Now... Should I start this article with my usual moaning about unstable Operating Systems, incompatible hardware and untested software... or not? To nag, or not to nag; THAT is the Question!
OK, just a little:
Around Christmas 2001, I purchased Ericsson's T68. An incredible mobile phone with everything one would ever want (like 510 phonebook entries with 10 fields each), a Calendar to keep scheduled meetings and a Task manager. One of the options was the Bluetooth wireless network connection. So...
I ordered, waited for 45 days and FINALLY received 3Com's Bluetooth USB dongle for about 100€. I connected it to a Windows2000 Server PC and the whole installation process was completed effortlessly! WOW! Then I run the "Bluetooth Connection Manager" application that came with the installation CD, just to find out that all I could do is import/export VCARDs (Contact entries- you know First/Last Name, Phone Number etc.).
The problem is that I have over 200 contacts in my MS Outlook and of course I also want to synchronise my Calendar and Tasks! So, how do I do it? I could not believe that all I got for 100€ was the dongle and a good-for-nothing application!
After A LOT of searching I discovered that Ericsson offers a Communication Suite for free but does everything within its power to hide it! There are 5 (!) different packages (archives) each containing a different subset of the functionalities. Even after registering at wap.sonyericssonmobile.com only Package 1 was available!!!
Oh well... Back to my favourite web site: Google! Thanks to this incredible search engine I found the "Ericsson Software" forum of esato.com where you can find DIRECT links to all 5 packages. If you're wondering which one to download, a safe bet is Package 4.
After installing the Ericsson Software I spend the entire afternoon trying to figure out which setting was wrong...
To cut a long story short I managed to get it working... for about one week!!!
After that and although my T68 was recognised by the 3Com software, the Ericsson software refused to "see" the phone. And the worst thing is that the software is AMAZING (not to mention free!)!!! Complete synchronisation between Outlook (Contacts,Calendar,Tasks) and the T68. If it didn't work in the first place, I would have no way of knowing how great it is and I would have probably given up trying... But NO... I had to see how good it was before it stopped functioning!!!
That's all the introduction necessary. If you found this web page through a search engine you are here for one reason:
After countless installs/uninstalls on different USB ports in 3 (three) different PCs (Windows 2000 Server, Windows XP Pro)... I have it:
STEP 1
Go to the 3Com site and download the packed
drivers bt3cusb_en.exe. This will download the English language drivers.
For other languages copy&paste the following into your browser's Address/Location:
http://www.3com.com/products/en_US/searchbyfile.jsp?fileid=all&os=all&sort=prodnum&fname=bt3cusb_en.exe&prodcat=13&path=download
For other languages replace bt3cusb_en.exe
with:
bt3cusb_ch Chinese
bt3cusb_fr French
bt3cusb_gr German
bt3cusb_kr Korean
bt3cusb_sp Spanish
bt3cusb_it Italian
bt3cusb_jp Japanese
If you are already bored, go
directly to the exe file (English), or go directly to the all
languages download page.
STEP 2
Run bt3cusb_XX.exe (XX is the language e.g. en) and unzip
the file to an accessible folder (e.g. C:\Temp)
Cancel the wizard as soon as you can (without CTRL+ALT+DEL). In C:\Temp you
should see a folder called 'BT3C_en'. In that you'll see the subfolder Drivers.W2k.
This is where the drivers are located. If you prefer you can download the latest
drivers from
3Com here. There's also a special update for the owners of the T68i and
T68m that allows Service Class Filtering, just a fancy name for transfering
multimedia files between the mobile and the PC (thanks Mikkel)
STEP 3
Plug in the 3Com USB Bluetooth dongle. When the "Found new hardware wizard"
pops-up select "Install from a specific location (Advanced)".
STEP 4
In the next window select "Don't search, I will choose the driver to
install".
Click 'Next...'
STEP 5
Select "Show All devices", 'Next...'. Wait a couple of minutes
until the device list is built. When the device list window appears click on
the 'Have Disk...' button. Click on 'Browse...' and navigate to the "Drivers.W2k"
subfolder. Double-click on bt3cusb.inf. Click on Next.
MORE STEPS (did you really think that's all?)
If all goes well then the "Serial Client" device is next.
