BartS

Hi,

I'm having a strange problem with activesync. My device won't sync using the USB cable; however, it WILL sync correctly using the bluetooth connection!

On top of this, I'm *very* confused about the connection status. Why? When connecting via the USB cable:

- Activesync on my PDA says 'connected'
- Activesync on my desktop says 'connected' for a few seconds, but then disconnects right after!
- Activesync on my PDA *STILL* says connected, for hours! The 'sync button' is available too, but doesn't (visibly) do anything.
- The windows 'network connections' window says 'connected' too ("Local area connection 6" connected to "Windows Mobile-based device #4"). Don't ask me about the 'connection 6' or the 'device #4', I just have 1 of each :rolling:

During this very short connection, I *can* browse my PDA using the 'explore' button in ActiveSync. A window opens, and correctly shows my PDA contents. However, the window returns to blank white, once Activesync disconnects.

So, a lot seems to work, but why in the world does AS disconnect automatically?! The problem occurs on both my work computer, as well as my home PC.

Here is some info on my setup.
Axim X51v, Rom version A12
Activesync version 4.2 (at home), 4.5beta (at work, after 4.2 stopped working at work).
WinXP-SP2

I did try removing the network connection in 'device manager' already, and plugging the cable into different USB ports, as some posts around the web suggest that a possible 'wrong' USB port might cause such behaviour. It didn't help...

Any help is appreciated!
Bart

Marceline

I hope that someone with more technical knowledge will step in, but in the meantime:

Activesync somehow treats the USB connection to your Axim as a network connection, and therefore a lot of people have had firewall issues. If you have a firewall, you may need to configure it to allow Activesync access.

Somehow the Bluetooth Activesync connection is not treated as a network connection, so you won't run into firewall issues.

So if you can't get your Axim to sync via USB it is worth it to try syncing via Bluetooth.

davidtm

I would suggest disabling Advanced network functionality:

Start>Settings>Connections>USB to PC and uncheck "Enable advanced network functionality"

Apparently, that is needed only for higher end stuff, like connecting to internet thru your 'puter, or somethinglike that.

__________________
The Large Print Giveth
. . .and the small print taketh away
- Tom Waits

mnogre

I've posted this a few times and haven't heard feedback from others
but here is what has worked so far me:


"First you need to start the Windows Command Line Prompt, by selecting the Run option in the Start menu, entering 'cmd.exe' into the text dialogue and pressing return. This will launch a DOS window into which you type the following commands, pressing return at the end of each:

set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1

start devmgmt.msc

Device Manager will automatically appear after the second command, and now if you go into its View menu and select 'Show hidden devices' you should see quite a few 'greyed out' items referring to missing hardware."

Uninstall all the Dell Axim USB drivers.

Then restart the computer and connect the Axim.
In my case, it correctly reinstalls the drivers and correctly reconnects.

BartS

Originally Posted by davidtm

I would suggest disabling Advanced network functionality: Start>Settings>Connections>USB to PC and uncheck "Enable advanced network functionality" Apparently, that is needed only for higher end stuff, like connecting to internet thru your 'puter, or somethinglike that.

Hi,

Thanks for the idea. I tried this, but the Axim won't let me.
"Failed to disable RNDIS to use serial".

I'll keep looking for a solution.

Bart

BartS

Originally Posted by mnogre

I've posted this a few times and haven't heard feedback from others but here is what has worked so far me: "First you need to start the Windows Command Line Prompt, by selecting the Run option in the Start menu, entering 'cmd.exe' into the text dialogue and pressing return. This will launch a DOS window into which you type the following commands, pressing return at the end of each: set devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices=1 start devmgmt.msc Device Manager will automatically appear after the second command, and now if you go into its View menu and select 'Show hidden devices' you should see quite a few 'greyed out' items referring to missing hardware." Uninstall all the Dell Axim USB drivers. Then restart the computer and connect the Axim. In my case, it correctly reinstalls the drivers and correctly reconnects.

Thanks for this idea too. I didn't know about the 'hidden devices'; so this was interesting to see.

Unfortunately, it didn't help either. I don't know if i removed all relevant 'hidden devices', but at least I got one - the "windows Mobile-bsed device #4" network adapter. Nevertheless, it appeared again.

I did notice one change. I'm now at Local area connection #7, instead of #6....

I did take a look at one of the log files: WCESMgr.log. Here is the entry for my latest connection attempt. Maybe it makes sense to someone

