Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile Troubleshooting

Question

Basic help - reply with any other questions you might have!

a.     Phone fails to connect. It shows “Could not connect to PC” message within two minutes.

·         Turn the phone on and off, and try again. In some cases, the PC may take a few minutes to reset after a failed connection attempt.

 

·         Make sure the SideShow service is enabled. On your PC, click the Start button, click Control Panel, and then click Bluetooth Devices. Right-click the phone, and then select Properties. On the Services tab, make sure the SideShow service is selected, and press Connect again on your phone.  If you do not see the SideShow service, make sure the SideShow application is running on your phone.

 

·         Some phones require the PC to be discoverable to connect over the SideShow service. Click the Bluetooth Options tab in Bluetooth Devices and select the Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer check box. Turn the phone off and on, open the Windows SideShow application again, and then click Connect.

 

·         This release is not compatible with Toshiba Bluetooth drivers on the PC. If you have Toshiba Bluetooth drivers, you can uninstall them and download Microsoft Bluetooth drivers to operate Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile. To do this, open Device Manager on your PC, click Bluetooth Radios, right-click the Toshiba Bluetooth radio and click uninstall and delete drivers for this device. Then turn your Bluetooth radio off and on, or click the Action menu, and then select Scan for Hardware Changes. Windows will automatically download the drivers.

 

·         This problem may occur if Bluetooth pairing has been initiated from the phone. Delete the pairing from the PC and the device, and then follow the setup instructions to begin pairing from the PC.

 

·         If you are attempting to use the device in a crowded area with many Bluetooth devices nearby, try connecting the phone in an area with less interference. 

b.    Phone fails to connect. It shows a wait cursor indefinitely.

This is an indication that your phone has prevented the SideShow application from exposing the service in the registry, most likely because your service provider has locked the phone to outside applications.

c.     Windows Media Player is not functioning reliably. Commands to play music sometimes do not result in different music playing, and some menus only show back and home instead of playback options. 

This is a known issue. Trying to play music again, Turning the phone off and on, or initiating playback from different sections of the gadget (for example, browsing by album instead of by artist) may work.

d.    Pages are coming up as not available, then refreshing to show the correct data a few seconds later.

This is a phone-specific performance issue. Running fewer applications on your phone and being closer to the PC may help solve this problem. 

e.     Encountering problems when the phone is paired to more than one PC.

In some cases, the phone may not function correctly when it is paired to more than one PC. If user data is not being cleared when pairing with the new PC, select Menu in the SideShow application, and then select Options. Choose the appropriate user name under Current User.  

f.      Poor performance. The phone is crashing. Menu and back buttons disappear.

Certain phones, including the Treo 700w, may crash or exhibit other undesirable behavior due to low memory conditions if they are turned on within Bluetooth range of the PC and when there is a lot of traffic to SideShow. Gadgets with large background images or applications running in the background may make the problem worse. If this happens, when turning on the phone within Bluetooth range of the PC, wait a minute to finish receiving SideShow data before opening the SideShow application. Running fewer applications on your phone may also help.

 

A minority of phones, including the O2 XDA Atom, will freeze periodically when using SideShow or when left idle with SideShow running. Certain phones may also crash when they wake up from hibernation while SideShow is running. There is currently no workaround for this.  

g.    The list of users is not updated when the user logs off the PC.

There is no workaround for this, although it should not cause problems in regular use.

 

h.    After closing and re-opening Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile, there are multiple instances of the application active and shown in Running Programs.

 

There is no workaround for this, although it should not cause problems in regular use. 

i.      Certain gadgets stop responding when the PC is brought in and out of sleep, or do not send data when the phone is disconnected and reconnected.

This is generally a gadget-specific issue. To help verify whether problems are specific to gadgets or related to Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile, you may use a USB SideShow-compatible device, or the device simulator from http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=120427 .

Answer 1

Hi, I have Windows Vista Ultimate (Portuguese) and when I pair the PC with the Windows Mobile device and activate the check box that says "Windows SlideShow" it asks me for the driver which I then select "Locate and Install".

It then starts to look for a "Bluetooth Peripheral Device", after a while asks for the CD supplied with the device and fails to install.

 

Any suggestions?

 

PS: I have the Microsoft Bluetooth drivers installed.

Answer 2

Getting the failed to connect, I can view the properties of the device under bluetooth and see the sideshow service, and is enabled. I've got the Univeral driver 1.5 installed, and I can sync over BT so I know that the BT connection is working.

 

Tried power off/on, reestablished BT pairing from the PC still no luck.

 

If I look at the PC properties from the device, I still only get an activesync service showing up - is that correct?

 

 

Answer 3

NunoUFO wrote:

Hi, I have Windows Vista Ultimate (Portuguese) and when I pair the PC with the Windows Mobile device and activate the check box that says "Windows SlideShow" it asks me for the driver which I then select "Locate and Install". It then starts to look for a "Bluetooth Peripheral Device", after a while asks for the CD supplied with the device and fails to install.   Any suggestions?   PS: I have the Microsoft Bluetooth drivers installed.

 

 

You also need the univeral sideshow device driver, either try windows update, or go to the catalog

for x86: http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=23859b99-4cf7-4d2d-8781-285b1f4a6b2b

for x64: http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=f500bd66-5ce3-434f-989b-0a4145125aaf

Click on "dd to basket", then navigate back to http://catalog.update.microsoft.com (you may need to download the active x).
Then click on "View basket".  This should give you a page with a download button.  Click on the download button, it opens a new window, allowing you to browse to your chosen location.

 

(got from another post in this forum..

Answer 4

I have MSI PR200 laptop with Toshiba bluotooth, but when I uninstall toshiba drivers, and try to update via Windows Update, WU can't find anything.

Where can I download MS stack for Toshiba BT?

Thx in advance.

