I have been syncing for a few months without problems and suddenly I get an error message, "Port Not Available. Cannot start communications...blah..blah..Another program may be using the port...blah..blah..etc.etc."
X3i works fine over bluetooth to a laptop, but stopped working though the desktop. How do I debug this one? I checked microsoft knowledge base, made sure I have enough free memory but cannot check with irda or bluetooth as the PC doesn't have it. I'm using W2k and looked at Device Manager at it says "Windows CE USB Devices (Dell Axim USB Sync) is working properly.
Any help on how to check out the ports would be great.

I'm not sure but you could try deleting and renewing the partnership with the pc. Might work. Or you could press Ctrl + Alt + Del and click on processes and see if you can end any which have huge memory usage because they might be blocking the port.

OK, tried deleting the partnership, fine, but it cannot find the PPC to re-make the partnership, nuthin untoward in processes either

You will need to use USB to remake the partnership as this is the most reliable and if it still can't find it then you need to try a different usb port. BTW if you have ActiveSync 4.0 remove it.

STOP PRESS !!
Completely removed Active Sync from the PC and re-installed - now works fine
Why Microsoft??
Let's see how long it lasts???

Guess what, It lasted 'til August! I have re-posted the problem before I found my old post Can you cross refer posts?
I guess I will try the re-install again - groan.

Re-installed active sync (3.8) still no joy. Any PC techies out there could offer an idea or two?

I'm certainly no techy, but I noticed on my laptop I only get that error if for some reason I had to use my modem instead of connecting via wifi. I assumed it was a conflict between active synch and the modem port. So, the last time I installed AS I made sure I was using the modem and force AS to another port. So far, no more probs.

note to self: Think of something to put here.

Laptop connections??

         

Cheers for that - it reminded me that I re-installed my 56k modem (trialling voice recording software), I'll take it out and try again - unless anyone knows a quick way to disable the modem card?