*** ActiveSync (4.5.5059 RETAIL) started, Cmd line: '/onconnect'
10/19/2006 13:03:15.640 MAPIInitialize returned 0x80004005
10/19/2006 13:03:16.765 **************** Logging Started ****************
10/19/2006 13:03:16.765 Process C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\WCESMgr.exe p(1432)
10/19/2006 13:03:16.765 ActiveSync second instance started, Cmd line: '/show'
10/19/2006 13:03:16.765 ActiveSync second instance exiting
10/19/2006 13:03:16.765 **************** Logging Stopped ****************
10/19/2006 13:03:16.984 Checking existing partnership on device 0x451A7662.
10/19/2006 13:03:33.218 p(2956) t(3248) TraceToFile -> ERROR in DetectAutoProxyWinHTTP : hr = 0x80072f94 - WCESMgrUtil.cpp(692)
10/19/2006 13:03:35.187 DTPT: Setting DTPT network to {7E8C2CE9-88F6-246B-1496-09EC026085CE}
10/19/2006 13:03:35.187 DTPT: Send DTPT Network={7E8C2CE9-88F6-246B-1496-09EC026085CE}. Result=0x00000000
10/19/2006 13:03:38.046 *** Http listener loaded
10/19/2006 13:03:38.046 Connected to device 0x451A7662 (PocketPC, Bart) [partner 0]
10/19/2006 13:03:38.046 **** Starting synchronization engine
10/19/2006 13:03:41.203 Remote object: 'File', SSPId: 0x00002710 [103 items]
10/19/2006 13:03:41.203 Remote object: 'Media', SSPId: 0x00002711 [1 items]
10/19/2006 13:03:41.203 Remote object: 'Favorite', SSPId: 0x00002712 [7 items]
10/19/2006 13:03:41.203 Remote object: 'Ink', SSPId: 0x00002713 [10 items]
10/19/2006 13:03:41.203 WARNING: Object type 'mNotes' is not installed on the device
10/19/2006 13:03:41.203 WARNING: Object type 'Picture Viewer' is not installed on the device
10/19/2006 13:04:18.937 Scanning desktop SSP for 'Favorite'
10/19/2006 13:04:18.937 Done scanning 'Favorite' [0 creates, 0 modifys, 0 deletes]
10/19/2006 13:04:50.468 ERROR: returned 0x80145109
10/19/2006 13:04:52.734 p(2956) t(2884) TraceToFile -> ERROR in CCeSync2::LoadSyncEngine : hr = 0x80070015 - sync2.cpp(1230)
10/19/2006 13:04:52.734 *** Http listener shut down

The timing between 13:03:16 and 13:03:33 is about the time between connecting, and the 'disconnect sound'. Searching for this error message on the internet didn't help me. "ERROR in DetectAutoProxyWinHTTP" - what could this mean?

Still open for other ideas....

Bart

downtownsb

I am having the same problem. I can connect via bluetooth, but not the cradle. I have tried everything including the DOS prompt fix (see below)

Home:
Bluetooth - Can connect
Cradle - Cannot connect
Active Sync - 4.0 and 4.5 have the same problem

Work:
Cradle - Cannot connect
Active Sync - 4.0 and 4.2 have the same problem
I have deleted drivers, network adaptors, active sync

Both:
Computer detects the Axim in the cradle, but will not sync. When I turn the Axim off in the cradle AS stops trying to sync.

I am running out of ideas:bang: Since this problem seems to follow the Axim I am wondering if it has to do with programs I have installed. I am currently running ROM A06.

Programs still installed:
Valentin Iliescu Chess
Adobe Reader for Pocket PC 2.0
Microsoft Reader
Jonathan Sachs StopTime
[Vieka] vBar
Dell Axim Self Diagnostic
CodeCity CityTime
Astraware Bejeweled 2

Programs removed today:
MemMaid
and some others that I am having trouble remembering now


This is the first time I have ever posted to this site. It has always been a good reference for problems that I was having, but this is the first time I have not been able to make it work. This problem is taking over my life. I don't think I have really done any real work for about two days!

tsa_medic

Hey, i had the same problem for quite awhile and i somehow resolved it, so i'll try to remember what i did. For now, start by disabling your Firewall in your antivirus. If you have Symantec Norton product, go to their support and search for Active Sync--they have a tutorial on opening a special port through your firewall. I just remmeber that it wasnt enough to disable the firewall, you have to also open a separate port and create certain firewall rules.
Also, disable your Axim Bluetooth and your BT program on your desktop--mine wouldn't let me go both ways...its' either BT or USB AS
I'll try to recall the rest of the process and post. Let me know if this works.

Originally Posted by downtownsb

I am having the same problem. I can connect via bluetooth, but not the cradle. I have tried everything including the DOS prompt fix (see below) Home: Bluetooth - Can connect Cradle - Cannot connect Active Sync - 4.0 and 4.5 have the same problem Work: Cradle - Cannot connect Active Sync - 4.0 and 4.2 have the same problem I have deleted drivers, network adaptors, active sync Both: Computer detects the Axim in the cradle, but will not sync. When I turn the Axim off in the cradle AS stops trying to sync. I am running out of ideas:bang: Since this problem seems to follow the Axim I am wondering if it has to do with programs I have installed. I am currently running ROM A06. Programs still installed: Valentin Iliescu Chess Adobe Reader for Pocket PC 2.0 Microsoft Reader Jonathan Sachs StopTime [Vieka] vBar Dell Axim Self Diagnostic CodeCity CityTime Astraware Bejeweled 2 Programs removed today: MemMaid and some others that I am having trouble remembering now This is the first time I have ever posted to this site. It has always been a good reference for problems that I was having, but this is the first time I have not been able to make it work. This problem is taking over my life. I don't think I have really done any real work for about two days!