Answer 5

 

"This release is not compatible with Toshiba Bluetooth drivers on the PC. If you have Toshiba Bluetooth drivers, you can uninstall them and download Microsoft Bluetooth drivers to operate Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile. To do this, open Device Manager on your PC, click Bluetooth Radios, right-click the Toshiba Bluetooth radio and click uninstall and delete drivers for this device. Then turn your Bluetooth radio off and on, or click the Action menu, and then select Scan for Hardware Changes. Windows will automatically download the drivers."

 

I've tried this but it doesn't work.  When I do a scan for hardware changes it can't see the device.  The hardware ID of my Bluetooth Device is USB\VID_0C24 which I don't see listed in the c:\windows\inf\bth.inf file

 

Is this too new a bluetooth device for the MS stack?

 

Will Microsoft support the Toshiba Bluetooth static in the future - every laptop I can get my hands on is using it.

Gareth

Answer 6

Hi,

We are in the process of determining why windows update is not working for everyone.  In the mean time, I found some information for you.

This link describes how to use MSFT BT stack instead of Toshiba.  Please note this is for XP but it may be similar for Vista:

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlViewDL.jsp?soid=841048&ref=AI&c

 

Then, to get the BT monitor for Vista:

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlViewDL.jsp?soid=1603883&moid=1209145&BV_SessionID=

 

Hope this helps!

-TSJ

 

Answer 7

@Banners:

 

What type of device are you using?  Is the PC set to be discoverable, and are you using the MS bluetooth stack on the PC (in device manager, it should show "microsoft bluetooth enumerator" under "bluetooth radios")?

 

Toby Muresianu

Program Manager, Windows SideShow

Answer 8

TJSmith - MSFT wrote:

Hi, We are in the process of determining why windows update is not working for everyone.  In the mean time, I found some information for you. This link describes how to use MSFT BT stack instead of Toshiba.  Please note this is for XP but it may be similar for Vista: http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlViewDL.jsp?soid=841048&ref=AI&c   Then, to get the BT monitor for Vista: http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su/su_sc_dtlViewDL.jsp?soid=1603883&moid=1209145&BV_SessionID=   Hope this helps! -TSJ

 

I removed the Toshiba Bluetooth stack, rebooted, then installed the Bluetooth Monitor for Vista (found Version 4.0.0.1 on the Toshiba website).  From Task Manager it seems to be running OK and no errors in the event logs.  On reboot it finds a new device, but when I tell it to search windows update, it says it can't find anything.  On clicking on the find a solution (not sure of the exact wording) it tells me to install the Toshiba Bluetooth dirvers for windows.

 

I also see an 'Unknown device' under Device Manager.

 

Any other ideas?

 

Gareth

Answer 9

^ yup, same situation here (maby couse Vista x64?!?)

Answer 10

pa3x wrote:

^ yup, same situation here (maby couse Vista x64?!?)

 

Just tried it on another laptop with the same device (from looking at the hardware_id of the device) but running Vista x32.  Followed the same procedure and same result, Bluetooth Monitor V4 is running, see an unknown device and vista can't find it on windows update.

 

For info the x64 device is a Siemens Nixdorf E8410 and the x32 one is a Siemens Nixford T4210 tablet.

 

Gareth

Answer 11

I have a HTC Touch (ELF) and a Trust Bluetooth adapter and i can't connect my PocketPC to the computer using the Sideshow, maybe the Trust adapter is a Toshiba bluetooth adapter? I'm so confused because i don't have any problem before today. Thank you for your time.

Windows Vista 32 bits, Home Premium.

HTC Touch (ELF)

Trust Bluetooth 2.0 EDR Adapter (Model BT-2100p, item number 15076)

Somebody can help me? I needed, I use my laptot like a "office server" and i'm all day with the PDA walking and talking in the office.

Answer 12

Hi Gareth,

While we investigate why some folks are unable to download the driver, below are a couple links to get you to the driver directly.  I'm also going to start a new thread with how to deal with the Toshiba driver issue. 

 

 

You also need the univeral sideshow device driver, either try windows update, or go to the catalog

for x86: http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=23859b99-4cf7-4d2d-8781-285b1f4a6b2b

for x64: http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/ScopedViewInline.aspx?updateid=f500bd66-5ce3-434f-989b-0a4145125aaf

Click on "dd to basket", then navigate back to http://catalog.update.microsoft.com (you may need to download the active x).
Then click on "View basket".  This should give you a page with a download button.  Click on the download button, it opens a new window, allowing you to browse to your chosen location.

 

-TSJ

Answer 13

Adding additional information for Toshiba Bluetooth workaround:

 

 

1.       Pair the device using Toshiba Bluetooth  setting wizard

2.       Open Device Manager and select Bluetooth Radio and remove all Toshiba Bluetooth entries (deleting the driver)

3.       On Device Manager do a scan for hardware changes, the Device Manager should then install Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator and Toshiba Bluetooth Adapter and add them under Bluetooth Radios (Device manager)

4.       Remove the device from Toshiba Bluetooth settings control panel

5.       Open Bluetooth device control panel (Control Panel/Hardware & Sounds/Setup a Bluetooth enabled device)

6.       Add your device.

7.       On the Bluetooth control panel, select Options tab and check the “Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer” check box.

8.       Click OK

9.       The device should appear in the Device Manager

10.    Sideshow should then connect.

Answer 14

Hi Tammy,

 

TJSmith - MSFT wrote:

Adding additional information for Toshiba Bluetooth workaround:     1.       Pair the device using Toshiba Bluetooth  setting wizard 2.       Open Device Manager and select Bluetooth Radio and remove all Toshiba Bluetooth entries (deleting the driver) 3.       On Device Manager do a scan for hardware changes, the Device Manager should then install Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator and Toshiba Bluetooth Adapter and add them under Bluetooth Radios (Device manager) 4.       Remove the device from Toshiba Bluetooth settings control panel 5.       Open Bluetooth device control panel (Control Panel/Hardware & Sounds/Setup a Bluetooth enabled device) 6.       Add your device. 7.       On the Bluetooth control panel, select Options tab and check the “Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer” check box. 8.       Click OK 9.       The device should appear in the Device Manager 10.    Sideshow should then connect.