Repeat Steps 3,4. This time when you get to Step 5, Windows will suggest the
correct (?) device "3Com Bluetooth Serial Client". If this
is a clean installation (first time, or following a complete FORMAT) click on
'Next...' (and skip the remaining instructions in this paragraph). OTHERWISE
(IMPORTANT!) do NOT click 'Next'. Click the 'Have disk...'
button and navigate to "Drivers.W2k" subfolder. Double-click on "BT3cmdm.inf"
(as suggested). When the "Install from disk" window disappears
you will notice that there are two drivers, even if you had uninstalled
everything (or thought you had!!!) Select the most recent version (in my case
1.0.22.0 (09/07/2001)). Continue with the annoying WinXP message about digital
signatures and you are (hopefully) ready for the next device.
Next in line is "Serial Host". Follow the exact same procedure
as above.
Repeat for all the other devices (just remember to choose the newer "Fax
Client" and not "Fax Host" when prompted for it).
Part1 is finished. The UPDATED drivers are installed.
Now it's time for the software. Before you install the software make sure that the Telephony Service is not Disabled (Start-->Settings-->Control Panel-->Administrative Tools-->Services). If it is (because some clever arse suggested you should disable it as useless!!!), change it to Manual
Open the "BT3C_en" folder and run SETUP.EXE. In the "3Com Wireless Installer" window select "Install Bluetooth Software". The "modem configuration" phase takes a lot of time but DO NOT cancel it or DO ANYTHING with the PC during this time! Don't even open a network connection to or from the PC during this process!!! If you're unsure about someone else doing it over the LAN, unplug the network cable BEFORE this process starts! When the process finishes select whether you want the Connection Manager to start automatically with Windows. Personally, I hate it when applications load on startup so I answered NO... But it's up to you.
After the setup you'll be prompted to restart... Just Do It!
When the PC restarts go to the 3Com Connection Manager-->Tools-->COM Ports
and write down the COM Port for Serial Client (in my case COM3).
If you haven't paired your T68 with the PC before do it now:
In the T68 Menu-->Connections-->Bluetooth-->Paired Devices-->Add
device-->Phone Accepts (you don't have to do something special in
the Connection Manager just leave it running and hit the occasional refresh).
If you're prompted for a password you can set it in "Bluetooth Connection
Manager"-->Tools-->Options-->Security-->Password.
Make sure that you have used Phone Accepts and NOT
Initiates. If you have previously paired it and can't remember which option
you usedIf in doubt, remove the 'Paired Device' form both the phone and the
software and shut down the PC and phone for at least 15 minutes [or shut down
the PC close the phone and go to work ;-)]. Then recreate the "pairing",
only this time remember to choose "Phone Accepts" on your T68.
Make sure this process completes succesfully. If you get repeated failures, disconnect, shut down the PC (or close all relative apps), reset the T68 bluetooth 'discoverable' state and wait at least 15 minutes before retrying (HONESTLY! I'm not making this '15 minutes thing' up!!!). Repeat after this period.
Install the Ericsson Communication Suite Package 4. If you don't have it it's
here.
If you don't use MSOutlook take a look at the Ericsson
page where you will find all Suites.
During the installation you'll be prompted about XTNDConnect PC with two choices.
Choose the 2nd (...for Ericsson mobiles).
When the installation finishes you'll get a small "XTNDConnect PC"
icon (looks like a mobile) at your system tray. Right-click on it and select
Exit.
If the "Bluetooth Connection Manager" is running (you didn't select
"Run on startup" did you?) EXIT IT!!!
From Start->Programs->Ericsson run "Phone Settings". If you do not see Phone Settings there then you'll need to download Ericsson's Mobile Phone Monitor (here's a link, if it doesn't work search the SonyEricsson site) and check the Control Panel for a new Phone Monitor Options entry.
Since "Bluetooth Connection Manager" is not running, your phone will not be recognised. Click on Settings-->COM Ports and ENABLE+RESERVE the Com port you have written down before (in my case COM3, remember?). Make sure all other ports are DISABLED and UNRESERVED. Exit the "Phone Settings" app. Now, time for some weirdness: After you exit, RESTART WINDOWS!!! (Note: This is not necessary for newer versions of the software... but a restart never hurt anyone)
After the restart, go to Start-->Programs-->3Com Mobile run the "Bluetooth Connection Manager" (if it's not already running), exit the "XTNDConnect PC" tray application and then run the "Phone Settings" app.
After this there are two scenarios:
1. All will go well and your T68 will be recognised
2. The T68, or the PC, or both will crash and restart!!!
Both tries of this process are on Windows XP Pro. In the first PC it was a clean install, in the second it was the 45345th try after days of frustration! By following these steps it worked like a charm on BOTH!
Cost me more than a few hours but I think it will work on any WinXP machine, on Win2000 and probably on Win9x!
