Using Infrared Hardware and Video Devices with Portable Computers

You can use infrared hardware and video devices with portable computers. Some devices and device types, however, have known compatibility problems with Windows XP Professional or have conflicts and limitations when they are used with Windows XP Professional.

Using Infrared Devices with Portable Computers

Windows XP Professional supports the IrTran-P image exchange protocol, which allows a computer to receive images and files from a digital camera or other digital image capture device. However, Microsoft ActiveSync version 3.0, the desktop synchronization technology for Microsoft Windows CE based handheld computers, disables the IrTran-P service. If you must use ActiveSync 3.0 and the IrTran-P service, you need to toggle between the two services to use them. You can toggle between these services either by using Wireless Link in Control Panel or by using ActiveSync 3.0.

Note 

By default, the IrTran-P protocol is turned on in Windows, meaning that you can download images and files from a digital camera to a computer.

To turn IrTran-P protocol on and off

1. In Control Panel, click Printers and Other Hardware, and then click Wireless Link.

2. On the Image Transfer tab, select Use Wireless Link to transfer images from a digital camera to your computer to turn on the IrTran-P protocol.

   or

   Clear Use Wireless Link to transfer images from a digital camera to your computer to turn off the IrTran-P protocol.

To turn ActiveSync 3.0 on and off

1. Open ActiveSync 3.0.

2. On the Tools menu, click Options.

3. On the Rules tab, select Open ActiveSync when my mobile device connects to turn on ActiveSync.

   or

   Clear Open ActiveSync when my mobile device connects to turn off ActiveSync.

Windows XP Professional also supports the IrDial protocol, which gives infrared devices access to the Internet and other networks by using the Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Cellular telephones that use IrDial do not require special installation and configuration because IrDial network connections are managed entirely by using the Network Connections folder.

To configure a connection for IrDial

1. Double-click the connection that you want to configure.

2. Click Properties.

3. Under Connect Using, select Infrared Modem Port, and then click OK.

4. Enter your user name and your password, and then click Dial.

For more information about infrared device configuration and Wireless Link in Control Panel, see Windows XP Professional Help and Support Center, or see Managing Devices and Connecting Remote Offices in this book.

Using Video Devices with Portable Computers

You can use the Windows XP Professional multiple monitor feature with a docked portable computer, but only if the docking station allows you to install Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) or Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) video adapters. Also, the on-board video adapter (the one that is a part of the portable computer s motherboard) must be designated as the VGA display device. Typically, this is not a problem, although the BIOS on some computers allows you to choose the video adapter that you want to use as the VGA device. In this case, you must designate the on-board video adapter.

Windows XP Professional does not support hot undocking of portable computers while they are using multiple monitors. To perform a hot undock on a computer using multiple monitors, you must first stop using all but one monitor. You can do this by detaching the secondary display before performing the hot undock.

To detach a secondary monitor

1. In Control Panel, click Appearance and Themes, and then click the Display icon.

2. Click the Settings tab, double-click the secondary monitor, and then click Attach.

3. Click Apply to detach the monitor.

Typically, the secondary monitor turns off, leaving the primary monitor running.

After you detach the secondary monitor, you can perform a hot undock.