 

Do I need to install the full Toshiba Bluetooth stack before step 1?

Gareth

Answer 15

Its a WM6.1 device (Kaiser/TYTN II) - I've got the bt enum device, and detected the sideshow component under SideShow devices; but the 2 wont talk.

 

I'm going to try a clean image on the phone; possibly a wm6 and also a clean vista build just in case....

 

Anyway to force the connection over usb?

Answer 16

Hi Gareth,

I cannot say if it is necessary or not.  I did just as a GP thing to do.  Have you tried these steps yet? Let us know how it goes for you.  We're interested to hear your experience.

Thanks!

-Tammy

 

Answer 17

TJSmith - MSFT wrote:

Hi Gareth, I cannot say if it is necessary or not.  I did just as a GP thing to do.  Have you tried these steps yet? Let us know how it goes for you.  We're interested to hear your experience. Thanks! -Tammy

 

Yes I did try it and still no joy.  The hardware id of the device is

 

USB\VID_0C24\PID_000F&REV_1915

 

if it helps with anything.  Will try this all again to double check it.

 

Thanks,

Gareth

Answer 18

Gareth McAleese wrote:

TJSmith - MSFT wrote: Hi Gareth, I cannot say if it is necessary or not.  I did just as a GP thing to do.  Have you tried these steps yet? Let us know how it goes for you.  We're interested to hear your experience. Thanks! -Tammy   Yes I did try it and still no joy.  The hardware id of the device is   USB\VID_0C24\PID_000F&REV_1915   if it helps with anything.  Will try this all again to double check it.   Thanks, Gareth

 

I was also tried, but no working. Mine HW ID:

 

USB\VID_0DB0&PID_A97A&REV_1958

Answer 19

Banners wrote:

Its a WM6.1 device (Kaiser/TYTN II) - I've got the bt enum device, and detected the sideshow component under SideShow devices; but the 2 wont talk.   I'm going to try a clean image on the phone; possibly a wm6 and also a clean vista build just in case....   Anyway to force the connection over usb?

No way to force the connection over USB.  I would be insterested to see if a WM6 version worked...we haven't tested a 6.1 TyTN II, but we have used it successfully with WM6. 

What do you see under 'bluetooth devices' in device manager? Do you have other bluetooth devices attached to your PC, or is your phone connected over bluetooth to more than one PC?  Shot in the dark, but any reason for interference in the area?

Toby Muresianu
Program Manager

Answer 20

Try this after uninstalling the toshiba drivers:

1. Open Device Manager and right click on the banged out Bluetooth radio
2. Select 'update driver software'
3. Browse my computer for driver software
4. Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer
5. Unselect “Show Compatible Hardware”
6. Choose “Generic Adapter” as the manufacturer
7. Choose “Generic Bluetooth Adapter” as the Model
8. Select Next

Let us know how it goes!

 

 

Answer 21

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote:

Banners wrote: Its a WM6.1 device (Kaiser/TYTN II) - I've got the bt enum device, and detected the sideshow component under SideShow devices; but the 2 wont talk.   I'm going to try a clean image on the phone; possibly a wm6 and also a clean vista build just in case....   Anyway to force the connection over usb? No way to force the connection over USB.  I would be insterested to see if a WM6 version worked...we haven't tested a 6.1 TyTN II, but we have used it successfully with WM6.  What do you see under 'bluetooth devices' in device manager? Do you have other bluetooth devices attached to your PC, or is your phone connected over bluetooth to more than one PC?  Shot in the dark, but any reason for interference in the area? Toby Muresianu Program Manager

 

Also, do you know if your Bluetooth adapater is Bluetooth 1.0, 1.1, or 2.0?

Answer 22

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote:

Try this after uninstalling the toshiba drivers: Open Device Manager and right click on the banged out Bluetooth radio Select 'update driver software' Browse my computer for driver software Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer Unselect “Show Compatible Hardware” Choose “Generic Adapter” as the manufacturer Choose “Generic Bluetooth Adapter” as the Model Select Next Let us know how it goes!

 

Bingo - this worked a treat, all working now.  Thanks for your help, away to have a play with sideshow.

 

Cheers,

Gareth

 

Answer 23

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote:

Try this after uninstalling the toshiba drivers: Open Device Manager and right click on the banged out Bluetooth radio Select 'update driver software' Browse my computer for driver software Let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer Unselect “Show Compatible Hardware” Choose “Generic Adapter” as the manufacturer Choose “Generic Bluetooth Adapter” as the Model Select Next Let us know how it goes!

 

Hm, I did as you say, but dont have nor Generic Adapter nor Generic Bluetooth Adapter on list.

Answer 24

Pa3x - What version of Windows are you using, and do you know what version of Bluetooth your radio supports?  Do you see Cambridge Silicion Radio as a manufacturer, and a generic profile listed under them?  If so, give that a try.

Answer 25

 

Sideshow works perfectly on a HTC Dual with PC equipped with Vista Premium French (downloaded Universal Driver) and Cambridge BT Dongle.

 

However on second PC, which is nearly identical, Sideshow driver installs two times (like if two mbiles are recognised) and doesn't work. Deleting and reinstalling drivers does not work: the Sideshow universal driver is installed two times and the mobile phone connects , but does not show up in Sideshow devices on the PC.

 

Any help welcome

 

Olivier

Answer 26

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote:

Pa3x - What version of Windows are you using, and do you know what version of Bluetooth your radio supports?  Do you see Cambridge Silicion Radio as a manufacturer, and a generic profile listed under them?  If so, give that a try.

