A list of Microsoft Knowledge Base articles on infrared, irda and/or
ircomm for Windows 2000, XP, and Server 2003. As of beginning of October 2005.
The attached note is either text quoted from the article or a comment from me.
The complete set of search keywords used is “irda infrared ir ircomm irnet irmon irftp”.
Alan J. McFarlane
Windows Server 2003
5 of
See my IrDA FAQ for
notes on support for IrDA in the various Windows 2003 editions.
891996 new--A National Semiconductor IrDA device does not transfer data on a Windows Server 2003-based computer (KB891996 Q891996)
The default transceiver type is incorrect, try each of the “Infrared Transceiver A” types until it works…
889101 new--Release notes for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 KB889101 Q889101
As per 891996.
837243 new--Availability and description of the Port Reporter tool (KB837243 Q837243)
Not IrDA.
816517--HOW TO: Optimize Web Server Performance in Windows Server 2003 (KB816517 Q816517)
Windows Server 2003 version of 308186.
325867--HOW TO: Configure Your Computer for Infrared Communication in Windows Server 2003 (KB325867 Q325867)
Windows Server 2003 version of 302011/305588.
Windows XP
36 of (6 new)
906857 new--You receive an error message when you try to transfer data from a Windows XP-based or Windows 2000-based computer to a Windows 98-based computer by using an Infrared connection (KB906857 Q906857)
Error message “The transfer failed. …because the target machine actively refused it.”, the workaround is “disconnect and then re-connect the IR connection until the IR connection succeeds”!
906487 new--You cannot use an IrDA link to send a file to a computer that is running Windows 98 in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB906487 Q906487)
Describes a problem where you may receive a “the data is invalid” error message when you try to transfer a file by using an IrDA link. No fix or workaround described.
897649 new--You may receive an error message when you try to use an infrared device to transfer files from a Windows XP with Service Pack 2-based computer to a Windows 98-based computer (KB897649 Q897649)
Beaming to Windows 98 gives error, “…not find the environment option that was entered.” XP SP2 only attempts the “Windows NT-type connection”, and not the “Window 98-type connection”! Fix available.
896984 new--The Wireless Link icon does not appear in the notification area and the "Send files to another computer" icon does not appear on the desktop when you try to connect an infrared device to a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB896984 Q896984)
Fix available, or workaround is to log-on to the computer as an administrator which completes the necessary post-install setup.
893476 new--You cannot connect your IrDA compatible mobile telephone to a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer (KB893476 Q893476)
Fix available.
889817 new--You cannot make an IrDA connection between a Windows XP Service Pack 1-based computer and a Windows XP Service Pack 2-based computer (KB889817 Q889817)
Cause: “This problem occurs when both computers have the IrDA connection speed set to 19.2 kilobytes per second (kbps) or slower.”…!
888795--Update Rollup 1 for eHome Infrared Receiver for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 (KB888795 Q888795)
Not IrDA.
885855--You cannot use infrared communications to transfer files on a computer that is running Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB885855 Q885855)
Due to a “race condition…between the Irmon service and…”. Fix available.
872883--Tablet PC Frequently Asked Questions (KB872883 Q872883)
Not IrDA.
867485--Media Center logs a KBDHID event message when you resume from suspend mode (KB867485 Q867485)
Not IrDA.
839275--The remote control stops working after you install the critical update for Windows XP Media Center Edition infrared receiver (KB839275 Q839275)
Not IrDA.
837243--Availability and description of the Port Reporter tool (KB837243 Q837243)
Not IrDA.
832418--Critical update for Windows XP Media Center Edition infrared receiver (KB832418 Q832418)
Not IrDA.
831438--How to troubleshoot channel changing in MCE 2004 (KB831438 Q831438)
Not IrDA.
831266--Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 remote control does not function correctly with the Bell ExpressVu Satellite TV set-top box (KB831266 Q831266)
Not IrDA.
830899--Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 frequently asked questions (KB830899 Q830899)
Not IrDA.
824387--Infrared Data Transfer Does Not Work After You Resume Your Computer From Standby (KB824387 Q824387)
Applicable to serial port connected IrDA devices. Fix available through Registry key change (or workaround: “restart”!).
823979--PRB: Infrared Data Transfer May be Slower in Windows XP Than in Windows 2000 (KB823979 Q823979)
Also affects IrDA printing, which may time out etc. Typically due to change in processor power saving states in XP and later. Fix available through Registry key change that returns XP to Window 2000 C3 behaviour.
814982--How to Configure a Direct Cable Connection with Windows XP Home Edition (PART 2) (KB814982 Q814982)
In eight parts. Part one is at 814981. Doesn't cover IrDA usage in particula (KB814981 Q814981)r detail.
811113--List of fixes included in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (KB811113 Q811113)
Notes the inclusion of 326119.
326119--Event Viewer May Show IrEvents Error 8205 If the Irmon Service Is Stopped (KB326119 Q326119)
Fix included in SP2.
327158--Frequently asked questions about the product support options and known issues of Windows XP Media Center Edition (KB327158 Q327158)
Not IrDA.
