the Bluetooth Devices icon.
Either method will get you to the step below…
1. To add your device (phone) click on the Add… button.
2. The Add Bluetooth Device Wizard will open. Add a checkmark to the My device is set up and ready to be found checkbox, click Next
Note:Each Bluetooth device is different, follow the instructions provided by your device manufacturer. If you are pairing a BlackBerry make sure to follow the instructions located at the beginning of this guide.
3. The wizard will search for Bluetooth devices in your vicinity.
4. When the search is complete the wizard will prompt you to select the device you wish to add (in my case it was the BlackBerry 8830), click on the device and click Next.
Note: If your device does not appear, ensure that device is set to be discovered and click on the Search Again button.
5. Some devices require a Passkey in order to be connected to your computer, the Passkey prevents unauthorized users from accessing your devices and/or your computer. In my case Windows chose a Passkey so I entered the provided Passkey into my phone for validation.
Note: Some devices like mice or keyboards do not require a Passkey, however one can be automatically generated or specified.
6. Once Passkey has been validated your Bluetooth device will be installed.
7. If you have not installed the appropriate software prior to hardware installation you may be prompted for manufacturer drivers to your device. Insert the disc that was included with your device to install the drivers. Click on the Locate and install driver software button to proceed.
8. When installation is complete you should see the message above, click Finish to exit the wizard.
9. When you return to the Bluetooth Devices window you will notice that your device has been added.
BlackBerry Users
You can verify Bluetooth Connection by opening the BlackBerry Device Manager under the Device Connection Tab.
Hi Gilberto
I’m trying to pair a new BB Storm 2 with a new Toshiba laptop running Windows 7 and BB desktop manager v 5.0.1.37 (Mar 10, 2010).
Having followed your instructions, the computer and device recognise and connect to each other via Bluetooth. However, the desktop manager shows no device connected and, when I click on options, connection options, the Bluetooth section is completely greyed out.
Any ideas? I seem to have the latest software but could a driver be missing?
Thanks
Ian
Ian,
Do you have the latest Bluetooth drivers for the laptop? If you read the comments on this article, it’s usually due to a driver that needs updating…even if it’s new. Let me know what the status is so we can figure out what the next step would be.
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when i get to step 7 and i click on the Locate and install driver software button and have inserted the disk that came with my blackberry like it asks, it says Windows was unable to install your Bluetooth Peripheral Device and … Windows could not find driver software for your device. What do i do?? please helpp
@Joe – Did you install the BB software prior to trying to pair the device? I believe that the software installation also places the necessary drivers for the BT device. Let me know. Good luck.
Your information is very helpful, unfortunately I still cannot pair my Blackberry Storm. I had to add a bluetooth adapter. My BB finds my computer, but the computer does not see the BB. I have tried everything that BB and HP have suggested. Am I missing something. Could my firewall be at fault? This is third week end I have struggled with it. Any ideas will be appreciated! THANKS
@Kathy – Just getting back to answering comments, not sure if I answered your question or not. You say you added a BT adapter to the HP, did it load new drivers or did it install without requesting drivers. Did you uninstall/disable the other BT radio on the HP? Also did you go through the various links I’ve posted via comments on this article? Get back to me when you get a chance to see if we can figure this out. If you were able to work it out, please share it with us here so that it can help others. Thank you.
This article was a huge help in this process. I just installed a blue-tooth chip in my netbook and got everything up and running. Thanks for the help.
Graham
@Graham – Glad that the article was useful. Good luck with your netbook. Thanks.
@Maty: Are you referring to Method 2.B Step 1&2? Please let me know so that I can provide you with an accurate answer. Thanks.
ok like i qot to the part where ur supposed to add the device but my computer when i click the add device button i tells me to select a wireless devise to pair with computer but theres nothinq there???
i cant click on anything but cancel?!?
i try clickinq the settinqz button but it wont take me anywhere???
can you please help me out???
Hi,
I’m trying to pair BB 8110 with sony vaio.. Everything went fine till point 6 i.e. i entered passkey..
After that “WINDOWS NEEDS TO INSTALL DRIVER ….” screen popped up.. i inserted the disc which came with the device..
But nothing happened.. Windows was unable to find driver..
I have version 4.5 on my device and ver 4.3 of desktop manager..
Please help me in pairing device with laptop..
Thanks and regards
ankur
@Ankur Lodha: Which device is looking for the drivers? The phone? Bluetooth Device? Please specify. Also have you taken a look at the comments, there is a wealth of knowledge that has been discovered by other readers experiencing the same problem. Should you have any more questions please post them below. Thank you and good luck.
I really liked your blog!