I'm using Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 x64 (uf, what a long name to write), i presume BT is ver 2.0.
Dont see Cambridge Silicon in list.
I tried several manufacturers and USB Radio (its also generic), but allway getting "Registry entries are incoretc" error, or similiar, cant remember exact thing. How can I attach pic here, or send it to you, to better describe problem?

Cheers.

Answer 27

OlivierBelgium wrote:

Sideshow works perfectly on a HTC Dual with PC equipped with Vista Premium French (downloaded Universal Driver) and Cambridge BT Dongle.   However on second PC, which is nearly identical, Sideshow driver installs two times (like if two mbiles are recognised) and doesn't work. Deleting and reinstalling drivers does not work: the Sideshow universal driver is installed two times and the mobile phone connects , but does not show up in Sideshow devices on the PC.   Any help welcome   Olivier

What bluetooth driver are you using on the non-working PC?  Is the Windows SideShow service enabled in bluetooth properties? If you turn off the Bluetooth radio off and connect the Cambridge BT Dongle to it, are you able to get SS working?

Answer 28

 

On the non-working PC, I use a Belkin dongle (bluetooth 2, 100 m.). The Windows sideshow service IS enabled. Strange thing is that 2 (two) instances of the sideshow device appear in the device manager, connecting to the same phone. I tried to delete one of them , alternatively, but the service reïnstalls each time. Strange. And I can connect , from my mobile, but the user (PC-name) does not show up on the options screen, and on the PC, the mobile does not appear in the Sideshow-screen.

 

 

Answer 29

pa3x wrote:

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote: Pa3x - What version of Windows are you using, and do you know what version of Bluetooth your radio supports?  Do you see Cambridge Silicion Radio as a manufacturer, and a generic profile listed under them?  If so, give that a try. I'm using Windows Vista Home Premium SP1 x64 (uf, what a long name to write), i presume BT is ver 2.0. Dont see Cambridge Silicon in list. I tried several manufacturers and USB Radio (its also generic), but allway getting "Registry entries are incoretc" error, or similiar, cant remember exact thing. How can I attach pic here, or send it to you, to better describe problem? Cheers.

 

Try to force install one of the other generic radios, then please send setupapi.dev.log from %windir%\inf and we'll take a look. 

Answer 30

Olivier543 wrote:

On the non-working PC, I use a Belkin dongle (bluetooth 2, 100 m.). The Windows sideshow service IS enabled. Strange thing is that 2 (two) instances of the sideshow device appear in the device manager, connecting to the same phone. I tried to delete one of them , alternatively, but the service reïnstalls each time. Strange. And I can connect , from my mobile, but the user (PC-name) does not show up on the options screen, and on the PC, the mobile does not appear in the Sideshow-screen.

 

 

Interesting.  You are running Vista Home Premium on the second PC as well, correct?  Does the Belkin dongle use the Microsoft bluetooth enumerator? If you switch dongles between the PCs, does the behavior change (does the second work and the first stop?)  If not, do both devices disappear from the computer when you disable the service? 

 

Also, is the phone connected to both PCs at the same time?  If you go to bluetooth devices on your phone, is there just one pairing for each PC?

Answer 31

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote:

Try to force install one of the other generic radios, then please send setupapi.dev.log from %windir%\inf and we'll take a look.

How, or where can send files?

Answer 32

I did it. I don't know how i overlooked cambridge generic driver, but this time i found it and it is working great. Especialy like PowerPoint Remote.

Sorry for ma inconvenience.

Keep going folks.

Answer 33

Toby Muresianu - MSFT wrote:

Olivier543 wrote:   On the non-working PC, I use a Belkin dongle (bluetooth 2, 100 m.). The Windows sideshow service IS enabled. Strange thing is that 2 (two) instances of the sideshow device appear in the device manager, connecting to the same phone. I tried to delete one of them , alternatively, but the service reïnstalls each time. Strange. And I can connect , from my mobile, but the user (PC-name) does not show up on the options screen, and on the PC, the mobile does not appear in the Sideshow-screen.         Interesting.  You are running Vista Home Premium on the second PC as well, correct?  Does the Belkin dongle use the Microsoft bluetooth enumerator? If you switch dongles between the PCs, does the behavior change (does the second work and the first stop?)  If not, do both devices disappear from the computer when you disable the service?    Also, is the phone connected to both PCs at the same time?  If you go to bluetooth devices on your phone, is there just one pairing for each PC?

 

The Belkin dongle uses the Microsoft enumerator, I use Vista Home Premium on both PC's and when I switch dongles, I am asked to reïnstall the peripheral drives, 2 times. When I disable the service one remains.

 

Uninstalling pairing on both sides, uninstalling the sideshow device and repairing  solved the problem !

 

Thank you for your help !

 

Answer 34

Installed beautifully on my T-Mobile Shadow, though I haven't gotten as far as syncing with my PC yet, because the SideShow software seems to have co-opted (oddly enough) some of my phone's functionality. Usually, when text messaging, I press the "Sym/*" button to swap between T9, ABC entry, and numerical entry. It's a fairly essential function. The SideShow software somehow disables the function of this button. Any ideas on why this happens?

Answer 35

Hi there,

 

I had it everything working properly on my Samsung SCH-i760 (VZW) paired on my Lenovo T61 Vista Ultimate x86.  The SCH-i760 had a fatal error and needed to be reset to factory image.  After which I repaired and re-installed several apps.  Now, I have the device listed in the Device Manager as "Windows SideShow -> SCH-i760" and the driver version is 1.5.0.8, but when I open the software on the mobile device, it can not connect to the PC.

 

I have tried repairing, rebooting (both pc and pda), re-installing sideshow on pda, etc etc.  SideShow service is listed under the BT device properties.

 

Any suggestions?

