I have an HP iPAQ 5450 which has been working for years on my older Sony Laptop. I purchased an ACER Laptop and tried to install my Active Sync software but every time I get to the instalation part that has the software detect the iPAQ my computer locks up solid!

The Acer is running XP-Pro and I have tried the following:

• Connections via USB, Serial, IR
  Latest version of Active Sync
  Updated Bios on iPAQ
  Logging in as administrator
  Turning of XP Firewall
  Disconnecting all external devices from Laptop
  Standing on one foot and jumping up & down.....

No matter what I try, as soon as the device is seen by the software the laptop locks up. I have to hard boot the computer and deal with corrupted files before I can continue....

Any thoughts?

Have you disabled any virus software? Also, try loading AS in Safe Mode. Before loading AS, make sure the USB cable is not plugged in. Also check for ghost/hidden usb devices in the Device Manager. Don't use AS4.0, use 3.8.

It almost sounds like a USB issue with your laptop. Do all the other usb devices work properly?

Call ACER