Microsoft admits to ActiveSync4 problem

SleepyheadKC · 10-20-05, 04:58 PM

(If this has been posted previously, forgive me).

Latest Windows Mobile devices out of sync (CNET.com)

Microsoft confirmed Thursday that devices running its newest mobile software are unable to connect to a PC in some cases.

The software maker said some users of ActiveSync 4, the latest version of Microsoft's synchronization software, are unable to link up to their PC, particularly on systems running firewall or parental control software. The problem occurs in devices based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5 operating system, including recently released handhelds from Dell and HP, as well as cell phones from Sprint and iMate.

The problems are limited to those connecting a device to a PC via a USB connection, Microsoft said. No problems have been reported when connecting wirelessly using a Bluetooth or infrared connection, or when connecting directly to a server.

"Microsoft is committed to solving this issue for its customers and its partners," the company said in a statement.

An updated version of ActiveSync is planned for late next month, but a workaround has been posted on Microsoft's mobile device Web site, the company said.

10-20-05, 05:08 PM

Thanks for the update. I know all of us that are getting ready to upgrade our OS system will need to know this info!

fyrfyter · 10-20-05, 05:14 PM

If you go to help in ActiveSync 4, and then click on Windows Mobile Online, it will take you to the windows mobile 5 site on Microsoft. From there, you can follow the directions for a workaround, until ActiveSync is fixed. It worked for me since I am using Trend Micro. Hope it works for you.

djg21 · 10-20-05, 06:32 PM

Thank you for posting this. I was among those who could not get my x51v to sync, and I ended up returning the unit to Dell after Dell could offer no assistance, and I got tired of trying to communicate with persons whose first language is not English.

I may have to call Dell and try again. I really don't want to use another Palm PDA!

However, one thing I don't understand.

I use zonealarm. Even with zonealarm deactivated, I still could not sync. I could explore the handheld, and I could install software however, even while running the firewall software. The netwoek connection was definitely made. I just could not sync anything in outlook? I don't understand how zonealarm could cause this, especially if deactivated and not running in the background.

If this workaround proves successful, please let us know!

fyrfyter · 10-20-05, 09:35 PM

I am not sure as to what effect it has with disabling a firewall. The workaround works great, and I don't get any error messages anymore. The process has you open up ports through your firewall, both TCP/UDP. It has directions for Sygate, Trend Micro, Zone Alam, Norton, and McAfee. The directions can be found here:
ActiveSync 4.0 Help

Xelkos · 10-20-05, 09:52 PM

ZoneAlarm Pro has gotten a lot more strict, and prevents holes in Microsoft's software. Microsoft does not seem to be overly fond of security. Take a look at their games; their tech support recommends dropping the firewall so its many ports will be available. Poor programming in my opinion.

Microsoft always prefers to blame other software first before (eventually) admitting their fault. Blame others first, fix/patch later. Would be better is their programmers did the job correctly the first time.

djg21 · 10-20-05, 10:01 PM

I think my question may be a little unclear.

I could not sync when Zonealarm was altogether disabled. How could Zonealarm's mere presence on a PC interefere with syncing when the firewall software was not at all operational?

BTW, I even uninstalled Zonealarm from my laptop, and I still couldn't sync. I gather that some registry keys or residual files were left on my machine, but how would they prevent syncing? (When I reinstalled zonealarm, all my registration settings had been retained in the registry).

I really want to try the Axim again, but I don't want to waste more of my time if the thing won't work!

10-20-05, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Xelkos

... Would be better if their programmers did the job correctly the first time.

How typical...!

MS Ever heard of betatesting seriously?

fyrfyter · 10-21-05, 12:25 PM

Originally Posted by djg21

I think my question may be a little unclear.

I could not sync when Zonealarm was altogether disabled. How could Zonealarm's mere presence on a PC interefere with syncing when the firewall software was not at all operational?

BTW, I even uninstalled Zonealarm from my laptop, and I still couldn't sync. I gather that some registry keys or residual files were left on my machine, but how would they prevent syncing? (When I reinstalled zonealarm, all my registration settings had been retained in the registry).

I really want to try the Axim again, but I don't want to waste more of my time if the thing won't work!

First off, it is my understanding, that even when you remove and/or disable a firewall, parts of it are still running whether you want them to or not. I would also suggest that if you use a third party firewall, that you disable the windows firewall in SP2. It seems to cause a lot of conflict in computers, and it is usually advised to do this, as to keep problems to a minimum. The help link above should give you the answers you need to make Zone Alarm work with ActiveSync.

Xelkos · 10-21-05, 03:44 PM

In other words, what this guy and MS is saying; rebuild your system from scratch, DO NOT put any security or anitvirus software in, DO NOT use Windows firewall, and install ActiveSync, then it should work. What a crock of bolagna!