 

PS. I find that the "Connected" status present in Windows under the device name (Devices Tab in Bluetooth Menu) disappears when I select "Connect" from the WM PDA.

Answer 36

Check this setting and see what it says:

Open Bluetooth Devices panel,

Click on the Options tab and see if "Allow Bluetooth Devices to find this computer" is checked or not.

Also check under the Connections section:

"Allow Bluetooth devices to connect to this computer" should be checked as well.

 

I've found on occassions and certain devices, this needs to be checked.

Answer 37

Hello,

 

I've the following problem. But first, I managed to install succesfully on my HP Ipaq WM6.1 the sideshow software via bluetooth.

 

But when I selected the sideshow tickbox in the bluetoothmenu on the PC then Vista pops up with the question to install drivers for "bleutooth peripheral device". I have this problem with my WM6.1 device and also with another WM5 device.

 

I contacted Microsoft via the offical support and thet told me my bleutooth dongle (included with the Microsoft Wireless entertainment desktopset 8000) is not "compatible"???

 

But how come? I can do everything else with that bluetooth dongle... even pair my WM6.1 device...

 

The installed driver is:

Microsoft Bluetooth-enumerator

Whivh is "located" on:

Microsoft Transceiver v 3.0 for Bluetooth

 

Can you help me to get side-show working for me!?

 

Ragerds,

Sander form The Netherlands.

Answer 38

It's normal for the PC to ask for drivers when you check the SideShow checkbox and click ok; if you select the search for drivers online option, it should find and install them automatically.  Are you doing this and it is not finding the drivers?

Answer 39

Hello Toby,

 

thanks for your short reply.

 

That is correct. It is not finding anything in any possible way (tried them all). I also tried to manually install as a "weareable/portable device" (not sure if it is called that way in English Vista, but it is in Dutch). My wife wanted this Dutch Vista because of the "media center" capabilities I'm using.

 

Also I read a lot about using another "non Microsoft" blutooth device driver stack. But that's something I would try in last place because of the fact It's a media center and my wife already is bored that there are so many disruptions in it (always tweaking and changing) compared to the old VCR :-(. And I'm affraid that that will cause me trouble and also I think Microsoft product should work with microsoft products.

 

I read this and tried it (and also with the latest catalog? drivers form Microsoft):

http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=397167

But Vista (Ultimate) tells me that the drivers are not compatible (do not remember exact text).

 

Are there other options left?

 

Regards, Sander.

Answer 40

 

According to the SideShow universal driver documentation (Univ-Drv_SideShow.docx):

"Device manufacturers can provide a custom graphic that Windows uses to represent the device as part of the SideShow Control Panel user interface."

 

It would be nice to have the SideShow renderer for Windows Mobile provide a Smartphone or Pocket PC icon instead of the generic SideShow device icon.

Since Windows Mobile for Pocket PC (5 and 6 at least) uses the owner's name instead of the device name as its bluetooth name, which Windows Vista then uses as the SideShow device name, the naming can get confusing. Having a Pocket PC icon would give an extra hint as to which SideShow device it represent, and make it all more polished when several SideShow devices are installed on the same PC.

Answer 41

Philippe Majerus wrote:

According to the SideShow universal driver documentation (Univ-Drv_SideShow.docx): "Device manufacturers can provide a custom graphic that Windows uses to represent the device as part of the SideShow Control Panel user interface."   It would be nice to have the SideShow renderer for Windows Mobile provide a Smartphone or Pocket PC icon instead of the generic SideShow device icon. Since Windows Mobile for Pocket PC (5 and 6 at least) uses the owner's name instead of the device name as its bluetooth name, which Windows Vista then uses as the SideShow device name, the naming can get confusing. Having a Pocket PC icon would give an extra hint as to which SideShow device it represent, and make it all more polished when several SideShow devices are installed on the same PC.

 

Thanks for the suggestion!

Answer 42

slelieveld wrote:

Hello Toby,   thanks for your short reply.   That is correct. It is not finding anything in any possible way (tried them all). I also tried to manually install as a "weareable/portable device" (not sure if it is called that way in English Vista, but it is in Dutch). My wife wanted this Dutch Vista because of the "media center" capabilities I'm using.   Also I read a lot about using another "non Microsoft" blutooth device driver stack. But that's something I would try in last place because of the fact It's a media center and my wife already is bored that there are so many disruptions in it (always tweaking and changing) compared to the old VCR :-(. And I'm affraid that that will cause me trouble and also I think Microsoft product should work with microsoft products.   I read this and tried it (and also with the latest catalog? drivers form Microsoft): http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=397167 But Vista (Ultimate) tells me that the drivers are not compatible (do not remember exact text).   Are there other options left?   Regards, Sander.

 

It doesn't sound like your problem is in the Bluetooth stack, I think the next step is just to get the drivers to be recognized.  To verify that the drivers on XDA-developers are correct, I would get them directly from the catalog at http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/Search.aspx?q=windows%20sideshow%20bluetooth - they are under Microsoft - Display - Windows SideShow Compatible Device (Bluetooth).  If you aren't sure which to use, click start menu, right click computer, select properties - if under system type it says 32, it's an x86 box, and if it says 64 it's an AMD64.  Make sure the driver files have been extracted from the .CAB file before pointing device manager.  If the issue still repros (or if you have already taken all these steps, in which case I apologize) we'll take it from there.

Answer 43

Hello Toby,

 

thanks again for the quick reply. I had tried these steps before but tried them again on your directions.

It still isn't recognized (not with AMD nor x86). You said if "system type" is 32 it's intel x86, else (64) it's AMD. I have an AMD X2 64 processor but my device manager (that is one step deeper than you described - in device manager) tells me my "computer" is an "on ACPI based X86 PC" (translated form dutch). I find this strange...

In the screen you pointed me to it tells me "type computer: 32-bits operating system. Processor is AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core processor 5000+.