21/01/2004 Final (?) Update: Well after almost 2 years the feedback I get for this page has almost stopped. Personally, I bought the Sony-Ericsson P800 (that comes along with a USB cable/connector) and have given away my 3Com dongle after it repeatedly CRASHED the "uncrashable" Windows XP. My friend (who uses it with Nokia software and reported that it works like a charm... grrrr...). Oh, well...
17/06/2003 Update: Got a new PC (or rather I was forced to buy a new PC after one of my RAID0 drives failed)... and tried to install all this BT stuff again... And despite having spent countless hours and having helped numerous people... I failed!!! This time the drivers were installed... rather succesfully apart from the fact that because I changed the USB port of the dongle I am now missing a series of COM ports (the Serial Client is now active in "COM8"). The problem was with the XTND Software that refused to work and I had NO Phone Monitor Options program ANYWHERE (either the Program shortcuts or the control panel). This was fixed after I downloaded the Mobile Phone Monitor program from the SonyEricsson site and disabled/reserved/enchanted the correct (?) COM ports.
23/12/2002 Update: Time for an update as
I have new info on the Mitsumi Bluetooth model. As for the new XTND Software...
Well... it still crashes! Now to the info:
T68i and Mitsumi Bluetooth USB dongle:
Rob writes:
I started out using the Mitsumi drivers that came with this USB adapter.
These are 'pants', and only rarely connect to the phone, even when I follow
your help. I then got some updated ones from the Mitsumi webshit_e which work
even less well, although if you stand on one leg and whistle the star spangled
banner, you're in with a chance of getting the machines to talk.
I finally happened on a post about some drivers to get symbian <Psion o/s>
talking through Bluetooth, so I guessed I have nothing to loose, and tied them
<19 Meg download though....ahhh well....> http://www.itgs.co.uk/acatalogue/support.html
and pull the Blue Manager 2.0 package down.
Once I got this I did the usual install / de-install routine, but here's what
you need to do. De-Install your Mitsumi drivers and re-boot. Install
the Blue Manager package <with the dongle out>, and re-boot. Set your
T68 to 'discoverable', plug in the dongle and run up the XTNDConnect Blue Manager
software. This will find the phone. Do the usual trust device thing from both
PC and the phone, and it's all happy.
It should then be simple to use the XTND software, as it interfaces ok with
it's own XTND Blue Manager.
23/10/2002 Update NEW FIRMWARE INSTALLED, how to avoid
Outlook crashes when you synchronise a lot of Contacts: I
will stop counting PCs (over 40) because by reading the Older
Updates section you will get the point! For those who don't: THIS
METHOD WORKS!!! Now to the point: There's a
new link for the XTND software (T68/T68i). I don't know
how long the link will work (it uses a dynamic JSP page)
I'm downloading the software as we speak and will tell you what will happen
as soon as the 24.91MB monster lands on my PC
More: A lot of people seem to have a problem with the correct order of running things AFTER the process so here's what you do:
But there are more news: I have finally upgraded my firmware to the T68i R5D007 version. This means full MMS support (which I cannot use because GPRS costs an arm and a leg in Greece) but most of all it means: No more Alzheimer scrolling!!! The contacts list now stops scrolling (almost) as soon as you lift your finger up!!! GREAT! It also means less microphone problems (for those who have't figured it out, the T68 microphone used to cut off the voice over a certain level). Now you can do silly stuff like walk down a busy road and talk to the phone... And please, don't ask me why such a thing is silly... Ask the Ericsson people who obviously released the R1B version without EVER trying the phone in a busy environment...
And for something positive for a change: I will stop complaining
about the Ericsson people because not only they were dead polite (Service Center
in Thessaloniki,Greece) but they performed the upgrade within 60 minutes and
it cost me... NOTHING,NULL,ZIP!
<OK, enough positive stuff... Back to nag-nag-nag>
Of course I lost all my contacts and had to go through the buggy process of
reentering them in dozens because otherwise the XTND Software produces this:
Of course I never send the reports...
Now, if I could only remember where I have my WAV sound files stored so I can upload them again... (you didn't think I only lost all my contacts, did you?)
If you succeed with the process please email me so I'll know how many people have succeeded. It's important to add it here because it may persuade more people to go through this arduous process!
NOTE: Please follow each step exactly as described. I know you shouldn't need so many restarts on Win2k/XP but do it anyway, trust me on this... I've tried every combination imaginable!!!
Oh, and another thing... GOOD LUCK! Let's hope you won't need it!!!
