Customer Reviews

Actiontec USB Wireless Bluetooth Adapter (HBU00100-01)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

After talking to tech support for two hours, I got it working. The problem is with Windows XP Service Pack 1a. If you keep Windows updated (and you should), the driver won't install on a system upgraded to 1a. The tech did not have any idea whether they plan to upgrade their driver.

In essence, here is how to get it working:
1. Install the software that comes with the device.
2. Go to C:\Windows\Inf
3. Look for the highest numbered file named oemXX.inf (where XX is the number)
4. Subtract ten from the XX number above.
5. Double click on the oemXX-10.inf file (where "XX-10" is the highest number you see, minus 10)
In other words, if the highest numbered oem file is oem43.inf, you would open up oem33.inf.
6. Make sure the file has the text "WIDCOMM Bluetooth USB Device Installation Script" at the top of it. If it doesn't, find the oemXX.inf file that does.
7. Instead of letting Windows find the driver automatically, you need to go into device manager and find the device yourself. If it is plugged in, it probably appears with an exclamation mark to show that there is something wrong.
8. Select the device, choose "update driver", and point it to the inf file that you found in step 6.

Hopefully it is now installed without the dreaded "Required information from the INF file is missing" message.

I upped my rating to 3 stars, since it does in fact work now... though installation was far too messy. Before calling tech support, I tried using the "updated driver" found on their website, but it has the same problem.

SP1a has been out for a while now. Actiontec should release an updated driver. I will think very hard before buying another one of their products.

I had originally purchased this relying on user reviews. Unfortunately, so far after several installation attempts and a call to Actiontec support (very courteous support), I am still unable to use it. It might be based upon my ASUS motherboard (2000) USB bridge system (VIA), but unknown right now and Actiontec did not understand why it was not working. I will try it on another computer and update this review. Until then, not working equals one star.

I had doubts about this little bluetooth adaptor when I first purchase it due to the lack of reviews. However, I decided to give it a try. It's easy to set up, just run the CD-rom through. It's a snap~!! I had no problem setting it up within 2 mins. The connectivity is great. I have not run into any problem of computer not recognizing the Bluetooth adaptor (some people have this problem with other brands). Mainly, I use it for file transfering with my Sony Ericsson T616 phone. The transfer is very smooth. Overall, it performs very well with easy set-up. Highly recommanded.

Following the instructions, I had this installed in less than ten minutes (Windows XP). It is as easy to use as a hard drive, and I haven't had any problems with it.

I can't get this to install correctly on my laptop... the software keep picking up my lotus notes id file and when i tried to plug it in... it says it can't find the inf file, sucks

I am also having trouble installing. I have tried on both a desktop and a laptop.

On both, I followed the installation instructions to the letter. Find New Hardware Wizard says that it cannot install the device because, "The Required Section was not found in the INF."

In other words, there is something wrong with the driver. I have also tried using an updated driver from the actiontec website. Results: exactly the same.

I get the exact same error on two different computers, so it's not a problem with my computer.

After getting my Tapwave Zodiac that has built-in Bluetooth, I wanted to use the Bluetooth to Hotsync and browse the WEB. I picked the Actiontec USB adapter mostly because it was the cheapest and I wasn't sure if it would work all that great. It took about 6 hours to get everything setup, but that wasn't due to this device. The adapter installed in minutes (follow the manual completely!) and works very well. It is fast and has a good range. I am impressed. I recommend this little USB adapter for ease of setup and price/performance.

Considering the fair number of problems I've heard others have had with getting bluetooth to work regularly or at all, I believe it's worth considering this unit not only because it works well but that it also comes with a simple yet comprehensive set of installation instructions. Following them to the letter, I found myself transfering files in between my SE t610 and my PC without a hitch. Nice item at a nice price.

Initially I got the adapter working easily when I hooked it up.

However, I took the adapter out of the usb slot and later reinserted it. That's a big no no. You then have to reinstall the software. Unbelieveable because I thought I had the latest OS updates etc. (I was running Windows XP Pro with SP1 back then)

I had some problems reinstalling and getting the adapter to remain connected to my Nokia 6310i mobile phone. I did some searching online and found an article that pointed me in the right place.

The article said to download some IBM Integrated Bluetooth II Software and install that. I was a bit sceptical but what did I have to lose? I saved a system restore point and did what the article said and it's been working since then.

There's some problem with that software on the CD. The device itself works fine, but the bluetooth software it originally comes with was kind of buggy. A more technical person may not have had the patience to do all that I did to get it working. So I wouldn't recommended it if you're not techy.

This bluetooth adapter was simple to install and gives me great range. I chose the Actiontec brand over other brands because I've used their products in the past and was happy with them, as well as their customer service. I use the adapter with my Bluetooth-enabled Cell phone (Sony Ericsson T610), PDA (Tungsten T3), and Microsoft keyboard, mouse -- and I haven't experienced any problems with it yet!