That's all I can tell you...

 

I really hope you can help me on my directions (and all others on the internet on other forums that have the same "problem" with this bluetooth peripheral device driver problem for windows mobile 5 and 6.1.

 

The next 2 days I may not be able to respond quickly, but I will do my best!

 

Regards and thanks in advance. Sander.

Answer 44

slelieveld wrote:

Hello Toby,   thanks again for the quick reply. I had tried these steps before but tried them again on your directions. It still isn't recognized (not with AMD nor x86). You said if "system type" is 32 it's intel x86, else (64) it's AMD. I have an AMD X2 64 processor but my device manager (that is one step deeper than you described - in device manager) tells me my "computer" is an "on ACPI based X86 PC" (translated form dutch). I find this strange... In the screen you pointed me to it tells me "type computer: 32-bits operating system. Processor is AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core processor 5000+. That's all I can tell you...   I really hope you can help me on my directions (and all others on the internet on other forums that have the same "problem" with this bluetooth peripheral device driver problem for windows mobile 5 and 6.1.   The next 2 days I may not be able to respond quickly, but I will do my best!   Regards and thanks in advance. Sander.

 

Sorry for the delay - It's a 32-bit (x86) machine; Machines with 64-bit capable processors can be set up with 32-bit versions of Windows, and it appears that is how your machine is configured. 

 

Please attempt the install again with the x86 driver, then after it fails, email me a copy of C:\Windows\inf\setupapi.dev.log (you can click on my name to get my email). 

 

Thanks,

Toby

 

 

 

Answer 45

Toby,

 

it's sent. Let me know if it arrived. Hope to hear from you soon...

 

Regards, Sander.

Answer 46

Can anyone suggest a good cheapy Bluetooth dongle to use for this as my current one uses Bluesoleil software and I have tried all the hacks to try and get it to work without success.

It will be easier to buy a new one.

Answer 47

I've got a problem...  I got Sideshow working great (WM6 and Vista Business) with most gadgets working ok.  I followed all instructions including activating the BT service - I repeat, I had it working great.

However, after the laptop cycled on/off it forgot that I had a Sideshow BT service on my PDA...and I can't get the PDA to tell the laptop that it still has the service.  At least, that's assuming it does still have the service.  When I refresh the services it only lists the OBEX, Audio, COM ports and the Sideshow service is no longer visible.

The only way I've managed to get everything to realize that the service is still there is to do a complete uninstall and reinstall of Sideshow on the PDA (including re-pairing the devices) to refresh the system.  It's as if either the PDA (or the laptop) is refusing to transmit (or recognize) the Sideshow BT service once the initial connection is lost.

Any ideas...?

Bennett

Answer 48

Interesting.  Do you have any other bluetooth enabled PCs, so you can see whether the service is still available on the phone after the connection is broken with the initial PC?

 

The SideShow service should be running as long as the app is running.  Power cycling the phone and re-launching SideShow should guarantee the service restarts on the phone.  What kind of bluetooth radio do you have on the PC, and what drivers?  What phone?

 

I would also try making your PC discoverable if it isn't already and seeing if that helps things out.

 

Answer 49

Hi Toby,

Well, things are a bit better.  Now it's rediscovering the service if I power cycle, and it rediscovers maybe half the time the connection is lost.  It seems to help if I "disconnect" rather than just lose the connection by distance or the like.  Some of the issues I described in the first post were a problem with a semi-uninstall which I fixed.

But for example just now I got home from work and had the apps running all the time - "last update" was 1100am when I left the laptop.  It refused to reconnect automatically or manually when I got home, but found the connection right away with a restart of the PDA..  Service browse of the PDA didn't find it until I rebooted.

I'm using an ASUS 626A MyPal PDA.  The laptop is a Vostro 1400, Vista Business, using the Dell BT drivers it came with for the Dell Truemobile 355 Bluetooth +EDR, whatever that is ).  It looks like there's a Microsoft stack somewhere involved as well.  PC is discoverable.

It's now looking more like the PDA isn't transmitting properly, as I can get the service recogized by rebooting it without doing anything with the laptop.  Maybe SideShow stops transmitting the service after a certain amount of time of non-use...?  It's not as if the App is entirely off, as I have the Today screen plugin always on and I had, in today's case, the Outlook email gadget running as a task all day.

Bennett

Answer 50

Interesting.  I am not familiar with that PDA; it is possible that for some reason the bluetooth service is getting brought down periodically.  If you are having trouble connecting, exiting SideShow (use menu - exit rather than closing the window), and making sure it is not on your running programs list, then re-launching it, should shut down the service and bring it back up. 

 

One other thing to check - when you are having trouble connecting and not seeing the service even though the SideShow app is running, try going to File Explorer > My Device > Program Files > Windows SideShow and run StopSSService.  This toggles the SideShow service on and off.  If when you run it it says "Service Started", it indicates that the service stopped running on the device, probably due to a crash of some kind; thereafter you should be able to see the service running on the PC (at least until it crashes again).  If it says "Service Stopped", it indicates that the device still thought it was running the service, it just got into a bad state of some kind...starting it again may or may not fix the problem temporarily.

 

Thanks,

Toby

Answer 51

I'm having similar problems to other people on this thread. I have a Mio P550 PPC (http://www.mio-tech.be/en/gps-navigation-device-Mio-P550-overview.htm) running WM5. I have succesfully connected it to my laptop (Dell XPS M1710) using the built in bluetooth (intel) and was able to use the sideshow WMP on it!

 

However, when I tried the same thing on my HTPC, using an external Hama Bluetooth USB Adapter, I could not get it to work. The problem seems to be the bluetooth drivers. The included drivers for this stick was the Bluesoleil drivers. With these drivers I couldn't open the Control Panel>Bluetooth pages, so I could never enable the Sideshow service for my PPC.

