Windows Vista Mobile Device Center Walkthrough

**Chris Leckness** · 01-30-07, 03:07 PM

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.

static · 01-30-07, 04:28 PM

Have you tried bluetooth sync?
I have had no success with any of the Mobile Device Center beta so far.

**Martin** · 01-30-07, 05:10 PM

Chris,

You've already posted this here.

01-30-07, 05:33 PM

thanks for the walk through Chris. Even if you did already post it.

**Chris Leckness** · 01-30-07, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by Martin

Chris,

You've already posted this here.

Oops. I am bad. Sorry.

Oldman · 01-31-07, 02:45 AM

I have just installed Vista Ultimate, and it does not seem to recognize my axim being connected at all.
WMDC is there, but all is says is waitng for device to be connected
I have tried with and with out the X51V docked.
It is frustrating, I am hoping somebody has some suggestions for me

Thanks Heaps!

01-31-07, 03:47 AM

Originally Posted by Oldman

I have just installed Vista Ultimate, and it does not seem to recognize my axim being connected at all.
WMDC is there, but all is says is waitng for device to be connected
I have tried with and with out the X51V docked.
It is frustrating, I am hoping somebody has some suggestions for me

Thanks Heaps!

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.

FrinkTL · 01-31-07, 08:29 AM

AWESOME pictorial walkthrough. This was one of my points of concern in moving to Vista. Seems like it should be pretty painless as far as my Pocket PC's go. Keep us posted of any issues you encounter!

Oldman · 01-31-07, 09:58 AM

Thanks for the help, that worked perfectly!

01-31-07, 03:20 PM

For those of us that are still using (And Enjoying) our X50v's running PPC2003 will it work with it or should I just keep the old system on XP and SYNC with it only?

**Chris Leckness** · 01-31-07, 04:13 PM

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that Methias, I DO NOT THINK that it supports PPC2003 or below. Unless something has changed, this was the case at Mobius.

Merlinboy · 01-31-07, 07:19 PM

I'm running an x50v with 2003se and it works fine under Vista Ultimate. No issues at all so far. Seems to work better than the original activsync 4.1

01-31-07, 07:57 PM

THX,
Just got my new XPS Laptop and haven't even taken it out of the box.
Maybe this weekend I will just have to try..................

JeffFlowerday · 01-31-07, 09:08 PM

Official releases 64 bit and 32 bit.

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...;DisplayLang=en

02-01-07, 10:50 AM

I saw on CNBC yesterday that all the online gaming sites are incompatable with Vista because of security issues. I was wondering about online useage with Vista because I saw the day before Microsoft said they fixed all of Windows security issues with Vista! We will see!