Microsoft KB Archive/942876

= How to troubleshoot issues that occur with infrared devices =

Article ID: 942876

Article Last Modified on 10/2/2007

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APPLIES TO


 * Microsoft HealthVault Connection Center

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INTRODUCTION
This article describes how to troubleshoot issues that occur with infrared (IR) devices.



MORE INFORMATION
The following sections contain some common causes of issues that you may experience when you use IR devices. Each section contains information that you can use to resolve a particular issue.

The devices are not aligned correctly
To establish a connection between two IR devices, follow these steps:
 * Align the IR devices so that they point directly at one another.
 * Verify that the batteries in each IR adapter are fully charged. Or, plug the adapter into a power source.
 * Verify that the devices are no more than three feet away from one another.

Note Some IR devices work best if they are at least six inches away from one another.
 * Verify that the angle of the IR transmission cone is less than 30 degrees.

Other devices interfere with the IR connection
Some household devices may contain IR devices that can interfere with your connection. For example, a television remote control may interfere with other IR connections. Verify that these kinds of devices are not located near your IR devices. Also, if a printer has an IR adapter, move the printer out of the range of the computer's IR adapter.

The connection takes a long time to be established
When you connect or disconnect over a low-speed IR link or over a low-quality IR link, the connection may not be established or broken for several seconds. During this time, the computer may appear to stop responding (hang). To work around this issue, use one of the following methods.

Windows XP

 * 1) Click Start, click Run, type control infrared, and then click OK.
 * 2) In the Wireless Link dialog box that appears, click the Hardware tab, click the device name in the Devices box, and then click Properties.
 * 3) Click the Advanced tab, and then click Maximum Connect Rate in the Property list.
 * 4) In the Value list, click a speed that is higher than the current speed.
 * 5) Click OK two times.

Windows Vista

 * 1) Click Startvistastartbutton.jpg], and then click Control Panel.
 * 2) In Control Panel, double-click Infrared, click the Hardware tab, and then click Properties.
 * 3) On the General tab, click Change settings.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type the password, or click Continue.
 * 1) Click the Advanced tab, click Maximum Connect Rate in the Property list.
 * 2) In the Value list, click a speed that is higher than the current speed.
 * 3) Click OK two times.

Method 2: Improve the quality of the connection

 * Align the IR devices so that they point directly at one another.
 * Verify that the batteries in each IR adapter are fully charged. Or, plug the adapter into a power source.
 * Verify that the devices are no more than 3 feet away from one another.

Note Some IR devices work best if they are at least 6 inches away from one another.
 * Verify that the angle of the IR transmission cone is less than 30 degrees.

Outdated device drivers are installed
We recommend that you install the latest IR device drivers that are available. Also, before you install a new driver, remove the current driver.

Important Removing the current driver before you install a new driver is especially important if a beta driver is currently installed.

The computer enters sleep while an IR connection is active
We recommend that you do not let the computer enter sleep while an IR connection is active. If you must suspend computer operation, break the IR connection, and then put the computer to sleep. This is especially important if the computer is a mobile PC. If the computer enters a power saving state while an IR connection is active, the IR connection may remain active while the computer sleeps. In this scenario, the computer uses battery power to maintain the IR connection.

Keywords: kbhowto kbexpertisebeginner kbinfo KB942876

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