 

So I used information on the web to instead install the usb stick with the intel drivers. Seemed to work perfectly until I paired the PPC with the computer. Then it couldn't find any drivers for the "Peripheral device" i.e. the PPC I assume.

 

So after this I have a device in the device manager (peripheral device) that has no driver. But I can still connect to the PPC and I can also find the Sideshow service for it and enable that one (it installs the sideshow drivers without any problem). The problem however is that I cannot see my device in the Sideshow page of the control panel. No device is listed, so I cannot activate any gadgets for it.

 

I tried selecting "Bluetooth sideshow device" when asked for drivers for the PPC when connecting it using bluetooth, but that only made it so that I then had two entries for sideshow devices in the device manager.

 

Any ideas what to do?

 

Regards

Fredrik

Answer 52

Could you post an image of device manager on the HTPC with the bluetooth radios, unknown devices and windows sideshow nodes expanded?  Alternatively, if you just list out what's there in bullet points that's fine too....be sure to note if any of the icons have warning arrows over them.

 

It sounds like you already tried force installing the driver, and that worked, but it didn't come up in the control panel, is this correct? 

 

One thing you could try would be removing the first PC from bluetooth connections on your phone and just pairing with the HTPC, and you could also try making the HTPC discoverable. 

 

If none of this works it's most likely some incompatibility with your radio.  To verify this, you could plug the usb stick into your Dell XPS, turn off the onboard bluetooth, install the MS bluetooth drivers and try pairing there. 

 

Thanks,

 

Toby

 

Answer 53

Installed the client on my TyTN II (WM6 Professional), paired Vista laptop to phone and vice versa, Bluetooth ActiveSync connection works so in my mind bluetooth connectivity is there. However, in the BT properties of the phone I do not get a "Windows SideShow" service in the Services tab, even though the SideShow client on the phone is showing the pretty blue "This device is not connected to the computer" screen. No order and/or timing of opening the Services tab in the phones BT properties or pressing the left "Connect" softkey on the phone makes any bleedin' difference, nor does turning the phone off/on. I thought that the SideShow client would automagically supply my phone with needed extra BT service, but apparently it doesn't.

What gives...? Any idea...?

Answer 54

Jarno,
 
What laptop are you using?  Is it a Toshiba Bluetooth radio?

Thanks,

Toby

Answer 55

trying to get sideshow running, but I'm getting the "Make sure that this device is paired with the PC..." error on the phone.

Specs:
Dell XPS m1530 w/ dell bluetooth
Server 08 Enterprise x64 w/ desktop experience pack installed, windows mobile device center, bluetooth drivers, and sideshow drivers

HTC TyTN w/ WM6.1 and Windows Sideshow

Both devices are discoverable, sync over BT and USB works. Previous sync relationship has been deleted from phone, so only 1 connection is shown in activesync.

Windows Sideshow was enabled in Services, and driver installed correctly.

Under "Devices" in bluetooth settings, the phone will show as "Connected" when syncing, and not when trying to connect via sideshow.

No users are listed under "currenty user" in sideshow options on the phone.

Ideas?

Answer 56

Jarno Peschier said:

Installed the client on my TyTN II (WM6 Professional), paired Vista laptop to phone and vice versa, Bluetooth ActiveSync connection works so in my mind bluetooth connectivity is there. However, in the BT properties of the phone I do not get a "Windows SideShow" service in the Services tab, even though the SideShow client on the phone is showing the pretty blue "This device is not connected to the computer" screen. No order and/or timing of opening the Services tab in the phones BT properties or pressing the left "Connect" softkey on the phone makes any bleedin' difference, nor does turning the phone off/on. I thought that the SideShow client would automagically supply my phone with needed extra BT service, but apparently it doesn't.

What gives...? Any idea...?

I am having the same type of problem. I have tried the Sideshow client on 3 different HTC WM phones, a Touch Pro (WM6.1, a P3600 (WM6) and a Tytn (WM5). All exhibit the exact same problem.

I have a Kensington Micro bluetooth adapter, which installed itself with Microsofts driver and enumerator. ActiveSynch works perfectly, but no Sideshow service visible in the Bluetooth properties on the PC (Vista Ultimate SP1)

Any ideas?

Answer 57

Toby Muresianu - MSFT said:

What laptop are you using?  Is it a Toshiba Bluetooth radio?

No, it's a Dell Latitude E5400 with Dell Wireless 370 Bluetooth Mini-card and Microsoft Bluetooth Enumerator.

Answer 58

Drkow -

Regrettebly, Windows SideShow for Windows Mobile is not compatible with Server 2008.  Apologies for the inconvenience.

Toby

Answer 59

Jarno/Politby - The issue you guys are having with the HTC phones is new to us - they typically work reliably.  We have had some users report issues when using SideShow on phones which are being used at the same time as ActiveSync, though not with that particular symptom.  Just to be sure, have either of you tried pairing with a phone without ActiveSync running?

Thanks,

Toby

 

Answer 60

How would I do that? ActiveSync (or Mobile Device Something, as it's called in Vista) is always running, right? Can you even stop it without actually trying to uninstall it? Or do you mean trying the pairing operation while the phone is not actively connected with the laptop via ActiveSync at the time, either by Bluetooth or USB?

One thing I did not mention earlier (I think) is the fact that I'm using ActiveSync synchronisation with our company Exchange server to keep mail/contacts/calendar up-to-date and this needed a specific certificate to be be installed to get this te work. Could this be interfering with SideShow in some way?

Answer 61

Hi Jarno,

Occasionally when the ActiveSync partnership lists a different user it causes the username to not show up in the SideShow for Windows Mobile software, and deleting the partnership or editing this in the mobile registry can solve that problem. 

