Problems With ActiveSync

[Abernus]

I have a IPQA 3800 series. I used to be able to connect the PDA to the cradle and Syc via USB and also Sync via BT. I recently cleaned my PC and re-installed ActiveSync. Since I have done this I can no longer get ActiveSync to recognise my PDA. I have also tried to set up an ActiveSync session via BT but this will not work untill I have a partnership created via the cradle.

I have tried pugging the USB connection to my Hub and direct to the PC. also tried connecting it via Serial cable but nothing will work.

PLEASE HELP, if I can't get this to work I might just have to see if this bloody IPAQ can fly from the top of my house.



Thanks in Advance.

[SteveVX]

Abernus,
Sounds like you have the same problem that I have - I cleaned my PC, re-installed outlook and Active Sync software.
I had this problem last year and at the time found a post which advised to delete a couple of files in the Windows/System directory - only problem is that I cannot find the old post (Forum has been upgraded since then) and I cannot remember what the two files were that I needed to remove.

If anyone can help - Or if the system administrator has a record of all the old posts on the old style forum then that would be much appreciated (by both of us).

Steve

[Abernus]

Cheers for the tip. I have done a search but can't find anything. Looks like I may have to google this one.

But as Steve put any help on this one will help us both out !!!!!

Cheers

[Abernus]

O.K did some research on this problem, I have found a guid to this problem and a useful link. However I won't be home for the next few days to test. Steve if you get this and try the following please post and let me know the outcome. I will have to split the reply as it is too big for 1 post

Anyway here goes, first the link:

http://support.microsoft.com/default...nc/default.asp

Now the solutions:

You can download the latest version of ActiveSync from the Microsoft Mobile Devices Web site. After installing the latest version of ActiveSync, be sure to restart your desktop computer (whether prompted to or not).


Your Pocket PC should not be attached to the cradle when the desktop computer is started or restarted.

If the Pocket PC is attached to the cradle when the desktop computer starts or restarts, the Pocket PC will attempt to connect to the desktop computer before Microsoft ActiveSync has fully loaded. Because ActiveSync is not fully loaded, a proper connection between the Pocket PC and desktop computer is impossible.

To avoid connection problems, use the following guidelines:

Before starting or restarting your desktop computer, remove the Pocket PC from its cradle to disconnect the Pocket PC from the desktop computer. Start or restart the desktop computer, and then wait for this process to completely finish. After the desktop computer startup process has completed, return the Pocket PC to its cradle to reconnect the Pocket PC to the desktop computer. The Pocket PC should automatically connect to the desktop computer.
Notes:
Your Pocket PC may remain in its cradle when you shut down your desktop computer, so that the battery recharges while the desktop computer is off or in sleep mode.
If the Pocket PC was connected to the desktop computer when it started, disconnect the Pocket PC from the desktop computer, restart the desktop computer, and then follow the above guidelines.
Be sure to only have one Pocket PC connect to the desktop computer at a time. If you need to charge the second Pocket PC while the other is connected, do the following:
Remove the second Pocket PC from its cradle. Disconnect the AC cord from the second Pocket PC's cradle and attach it directly to the Pocket PC. If the AC cord does not detach from the cradle, disconnect the cradle from the desktop computer's USB port until you're done using the other device.



Have you enabled USB connections in ActiveSync?

If you're having trouble connecting using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (an external bus that allows you to connect and disconnect devices without shutting down or restarting your computer), make sure that USB connections have been enabled in ActiveSync.

To enable USB connections in ActiveSync

Remove the Pocket PC from its cradle to disconnect it from the desktop computer.
On the desktop computer, click Start, point to Programs, and then click Microsoft ActiveSync. On the File menu, click Connection Settings. Make sure that the Allow USB connection with this desktop computer check box is not selected, and then click OK. On the File menu, click Close. Click Start, point to Programs, and then click Microsoft ActiveSync. On the File menu, click Connection Settings.
Make sure that the Allow USB connection with this desktop computer check box is selected, and then click OK. Return the Pocket PC to it's cradle to reconnect it to the desktop computer. After following the above procedure, the Pocket PC should automatically connect to the desktop computer.

