"Allow a device to connect" is greyed out, bluetooth

Anonymous
2011-10-26T15:52:46+00:00

I am unable to connect any device to the laptop through bluetooth, even though I've used the feature before.

When I switch the bluetooth on and right click on the bluetooth icon - "Allow a device to connect" is greyed out.".

I'm using Windows 7, 64 bit. Any suggestions...?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2014-11-21T22:55:10+00:00

HOW TO PAIR/CONNECT A BLUETOOTH SPEAKER TO LAPTOP/PC/WINDOWS 7 SOLVED....

Bought a Bletooth speaker ages ago, it is good for what it is and managed to get it paired up with all my other devices - tablet, phone but have never been able to connect it to my Sony Vaio laptop - would always pair then never be able to connect it. Here's how I got it to work..

I decided to start afresh and delete all Bluetooth devices and start again.

Make sure you have your computer Bluetooth turned on

Down in the bottom right tool bar right click on the Bluetooth icon

Click on Join a Personal Area Network

Opens a new Window in Devices and printers

Turn on your Bluetooth Speaker to discover mode

Click Add a Device

Your speaker should show up

DO NOT CLICK NEXT.....

INSTEAD A MESSAGE SHOULD POP UP FROM THE TOOLBAR SAYING A DEVICE IS ASKING TO CONNECT

CLICK THIS MESSAGE

it will then ask you to add a pairing number to connect ( add the default number if your speaker has one refer to manual)

In this case the XMI X-Mini WE does not come with one so I put in 0000

Worked!!

Paired

Now click on Start - Devices and Printers and you should see the speaker XMI X-Mini WE

Right click it and click control

Click connect......

BOOM paired and working

Dont know how or why its working but I an now listening to music via my Bluetooth Speaker.

Now I now this may not work for all but This was driving me nuts and hope it at least works for some..

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-10-05T12:32:06+00:00

    I have a ThinkPad on Windows 7 64 Bit Professional. I've tried pairing a mouse when I first bought the notebook and it did not work. I had to purchase a Microsoft Mouse with a dongle.

    1. I've bought an extra Bluetooth Dongle (and removed the Dongle that connects to my mouse) thinking it was a hardware problem and that does not help either.
    2. I've uninstalled the Anti Virus Programme
    3. I've tried creating another user and logging in and out and it does not help either.
    4. I've tried restarting Bluetooth support as well as updating all the drivers but to no avail.
    5. I've checked Microsoft Website and performed regedit

    At the moment I've spent almost THREE days cracking my head. I could neither see othe bluetooth devices nor receive any message for pairing.  It is just a complete waste of time and for now I will just make do without Bluetooth although it is important for me as I need to communicate with my customers with a bluetooth headset. I've thought of moving to Windows 8 after this incident I will move back to Mac OS.

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-10-05T12:45:55+00:00

    Sorry to lose another Windows, but Mac is made for the simple folk.

    First, the answer to your asked question is to right-click on the icon or application and choose to "run as administrator".  Repeat the setup and all will be ok.

    The radio operations are too close to the innards of the system to be used capriciously or casually.  Whether a good decision or not, people who want to dork around with these settings have to identify themselves as capable.

    The problem (some say benefit) with Apple is that they only allow people to take what is given.  While this drives people up against the limitations much sooner, it keeps them from accidentally stepping on their ... neckties.

    As said, Enjoy the broader horizons, or - goodbye and good luck.

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  3. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T01:45:57+00:00

    Hello,

    What do you means by log out and log in as administrator? Sorry, I am not very good with technology and I am trying to connect a bluetooth speaker with my laptop. I know how to run as administrator for other programs but i do not know how to run as administrator for bluetooth. Could you tell me the steps for it? Thanks

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-10T03:54:19+00:00

    with the pointer on the application/icon to run the program that installs the Bluetooth, press the rightmost button on your mouse/touchpad until a drop-down menu appears with the option to "run as administrator". 

    Click on that.

    If the menu does not appear, please contact a friend or acquaintance to assist you with these instructions.

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