Windows XP Computers and Bluetooth

Your Bluetooth headset doesn't have to be just for your mobile phone. You can also use it as a wireless device to hear sounds from your Bluetooth enabled Windows XP computer. To do this, you just have to pair the Bluetooth headset with your Windows XP computer and select it as the sound output and input device.

Here's a simple step-by-step set of instructions:

1. Open "My Bluetooth Places" in Windows XP. If your Bluetooth headset is already paired with the computer, skip down to step 9.

2. Set your headset to "discoverable" mode, so the computer can find it.

3. Click on "Find Bluetooth Devices"

4. Right-click on the headset icon when it appears and connect to it.

5. On the headset, respond to the question asking whether you want to accept or decline the connection request or add to paired. (If you add the phone to paired, you won't have to go through all these steps again. The laptop and phone will automatically connect whenever they're in range.)

6. If pairing the devices, select a PIN code for an added layer of security.

7. Take your headset off discoverable mode.

8. Go back to "My Bluetooth Places."

9. Choose "Entire Bluetooth Neighborhood"

10. Right-click on the icon for the headset and choose "Connect Headset."

11. The headset will beep, asking whether you want to accept the connection. Go ahead and accept it.

12. The headset is now set up to send and receive audio information. You can test it by playing a game (for receiving sound) or by using a recording device such as soundrec.

13. If it doesn't work, or if you want to investigate its properties or use it as the default sound device, go to Start -> Settings -> Control Panel -> Sounds and Audio Devices and click on the "Audio" tab.