Thanks,

Toby

Answer 62

Toby Muresianu - MSFT said:

Occasionally when the ActiveSync partnership lists a different user it causes the username to not show up in the SideShow for Windows Mobile software, and deleting the partnership or editing this in the mobile registry can solve that problem. 

Exactly which registry key are you talking about? And what username? Windows username? Exchange username as part of the ActiveSync Exchange partnership? I don't think I understand.

Answer 63

Jarno Peschier said:

Installed the client on my TyTN II (WM6 Professional), paired Vista laptop to phone and vice versa, Bluetooth ActiveSync connection works so in my mind bluetooth connectivity is there. However, in the BT properties of the phone I do not get a "Windows SideShow" service in the Services tab, even though the SideShow client on the phone is showing the pretty blue "This device is not connected to the computer" screen. No order and/or timing of opening the Services tab in the phones BT properties or pressing the left "Connect" softkey on the phone makes any bleedin' difference, nor does turning the phone off/on. I thought that the SideShow client would automagically supply my phone with needed extra BT service, but apparently it doesn't.

What gives...? Any idea...?

I am having the same type of problem. I have tried the Sideshow client on 3 different HTC WM phones, a Touch Pro (WM6.1, a P3600 (WM6) and a Tytn (WM5). All exhibit the exact same problem.

I have a Kensington Micro bluetooth adapter, which installed itself with Microsofts driver and enumerator. ActiveSynch works perfectly, but no Sideshow service visible in the Bluetooth properties on the PC (Vista Ultimate SP1)

Any ideas?

I also have this same kind of problem on my HTC touch diamond. I posted the following in anther forum:


Since a week I am the owner of a Vista pc. I had the HTC Touch Diamond with WM6 already. After searching the internet to make my mobile a perfect remote, I came across the SideShow developer preview. I tried all procedures (off course the ones Ive found) and read the FAQ's to solve my problem, which is:

- After pairing my WM6 device with the PC, I cannot find the Slideshow service in my WM6 device (within the PC BT icon) or in my PC (within the WM6 BT icon). And it would not connect, of course.

The procedure I followed are as follows:
1. Installing the Vista BT drivers for Slideshow (which then shows as 1 weird character in the device control panel under the 'SlideShow driver' group.
2. Installing Generic BT device drivers from Microsoft (because I have a Toshiba BT stack)
3. Installing Slideshow.cab on the device,
4. Restarting WM6,
5. Pairing from the PC.
6. Disabling the 'Telephone' service within Vista, otherwise a 'Perepheral' device driver has to be installed, which cannot be found by Vista looking/updating through windows update.
7. And wait...

I tried the above procedure in several different orders; installing the cab on WM6 after pairing, etc.

My point is that I do not have any idea on which device it is going wrong, my PDA or my Vista PC (Premium). On both devices, the servcie Slideshow is missing.

I hope one of you professionals/insiders have any idea what is going wrong here.. If you know any possible way of solving this issue, it would be appreciated!

Thanks! Kind regards, Jeroen.

Answer 64

Hello Jeroen,
It seems you've tried a few different methods to get SideShow functioning but what I think you may want to try is this. 
1. Clean up everything.  
     a.  From the device manager, uninstall the SideShow WM device and remove the driver if it appears under the Windows SideShow device node
     b. Delete the BT pairings from both the WM device and the PC.
2. Remove (uninstall) SideShow from the WM deivce.
3. Reboot both the PC and WM device
4. Make sure BT is prepared for pairing and you have the correct BT driver.
5. Install Windows SideShow for WM on your WM device
6. Pair the WM device to the PC
7. On the BT device, check the properties and see if Windows SideShow appears and it is checked.  Also some WM device may require the BT discovery to be enabled.  Check the BT Options tab for this.
8. On the WM device, navigate to SideShow and hit connect
9. If it connects, you may or may not be prompted to download the latest Windows SideShow Univeral Driver, go ahead and download it.
10. At this point you should see the WM device under the Windows SideShow node in Device Manager and you should be able to get to the SideShow control panel to enable gadgets.

Let us know how this goes!

---

Tammy Smith

Answer 65

I can't connect to computer, use Windows 7 RC x64 with MSBluetooth stack select service SideShow, have SideShow device in device manager but phone not connect. It show Can't connect, Make sure that this device is paired with the PC over Bluetooth and that the PC is turned on and within range. If this problem persists, wait a few minutes and try again.
Both PC and PocketPC was turn on both bluetooth and discovery. I'm sorry but I will tell you I use Windows Mobile 6.5.

Answer 66

I'm experiencing the same issue on Windows 7 RTM x64.

Trying to connect to a Toshiba M400 running Windows 7 x64 RTM with Microsoft Bluetooth Stack (Toshiba Bluetooth module, with driver for MS stack, not the Toshiba Stack), the Windows Mobile 6.1 SideShow device is detected, installed and visible in the Device Manager, but not in SideShow control panel, and SideShow client on WM says "Can't connect, Make sure that this device is paired with the PC over Bluetooth and that the PC is turned on and within range. If this problem persists, wait a few minutes and try again."

The same Window Mobile client can connect fine using the exact same steps to my desktop, running Windows 7 x86 RTM with Microsoft Bluetooth Stack with a D-Link DBT-122 module).
The only weird thing on the desktop is that when the SideShow client shows the screen to select the user, no user is in the drop-down list, going to Options after lets me select the correct user just fine.

Note the same Windows Mobile client could also connect fine to the Toshiba M400 computer when it was running Windows Vista x86 SP2 with Microsoft Bluetooth Stack (same Toshiba Bluetooth module with driver for MS stack instead of the Toshiba stack), so there is no hardware incompatibility.

Could this be a Windows 7 x64-specific issue ?

And BTW, any news on an update for SideShow for Windows Mobile ? The download page says it has to be connected to a Windows Vista computer before it can sucessfully be connected to a Windows 7 one, but soon Windows Vista will be hard to find in my office...