Note
An alternative method which may solve this problem is to terminate the Wcesmgr.exe and Wcescomm.exe processes in Task Manager (for more information on Task Manager, see Windows Help). This method may be useful if the problem tends to occur on a regular basis.

To select the USB port on Pocket PCs

The Pocket PC should automatically switch to the USB port as necessary. If you have problems connecting, try the following:

Tap Start, tap Settings, tap the Connections tab, and then tap PC.
Make sure that Automatically synchronize when serial cable is connected, using is selected, and that USB Connection is selected, and then tap OK. Attach the mobile device (via appropriate cabling) to the desktop computer's USB port. The Get Connected Wizard should start. If the Get Connected Wizard doesn't start: On the desktop computer, click Start, point to Programs, and then click Microsoft ActiveSync. On the File menu, click Get Connected.

Follow the wizard's instructions.

Do you need to reset the desktop computer and Pocket PC?

Soft resetting (performing a soft reset on the Pocket PC is akin to restarting a desktop computer) the Pocket PC and restarting the desktop computer often resolves connectivity issues.

Remove the Pocket PC from its cradle to disconnect the Pocket PC from the desktop computer, and then perform a soft reset according to the manufacturer's instructions.
With the Pocket PC disconnected, restart the desktop computer.
Return the Pocket PC to its cradle to reconnect the Pocket PC to the desktop computer.

Is there an intermediary device between the Pocket PC and desktop computer?

The presence of an intermediary device between the Pocket PC and desktop computer can cause problems such as intermittent connectivity or a complete lack of connectivity.

Examples of intermediary devices can include:

Pass through USB ports (such as USB keyboards or USB speakers)
USB hubs
Serial to USB adapters (often used on newer computers without physical COM ports)
The Pocket PC should be directly connected to the desktop computer. Connecting the Pocket PC to the desktop computer through an intermediary device may work, but it is not recommended.

Is any of the cabling loose?

Loose cabling can cause both continuous and intermittent connection problems. Follow the succeeding procedure to resolve any loose cabling issues:

Verify that the Pocket PC is turned on.
If a Network Interface Card (NIC) (also known as a network adapter, or Ethernet card) or modem PCMCIA card (Personal Computer Memory Card International Association; a removable device, approximately the size of a credit card, that can be plugged into a slot in a portable computer) is plugged into the Pocket PC, remove the card(s).
Make sure that the cable is securely attached to the COM (a communications port on a computer that allows asynchronous communication of one byte at a time - a COM port is also known as a serial port) or Universal Serial Bus (USB) port (an external bus that allows you to connect and disconnect devices without shutting down or restarting your computer) on the desktop computer.
Plug the other end of the cable into the correct port on your Pocket PC. If you are using a cradle, remove the Pocket PC from the cradle first, and then return the Pocket PC to it's cradle. ActiveSync should automatically connect to the Pocket PC.
Notes

Be sure that the Pocket PC is powered by AC wall current (as opposed to the Pocket PC's internal battery).
Make sure that the AC adapter plug is securely attached to the base of the cradle.
Be sure that your are using the correct cables (for example, some Pocket PCs have power or synchronization cables that look very similar to USB cables).
If you are using a cradle, look for bent or tarnished pins. If a bent pin is found, try and bend the pin back to it's original position, or if necessary, replace the cradle. If a tarnished pin is found, clean the pin with fine grit emery cloth and wipe clean with alcohol.


Do you need to reinstall Microsoft ActiveSync?

If you're having trouble establishing a connection between the desktop computer and Pocket PC, reinstalling ActiveSync may resolve the problem.



Abernus

[Abernus]

Cont........



