Hardware Issues Related to Portable Computers
Some hardware is not compatible with Windows 2000. This section identifies specific devices and device types that have known compatibility problems with Windows 2000 or that have conflicts and limitations when they are used with Windows 2000.
Infrared Devices
Windows 2000 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 have to use ActiveSync 3.0 and the IrTran-P service, toggle between the two services to use them. You can toggle these services either by using Wireless Link in Control Panel or by using ActiveSync 3.0.
NOTETo toggle IrTran-P protocol on and off
By default, the IrTran-P protocol is turned on (that is, you can download images and files from a digital camera to a computer).
From the Start menu, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click Wireless Link.On the Image Transfer tab, select the Use Wireless Link to transfer images from a digital camera to your computer check box to turn on the IrTran-P protocol. Clear the check box to turn off the IrTran-P protocol.
To toggle ActiveSync 3.0 on and off
Open ActiveSync 3.0.On the Tools menu, click Options.On the Rules tab, select the Open ActiveSync when my mobile device connects check box to turn on ActiveSync. Clear the check box to turn ActiveSync off.
Windows 2000 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. For example, a special modem .inf file is not necessary. This is because IrDial network connections are managed entirely through the Network and Dial-up Connections folder. The following procedure describes how to configure an IrDial connection for a cellular telephone.To configure a connection for IrDial
Double-click the connection you want to configure.Click Properties.Under Connect Using, select Infrared Modem Port, and then click OK.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 2000 Professional Help, or see "Hardware Management" in this book.
Video Devices
You can use the 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) display adapters. Also, the on-board display adapter (the one that is a part of the portable computer's motherboard) must be designated as the VGA display device. This is usually not a problem, although some BIOSs allow you to choose which display adapter you want to use as the VGA device. In this case you must designate the on-board display adapter.Windows 2000 does not support hot undocking of portable computers while they are using multiple monitors. If a portable computer is using multiple monitors and you want to perform a hot undock, you must stop using all but one of the monitors and then undock. You can do this by detaching the secondary display before performing the hot undock.To detach a secondary monitor
From the Start menu, point to Settings, click Control Panel, and then double-click the Display icon.In the Display Properties dialog box, click the Settings tab, double-click the secondary monitor, and then click Attach.Click Apply to detach the monitor. The secondary monitor should turn off , leaving the primary monitor running.
After you have detached the secondary monitor, you can perform a hot undock.