324760--Error Message: Error 633 Modem Is Already in Use (KB324760 Q324760)
Outdated Palm software. Refers to 308368.
324720--List of fixes in Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Windows XP Service Pack 1a (KB324720 Q324720)
Notes the inclusion of 311361.
316639--HOW TO: Prepare to Upgrade Windows 98 or Windows Millennium Edition to Windows XP (KB316639 Q316639)
Refers to 308368.
314056--A description of Svchost.exe in Windows XP (KB314056 Q314056)
Including Irmon sub-service.
313808--Description of Control Panel Files in Windows XP (KB313808 Q313808)
“Irprops.cpl — Infrared Port properties.”
313422--HOW TO: Use IrComm Mobile Devices and Windows XP to Access the Internet (KB313422 Q313422)
Not useful. (Mobile device to dial the Internet).
313296--HOW TO: Connect to Peripheral Devices with IrDA (KB313296 Q313296)
Synchronizing Data with ActiveSync. (e.g. Verifying IrDA support etc).
311361--An Error Occurs in Joy.cpl If a Fujitsu USB Infrared Remote Control Is Connected (KB311361 Q311361)
Not IrDA. Fix included in Sp1.
310592--Description of the Subkeys Contained in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum Registry Key (KB310592 Q310592)
"...may have have keys for infrared, tape controllers..."
308549--Description of Windows XP System Information (Msinfo32.exe) Tool (KB308549 Q308549)
“Lists Infrared device information. ...”
306142--Infrared Data Transfer Does Not Work in Windows XP (KB306142 Q306142)
Irftp needs the Workstation Servce to be running (thus not set as “Disabled”).
305934--Modem Does Not Work on Compaq Armada 7800 and Device Manager Reports "Code 10" (KB305934 Q305934)
Not IrDA.
305621--HOW TO: Set Up a Direct Cable Connection Between Two Computers in Windows XP (KB305621 Q305621)
“Click the connection device that you want to use for this connection (a parallel or serial port, or an infrared port) ...”
305588--HOW TO: Configure Your Computer for Infrared Communication in Windows XP (KB305588 Q305588)
XP version of 302011
305551--HOW TO: Configure a Wireless Link That Uses Infrared in Windows XP (KB305551 Q305551)
XP version of 301951
278277--"Use Wireless Link to Transfer Images" Check Box Is Cleared by Default, but the Feature Does Not Respond Correctly (KB278277 Q278277)
Notes that the checkbox can become out of sync with the actual setting etc. Also third-party synchronisation software packages may prevent the option from being enabled.
Windows 2000
33 of (4 new)
906857 new--You receive an error message when you try to transfer data from a Windows XP-based or Windows 2000-based computer to a Windows 98-based computer by using an Infrared connection (KB906857 Q906857)
As above.
839516 new--You may receive stop error messages when you try to run Adaptec Easy CD Creator or Adaptec DirectCD on a Windows 2000-based computer (KB839516 Q839516)
Occurs when certain network adapter components are present, including the IR Modem Port.
837243 new--Availability and description of the Port Reporter tool (KB837243 Q837243)
Not IrDA.
816924--"There Was an Error Found When Printing the Document" Error Message When You Print a Document Over an Infrared Port (KB816924 Q816924)
With SP3 installed. Affects Canon BJC-85 and HP DeskJet 340. Fix in SP4 and workaround.
327194--List of Bugs That Are Fixed in Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (KB327194 Q327194)
Notes its inclusion of fixes 325031, 322377 and 816924.
325031--Computer Enters Standby During IR File Transfer in Windows 2000 (KB325031 Q325031)
On Windows 2000, the Infrared transfer utility (Irmon.dll) does not signal the system to indicate that it is “active” while it is receiving a file by using an IR connection. If no user input occurs and the CPU utilization remains below a threshold of approximately 12 percent, the system appears to be in an “idle” state. The computer then enters Standby after the specified period of time passes. Fix in SP4.
322377--Computer Is Unresponsive When Hibernating (KB322377 Q322377)
Unresponsiveness may occur with IrDA device with SP2 and SRP1 installed. Fix in SP4.
309646--Windows Does Not Again Disable a "Disabled Device" After Wake Up from Hibernation (KB309646 Q309646)
An Infrared device used as a example.
308368--Windows XP Upgrade Advisor Warning About the IrDA Protocol (KB308368 Q308368)
OK to ignore. Except for IrCOMM!! e.g. Get new Palm Desktop, Motorola recommends only T280 and Platform 2000 mobile phones, not L-Series etc. XP is a superset of Windows 2000 support. Does include IrCOMM for Mobile phones, IrNet for PC Networking, IrTran-P image transfer, IrLPT printer support. Check with manufacturer of IrCOMM clients before upgrading.
308186--HOW TO: Optimize Web Server Performance in Windows 2000 (KB308186 Q308186)
“Disable Windows 2000 services that are not required for a dedicated Web server. ...INfrared Monitor ...”