To reinstall ActiveSync

Uninstall ActiveSync.
To uninstall Microsoft ActiveSync


Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click Add⁄Remove Programs, then click the Change or Remove Programs button.
From the list of available software titles, click Microsoft ActiveSync 3.1, then click the Change⁄Remove button.
Click Yes, or in some cases, follow the presented directions to remove the software.
Restart the desktop computer (whether you are prompted to or not).

Note
If a prior Partnership (a file, stored on the desktop computer, that enables the mobile device to synchronize with the desktop computer) was established, uninstalling ActiveSync will remove the Partnership information. You will, however, be prompted with a choice to save the Synchronized Files folder. It is recommended that you do so in order to save possibly important files.

Do you need to remove anomalous USB devices in Device Manager?

Removing anomalous USB devices (for example, Unknown USB) in Device Manager (a tool used to view and change device properties, update device drivers, configure device settings, and uninstall devices on your computer) may solve your Pocket PC connection problem.

To remove anomalous USB devices

Remove the Pocket PC from its cradle.
On the desktop of your computer, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
If you're using Microsoft® Windows® 2000, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.

If you're using Microsoft Windows 98, or Windows Millennium Edition, click the Device Manager tab.
Watch the Device Manager window while you place the Pocket PC back into its cradle. If you see Unknown Device or USB Device appear in the device tree, right-click it, click Uninstall, and then click OK.

Note that USB Device may appear under Universal Serial Bus controllers or Other Devices.
Remove the Pocket PC from its cradle and restart the desktop computer.
Soft reset the Pocket PC according to your manufacturer's directions.
After the desktop computer has completely restarted, place the Pocket PC back into its cradle - the Pocket PC should automatically connect.

Do you need to remove anomalous USB devices in safe mode via Device Manager?

Removing anomalous USB devices in safe mode (safe mode lets you start your system with a minimal set of files and drivers - VGA monitor, Microsoft mouse driver, no network connections, and the minimum device drivers required to start Windows) via Device Manager (a tool used to view and change device properties, update device drivers, configure device settings, and uninstall devices on your computer) may solve your Pocket PC connection problem.

To remove anomalous USB devices in safe mode via Device Manager

Remove the Pocket PC from its cradle.
Restart the desktop computer in safe mode.
To restart Microsoft®Windows® 98 in safe mode


Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
Click Restart, and then click OK.
Press and hold the CTRL key while your computer restarts. Release CTRL when the Startup Menu appears.
Type the number of the Safe Mode option, and then press ENTER.

To restart Windows Millennium (Me) in safe mode


Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
Click Restart in the list, and then click OK.
While your computer is restarting, press the F8 key.
When the screen that lets you choose which operating system to use appears, use the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys to select the Safe Mode option, and then press ENTER.
Note
If you want to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad, make sure that NUM LOCK is on.

To restart Windows 2000 in safe mode


Click Start, and then click Shut Down.
Click Restart in the list, and then click OK.
While your computer is restarting, press the F8 key.
Use the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys to select Safe Mode, and then press ENTER.
Use the arrow keys to select your version of Windows 2000, and then press ENTER.
Note
If you want to use the arrow keys on the numeric keypad, make sure that NUM LOCK is on.

On the desktop of your computer, right-click My Computer, and then click Properties.
If you're using Windows 2000, click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager.

If you're using Windows 98, or Windows Me, click the Device Manager tab.
Watch the Device Manager window while you place the Pocket PC back into its cradle. If you see any ghosted (ghosted USB devices include USB devices with an attached ! and⁄or any duplicate USB device listings) USB devices in the device tree, right-click it, click Uninstall, and then click OK. Be sure to check Universal Serial Bus controllers and Other Devices for ghosted USB devices as well.
Repeat the previous step until all ghosted USB devices have been removed.
Remove the Pocket PC from its cradle and restart the desktop computer normally.
Soft reset the Pocket PC according to the manufacturer's directions.
After the desktop computer has completely restarted, place the Pocket PC back into its cradle - the Pocket PC should automatically connect.
Note
For more information on using Device Manager, start Device Manager as described in step 4, click Action, and then click Help.

Abernus