BartS

Originally Posted by downtownsb

I am having the same problem. I can connect via bluetooth, but not the cradle. I have tried everything including the DOS prompt fix (see below) Home: Bluetooth - Can connect Cradle - Cannot connect Active Sync - 4.0 and 4.5 have the same problem Work: Cradle - Cannot connect Active Sync - 4.0 and 4.2 have the same problem I have deleted drivers, network adaptors, active sync Both: Computer detects the Axim in the cradle, but will not sync. When I turn the Axim off in the cradle AS stops trying to sync. I am running out of ideas:bang: Since this problem seems to follow the Axim I am wondering if it has to do with programs I have installed. I am currently running ROM A06. <SNIP>

My problems started a few weeks ago, on both of my computers (home + work) almost simultaneously. Apart from the obvious - something must be wrong with the common factor: the Axim - I have another theory. It has something to do with Windows / Windows update. I'm not 100% sure, but it seems the problems started after the latest 'patch tuesday' end of september.

Does this ring a bell for someone?
Bart

PS: no luck with the firewall here at work; I can't change settings, cause it is "controlled by group policy"

downtownsb

Originally Posted by BartS

My problems started a few weeks ago, on both of my computers (home + work) almost simultaneously. Apart from the obvious - something must be wrong with the common factor: the Axim - I have another theory. It has something to do with Windows / Windows update. I'm not 100% sure, but it seems the problems started after the latest 'patch tuesday' end of september. Does this ring a bell for someone? Bart PS: no luck with the firewall here at work; I can't change settings, cause it is "controlled by group policy"

I think you are right, but I am not sure which one either. They justed pushed alot of updates on us at work and I connect to my work computer via Remote Terminal. My Cisco VPN may have received some updates this week when I accessed my work network. Bluetooth works both places though, but I miss the cradle.

johnehale

Same exact problem as above. Also, Axim connects to a partnership at my office. The home connection does not connect as above, not even a guest account, which is all I really needed. We either need a fix, or some help from microsoft, or a (free) third party software. By the way, My Axim X51 has NO "USB to Computer connection" in the Settings>Connections.??

bcarmic

Originally Posted by johnehale

Same exact problem as above. Also, Axim connects to a partnership at my office. The home connection does not connect as above, not even a guest account, which is all I really needed. We either need a fix, or some help from microsoft, or a (free) third party software. By the way, My Axim X51 has NO "USB to Computer connection" in the Settings>Connections.??

Just wanted to jump in here to ditto this problem. My sequence of problems seem to be this:
Originally installed activesync at home and was able to sync just fine. After syncing at the office I was never able to sync at home again.
Troubleshooted by: multiple re-installs (various 4.x versions), hard resets, finding and deleting references in the register and combinations of these things.

I was finally able to "fix" this at home by doing a complete OS re-install. Again activesync worked well until I sync'd at work... cannot sync at home now.

One caveaut: I can't remember if I installed all the Microsoft updates before activesync or after it (also after syncing at work...).

Dell tech support has declined to troubleshoot this with me any more (as it appears to work fine at work!). So, I have given myself two more days to waste on this, at which time Dell has agreed to come pick this thing up and refund my money.

Help would be great - thank you in advance!

bcarmic

Alright, in my frustration, I edited my registry again... this time I might have gone a little nuts. I deleted everything refering to windows ce basically. Then I re-installed activesync 4.2

The good new is this: It worked! :yeah:

The bad? news: Well that's my new question. So, now if I look in Network Connections, there is no network for my Axim while it is plugged in and connected. I can still see the device in explorer (and access it). Anyone anticipate this causing any other problems for me? Now that the level of frustration has subsided I'm thinking more clearly about what I might have done to my computer... I suppose this is like wondering if you broke your hand after slaming it through a wall in a fit of rage.

On a side note, anybody have an issue with the backlight flickering when connected to the computer?

Malkavian

This happened to me after I installed the Broadcom BT stack. To get rid of the NDIS error when I went to uncheck the USB to PC option I did the following:

1. Remove the Axim X51V from the cradle.
2. Edit the X51V registry. I used PHM Registry Editor Version 0.7 or any registry editor.
3. Look for the registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Comm\RNDISFN1\Parms\TcpIp
Change
EnableDHCP=1
to
EnableDHCP=0
4. Quit the registry editor using Tools > Exit. I did not soft reset the X51V.
5. After making the above registry change, dock the X51V. I waited more than 30 minutes and still no error. Before the registry change, the error appeared between 1 to 3 minutes after docking the X51V.

This allowed me to uncheck it without the error.


I also made two other tweaks that were mentioned. They can be found by following these links.

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showp...&postcount=637

http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showp...&postcount=650

Hope this helps.

Michael

bcarmic

Quick update: I still have no network connection that shows up when I connect. This appears to have no impact except that all my problems are now fixed.

I've restored my PDA to its previous condition, sync at home, work and then again at home - worked like a charm. (one caveout: I must now have the USB to PC option "Enable advanced network functionality" checked for the sync to work properly. Without it I get an error related to the network not showing up!)

Wish I had more carefully watched what I deleted so I could pass this on. Is there an easy way to compare registries?