04/10/2002 Update: 35PCs
and a success story for the Belkin Bluetooth device. Utsav
has also send me the link to the Ericsson
page where you can find ALL versions of the XTND Software for the T65 model.
If you want to use these versions for the T68 change the URL from http://wap.sonyericssonmobile.com/software.asp?product=T65&view=XTNDConnect
to http://wap.sonyericssonmobile.com/software.asp?product=T68&view=XTNDConnect
09/09/2002 Update: 31PCs and 4 more
troubleshooting requests for new bluetooth hardware & software that I never
heard about, like the Bluetooth USB Adapter Poke2 BT0009s (?). Just
in case bold letters don't get your attention PLEASE
read the 29/08/2002 Update before sending help requests. But
then again, not all help requests are from people who are too bored/busy to
write something more than "Urgh, bluetooth no good, mine broken".
Mind you, these comments are not for those who can't tackle
the English language! Hey, English is not my first language either! If your
English is poor don't worry. 'Only make sure me get a lot information'!
A few emails can even be a pleasure to read! If you
have 5 minutes to spare read this. A hint:
As I'm currently working 5 jobs, more than 14 hours average (incl. weekends),
emails that make me smile are guaranteed to get a swift reply.
29/08/2002 Update: 28PCs and a couple of
troubleshooting tips. Note: If you wish
me (or anyone else) to help, you should provide as much information as possible!!!
All further inquiries that simply say "my bluetooth connection doesn't
work", will be answered with: "you should try to fix it then".
Here's some of the information you should give: OS version, Bluetooth model/driver
versions, motherboard model&type, software used (types and versions), complete
description of the problem including any error messages you see etc.etc.
One of the users (Manek) asks if someone
uses Bluetooth to synch with a Palm. If you
are that someone and are willing to help please email me so I can forward your
email to Manek. Here's exactly what Manek says:
Seen your page on installing this stuff with a T68i and it worked - finally
(also using XP). But I then went and got a TDK blue5 Bluetooth sled for my Palm
and while the radio link obviously works since I can pair my desktop and the
Palm, the 3Com software won't tell the Palm sled what services it offers. Therefore,
I can't Hotsync over Bluetoth, can't access the Web etc etc. If anyone finds
a fix for this (I've been at it all day and done more reinstalls than I care
to think of) do post them up on that excellent page -- which I found by Googling,
of course!
07/08/2002 Update: 25PCs plus a long troubleshooting
session with Erling who had problems with his TDK adapter. Erling says "By
the way, I use what seems to be a newer version of the Ericsson software that
the one you link to Package (4), I use R3A at: http://wap.sonyericsson.com ...
Software->T68->Synchronization->XTNDConnect" I'm not giving
a direct link because you have to register with Ericsson in order to have access
to the files area.
11/07/2002 Update: 22PCs and not a single
complaint! Come on people, if the process doesn't work for you send
me an email... Just make sure you have followed it to the letter and you
include as many technical details about your system as possible!
12/06/2002 Update: 18PCs and the update/additions
to the links thanks to Fritz Joern.
If you're interested in MMS don't miss his page at http://www.joern.com/MMS.shtml
10/06/2002 Update: 17 PCs: And a
new link to 3Com's site with the newest drivers for the Bluetooth device.
Be warned: I still haven't installed these drivers and don't know if
they solve more problems than they cause! As a matter of fact after all this
effort I think I'll stick with the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix
it!" (who said that rednecks are stupid?)
21/05/2002 Update: 14 PCs: What's really
interesting is that it also worked for 3Com Bluetooth PCMCIA card with
a T39m(thanks Karl). This basically proves that
it's NOT the T68 model and, in my opinion, it's not the 3Com card/dongle either...
It's the $(*#($&#^$ XTND Connect layer/application. HELLOOOO... ERICSSSSSSSON...
Anybody there?
16/04/2002 Update: 9 PCs: And most importantly
the same thing happened and was solved using a 3Com Bluetooth PCMCIA card
(thanks Mike)
14/04/2002 Update: 8 PCs: One more XP and
most importantly one localised (German) Windows2000! The guy with the German
Windows says "After my first installation (without your steps) the serial
driver was 1.0.22.0 (the one you mentioned in your paper). However after manually
installing the Serial Client/Host, both driver updated to Version 1.5.0.0. This
may be interesting for someone ...". I don't know if it's interesting
but there you have it! (thanks Igor)
01/04/2002 Update: It appears that
it does work on Windows 2000! Two more people verified it! Plus one more
on XP! That adds up to 6 PCs.
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