Establish an Infrared Link

To establish an infrared link

1. Verify that the devices that you want to communicate over an infrared link have infrared functionality enabled and work correctly.

   For information about verifying infrared functionality on your computer, see Related Topics. For information about verifying infrared functionality on other devices, see the device manufacturer's documentation.

2. Align your devices so that the infrared transceivers are within one meter of each other, and the transceivers are pointing at each other.

   When the devices are correctly aligned, the appears on the taskbar.

Notes

• The infrared transceiver is the small, dark red window on your portable computer, printer, digital camera, adapter, or other device.
• You can choose whether to hide or display the Wireless Link taskbar icon when two infrared devices are aligned. By default, the Wireless Link taskbar icon is displayed. For more information, see Related Topics.

Infrared

To verify infrared support on a computer

1. Verify that your computer has an infrared transceiver (the transceiver will appear as a small, dark red window).

   If your computer does not have an infrared transceiver, see your manufacturer's documentation to verify whether IrDA functionality is supported.

2. Open Device Manager*.
3. Double-click Infrared Devices.

   If you have an infrared transceiver, but Infrared Devices does not appear in Device Manager, you do not have an infrared device installed.

   If no infrared devices are listed, do one or both of the following:

   • Enter BIOS setup to verify whether the infrared device is enabled in BIOS, in IrDA, or Fast IrDA (FIR) mode. For information about how to enter BIOS setup, see your computer manufacturer's documentation. If the infrared device is disabled in BIOS, you might be able to use your computer's BIOS setup to enable it.

     Warning

     Using a BIOS setup utility incorrectly can cause your computer to operate incorrectly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of the BIOS setup can be solved. Use this utility at your own risk. Before you make any changes, make a note of the original settings so that you can reinstate them if necessary.

   • See your computer manufacturer's documentation to determine whether the BIOS needs to be updated.

4. Verify that at least one infrared device is listed and that it is enabled.

   If infrared devices are listed but they are not enabled, verify that the infrared devices are installed correctly on your computer. For more information see Related Topics.

Notes

• *To open Device Manager, click Start, and then click Control Panel. Double-click System. On the Hardware tab, click Device Manager.
• Infrared transceivers are now installed in nearly all new portable computers. If your computer does not have an infrared transceiver, but it supports IrDA, and IrDA is enabled in BIOS, you can install an external infrared transceiver.