MS' beta tests are a joke. They don't give credit to those that submit bugs, but give credit to those that reply to every post sent and to those that say "yes, works as intended." To get MVIP status, you have to spend 3 to 5 years replying to every news group posting/every beta test, whether be accurate or not. It is not by the quality of testing, but by how often you post.
Only MVIP and Higher End Businesses get rewards for testing, or the products themselves.
Those that have put in ernest time and effort to submitting quality reports don't get nothing in the receiving end.
I tested for 1.5 years, and one day I got a reward from testing Office 2003. A sticker that says I tested Office 2003, and a cheap radio that wouldn't even function in the bathroom (let alone a doctor's office).

Microsoft's reply on everything is that it's the other company's software, not ours. Disable/remove their software before you come complaining to us. Then when MS does find it was their fault, they send out a patch to fix it three months later. Takes them that long to actually do some real "in house" testing on it.
Microsoft does not know progress, only denial and blame.

As for the fix, removing/disabling security software to make the program work, is the wosrt excuse in the book.
I thought Microsoft made AS more secure, the reason why they removed wifi synchronization. Yet, they think Bluetooth and IR is more secure way of sync then wifi?
I know Bluetooth that goes 80 to 100 feet, that's not a safe distance. More likely they removed wifi sync cause they had too many bugs in it. Why not just toss something out if you can't get it to work, then claim it as a security feature!
Now MS wants you to disable/remove your protection so their sync'ing software will function.

There's something rotten in Redmond, and it's not the fish.

ish2s · 10-21-05, 05:16 PM

I was having this problem with my work computer while it connected easily on my laptop. I disabled Trend Micro firewall and all is better now.

fyrfyter · 10-21-05, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Xelkos

In other words, what this guy and MS is saying; rebuild your system from scratch, DO NOT put any security or anitvirus software in, DO NOT use Windows firewall, and install ActiveSync, then it should work. What a crock of bolagna!

That isn't what I said. I said to turn off the windows firewall, because A.) it sucks, and B.) causes conflicts with other Third party firewalls. After that, go online, which apparently nobody here is capable of, and read how to put in the workaround for your axim to sync through your firewall. Nobody gives a crap about your rant on Microsoft. They are gonna be around forever, so get used to it!

fyrfyter · 10-21-05, 06:39 PM

Originally Posted by ish2s

I was having this problem with my work computer while it connected easily on my laptop. I disabled Trend Micro firewall and all is better now.

You can leave Trend Micro running and just add in the workaround for it. I have it running right now with the work around and it works great. The workaround is on the windows mobile page at microsoft.com look for help with Activesync 4.0

10-23-05, 05:23 PM

I just read in this thread about a possible workaround which I will look into, but thought I would outline my experience with ActiveSync to date.

It has loaded and worked fine since the install on my wife's PC running Win2K. It was not happy plugged into a USB hub but as soon as I gave it its own USB port it was fine. On my home office machine running XP Pro, it will not even install... get a "install interrupted" message. I have tried everyting I could think of... nothing will get past the install failure. I have had no problems installing other software to this machine.

My primary working PC installed ActiveSync OK initially, and even ran from a USB hub! I have nothing to sync yet, have just been loading some utility programs on the Axim (X51v).

Yesterday, ActiveSync stopped working. That is the AactiveSync window comes up for a blink of an eye and closes with the "Windows has encountered a problem" message. I find that I can not un install ActiveSync as that fails, and I can not reinstall it as that fails. Funny thing is that I can see the Axim from Windows Exporer and the icon shows that I am connected, but the ActivSync program itself will not run. Interesting conundrum.

Spent almost two hours on the phone with Microsoft (Bombay)Tech Support this afternoon, and only succeeded in crippling two of my formerly working applications which I now must re install.

They are referring my problem to the "Pro" group. Be interesting to see if they call me back since the call got dropped.... but they got their $35.

I have had no problem with the Axim per se so far... knock on wood, but trying to make it truely useful by having database info from the PC on the PDA has consumed a huge amount of time.... and I'm not there yet.

PS.. follow up. Went to MS to the link up for the "how to" on setting up firewalls. Just finished following those instructions and .... no change. Although I did get my two apps going that MS tech support managed to screw up. I did not think my issues were related to firewall. I use the same firewall on all three computers and had to do nothing to the one that does work. And the one that won't install at all is not a firewall problem. The Axim is connnected... I can "explore" it but the Open ActiveSync Window or Synchronize is "busted".

mld · 10-25-05, 08:20 PM

I just received my axim x51v. I am not technically minded. Just want something to carry my business contacts with me out in the field. I have outlook 2003 on my laptop(network) - using the additional business contacts (not just contacts). My axim syncs only contacts not business contacts. Tried to add pocket mirror (additional conduits) but did not work. My friend uses her axim mobile 2003 II w/out any problems syncing business contacts. Any suggestions before I return this?