Since I installed Windows Vista yesterday, I had to set up the Windows Mobile Device Center. I use an Exchange Server (Which by the way works well with Outlook 2007) so I rarely sync anymore, but for when I do, I have to be ready. This walk through has over 25 screenshots, I hope you enjoy.

Features of Windows Mobile Device Center

• Streamlined setup - A simplified new partnership wizard and improved partnership management.
• Robust synchronization - Synchronization of business-critical data such as e-mail, calendars, contacts, tasks, favorites, and files.
• Photo management - Picture management helps you detect new photos on your Windows Mobile powered device, tag and import them to the Windows Vista Photo Gallery.
• Media synchronization – Use Microsoft Windows Media Player to synchronize and shuffle music files on your device.
• File browsing - A new device browsing experience enables you more quickly browse files and folders and open documents on your device directly from your PC.
• Enhanced user interface – A simple and compelling user interface helps you to quickly access critical tasks and configure your device.

The standard terms and stuff…



I connected the Cingular BlackJack and it connected after some whirling in the background installing drivers. I then clicked on “Set up your device”.


The screen pops up asking what I want to sync. Since I use an Exchange Server, I clicked off email and calendar. I don’t use OneNote, so obviously it was clicked off.


This is slick, you get to choose your device name right here! I chose BlackJack.


This went REAL fast, the partnership is being setup.


Once your device is complete with a sync, you see connected below the checkmark. In addition, the last sync time is displayed below that. Today at 6:49pm. Another thing to note, the software determined that the BlackJack is a smartphone and displays a smartphone icon. Not that this is anything huge, but you will see why I mention this later. When you hover over the 4 options on the right, the box expands to give you sub menus.


In the 1st menu, Programs and Services, there is a more link on the main screen. Clicking this link takes you to a list like the one above.


Here is the add/remove programs screen, very similar to the old Active Sync.


Here you see the options available for Pictures, Music, and Video in the expanded box.


File Management


Browsing the contents of my device…



The Mobile Device Settings has several options you can view by clicking the more link. You can see above that you return back to the main menu by clicking <

Here is the manage partnership screen. As you can see, I have my Exchange Service setup already.


Oops, What if I delete the exchange server partnership?


Connection Settings.


If you sell your device and just want to delete your device, it looks simple. Active Sync was a son of a gun. Not tough, just repetitive.

Remember this:

This was my old mess of a list from my XP installation…


Ok, my sync was done, so I took the BlackJack off the cable and we are back to waiting for a device!


This is the Sync Center Icon.


This is the Sync Center Screen.


OK, now to set up the Dell Axim X51. I put it on the cradle and this is what pops up. I X’ed out and set up the device with the Device Center.


Uh oh, I have 2 computers already? Weird, but hey, let’s delete them both. In order to move on, I had to clear up at least one.


The software sensed that I use and exchange server with Outlook and asked me to fill this in. Well, I don’t want to set up Exchange on my Axim, so I hit skip.


It’s syncing, and when done, just like with the BlackJack. I have options to play with. Note the Icon on the left, a PDA. The software knows the Axim is a Pocket PC.


Now, the Treo 700w on the otherhand, shows no Icon. The software thinks it’s a ghost I guess.


And on the Sync Center Page, the Treo shows a folder.

Chris Leckness, Administrator
Microsoft MVP - Mobile Devices

       

Does look a lot better than AS!

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Thanks for the walk through Chris.

Paul

   

Yeah Chris, that was informative. Are you going to report, as well, on your feelings about Vista?
Like, are you going to be forced into a computer upgrade to handle it and everything you want to run, etc, etc....

 

Chris Leckness, Administrator
Microsoft MVP - Mobile Devices

       

...ughh.. only for Vista ?

http://encoreppc.wordpress.com/

nice! saves me some time!

 

Thanks Chris,

HA HA when you scroll down it gives the impression of the pictures fading LOL, neato!


Peace,

When life gets you down you know what you have to do?

No what...?

Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming swimming swimming, what do we do we swim!
....
Dory - Finding Nemo

Thanx and nice job, both times

 

Dumb question: I am going to be installing Windows Vista in the next week. Does the Mobile Device enter replace Active Sync or should Active Sync be install also? Thanks.

Rip Henry
Lewisberry, PA, USA
Blog: Geek's Journey - Still 8 Bits per Byte

Hey Chris,

I hat the Vista RC1 on my Notebook and the Windows Mobile Device Center worked perfectly...

So yesterday I bought VISTA Ultimate since it is released!
I installed on my notebook....BUT...no WDMC???

Where is it? I hope Microsoft isn't making that strange move that they do not put it in Vista Ultimate (Isn't it included in VIsta Ultimate?)

Well so I dowloaded the Beta 3 of WDMC...but after installing it just won't start!
Even after Re-Installation...

I don't know what's going on, but this looks strange!
Should I have Outlook installed first, or why the he*** isn't the WDMC working on the Original Full Version Windows Vista Ultimate...

Do you have any idea? You wrote on aximsite that you have Vista running on your main PC...Do you have the WMDC on your Vista version? Is it running?

Thanks for your help!

Mike

ActiveSync 4.x handles the connection as a network - in the WDMC its back to a normal USB serial connection, so on your mobile device you will have to open the menus Start->Settings->Connections->USB to PC - and then remove the hack in Enable advanced network functionality og click OK - now the mobile device will be found corretly and the WDMC (Beta) wil be downloaded and installed.