302011--HOW TO: Configure Your Computer for Infrared Communication in Windows 2000 (KB302011 Q302011)
e.g. enable device in BIOS
301951--HOW TO: Configure a Wireless Link That Uses Infrared in Windows 2000 (KB301951 Q301951)
Usage of “Wireless Link”; configuring file receiving, default disk location, toolbar icon, IrTran-P.
282524--List of Bugs Fixed in Windows 2000 Service Pack 2 (2 of 4) (KB282524 Q282524)
Notes its inclusion of fix 262286.
269425--List of Bugs Fixed in Windows 2000 Service Pack 1 (2 of 3) (KB269425 Q269425)
Notes its inclusion of fix 257365.
262688--Static IP Address Is Not Retained During Windows 2000 Unattended Installation (KB262688 Q262688)
TCP/IP problem (caused by existence of IrDA port). Fix in SP2.
262286--Windows 2000 Direct and Indirect Printing over Infrared Port May Not Work (KB262286 Q262286)
“Neither direct nor indirect printing over an infrared (or IrDA) port may work.”. Fix in SP2.
259819--Cannot Create Direct Cable Connection from Windows 95/98 to Windows 2000 with Infrared Port (KB259819 Q259819)
Direct cable connections over IR ports between computers running Windows 95/Windows 98 and Windows 2000 are not possible or supported. ... Use a serial or parallel cable between the computers to make the direct cable connection. ... Windows 98 maps virtual COM ports to IR ports to enable direct cable connection over IR ports. Windows 2000 uses a new technique for enabling direct cable connection over IR ports that allows a direct cable connection over IR ports between two Windows 2000-based computers.
257365--Cannot Access Files Copied over an Infrared Port (KB257365 Q257365)
File received by Wireless Link (OBEX) cannot be access by user, they are owned by the administrator. Fix in SP1.
255713--Windows 2000 Command-Line Parameters for Msinfo32.exe (KB255713 Q255713)
Category “ComponentsInfrared” exists.
254316--Create a Remote Access Server for a Windows 2000-Based Server in a Workgroup (KB254316 Q254316)
This article explains how to create a simple remote access server for a Windows 2000 Server-based computer that belongs to a workgroup and not a domain. The resulting server allows users with local accounts to connect by using dial-up, virtual private network (VPN), or direct (InfraRed or parallel ports) connections.
252795--MS01-046: Windows 2000 Does Not Support Mapping Virtual COM Ports to Infrared Ports (KB252795 Q252795)
IrCOMM Modem support. Fix in SP3.
252688--Cannot Open Files Received Using Infrared Connection (KB252688 Q252688)
Superceded by 257365
252522--Cannot Transfer File Using IR to Computer Using "Roaming Desktop" (KB252522 Q252522)
... You may receive a “disk is full” error message. Fix in SP1.
250320 new--A description of Svchost.exe in Windows XP (KB250320 Q250320)
Including Irmon sub-service.
247169--Infrared Device Does Not Work on Dell Latitude XPiCD with Windows 2000 (KB247169 Q247169)
To work around this issue, use Device Manager to manually configure the ESS 1887 PnP Audiodrive sound device to use only two DMA channels. This makes one channel available to the infrared device when you restart the computer.
234811--PRB: IrDA Transfer Speeds with the Acer TravelMate 721TX (KB234811 Q234811)
BETA Windows 2000. Fixed in 2054. “... utilizes the National Semiconductor 97338 chipset for IrDA functionality. Using Windows 2000 Beta 3, the maximum transfer rate across the IrDA port is 115 kbps. ... National Semiconductor will be releasing a fix that contains a set of IrDA drivers for this issue.”
228379--Canon BJC-80 Printer Is Not Detected by Infrared Port (KB228379 Q228379)
Have to manually add this printer through Print Manager (it does not announce itself as a printer).
228299--Direct Cable Connection Wizard Does Not Exclude Used Communications Ports (KB228299 Q228299)
DCC problem (when IrDA device on serial port).
217073--Windows Setup Hangs When "Setup Is Starting Windows" Screen Appears (KB217073 Q217073)
“This behavior can occur if Windows does not recognize or cannot configure the hardware in your computer. ... To work around this behavior, use the following methods: ... Modify your computer's BIOS the following ways: ... Disable infrared support.”
198578--BUG: Fast Infrared Not Functioning on Mitsubishi Pedion Notebook (KB198578 Q198578)
error in the BIOS ... To work around this problem, you can manually change the infrared driver to "NSC-PC87338" in Control Panel to enable fast infrared functionality.
195554--BUG: Infrared Device Stops Functioning During Data Transfer (KB195554 Q195554)
... known hardware problem with some older infrared controllers [National Semiconductor Fast Infrared Controllers] that causes them to stop functioning while transmitting or receiving at speeds greater than 115 kilobytes per second (Kbps). ... If you encounter this problem frequently, you should limit the infrared connection speed to 115200 Kbps using the Control Panel.
180025--How to Open Control Panel Folders from the Command Prompt (KB180025 Q180025)
control infrared" -- Launches the Infrared Control Panel subprogram (if installed)"