ActiveSync problems?

[Atkiceman]

Whenever you have problems with activesync not syncing (Axim is in cradle and it just won't connect for whatever reason), try a soft reset. It has worked like a charm for me so far. I know this isn't a permanent fix - but it gets you synced up.

This leads me to believe there is something wrong with the Axim (software, drivers, etc) itself. So here is what I am thinking...

There are problems with the Axim not knowing it is disconnected from the cradle and activesync. When you close all programs from the switcher bar you get the "Activesync is not responding...it may be waiting for a response...blah blah". This is a known issue that has been discussed...but I am wondering if forcing activesync to close like this is causing troubles with syncing afterwards. And that is why the soft reset is required.

I don't know if anyone as posted any similar ideas or thoughts on this. I haven't seen anything yet so I thought I would post my experiences.

I don't think that it's the problem with Axim. It feels more like the problem with ActiveSync, both on Axim and PC. The fact that you get 'ActiveSync Not Responding..' message does not show that ActiveSync on Axim thinks it's still connected. It is just refusing do die!! :D

I've had several occations when the ActiveSync would not start even if I put my Axim on cradle. Most of the times, just removing Axim from the cradle and inserting it back solves the problem. Other times, my ActiveSync on PC freezes up.. so I have to kill it and restart...

Are you using XP?
Active Sync 3.5 (the version that ships on the Dell CD) is not fully compatible with Win XP.
Download version 3.6 from Microsoft.

[JakeRich]

Don't shut down Activesync. Just leave it running. When disconnected it takes almost no memory, it just sits there waiting for activity in the USB port to do its thing. I never have problems with Activesync, and I never shut it down.

[nskvarca]

If you have Mcafee privacy installed delete it. I would follow all instructions reload all software and would be able to sync one time. Then I would get an error message. The Axim would sync with the computer but the computer would not sync with the Axim.

[Qwab]

If you install the Personal Folders Backup utility from Microsoft (http://office.microsoft.com/download.../pfbackup.aspx)ActiveSync will stop working. Here are the details...

http:// support.microsoft.com / default.aspx?scid=kb%3ben-us%3b324864

Microsoft Knowledge Base Article - 324864
OL2002: ActiveSync: You Cannot Synchronize Outlook with Pocket PC
The information in this article applies to:
Microsoft Outlook 2002

This article was previously published under Q324864
SYMPTOMS
When you try to synchronize a device that runs Pocket PC 2002 software with Outlook 2002, you may receive one or both of the following error messages:

Microsoft Outlook Synchronization
ActiveSync cannot log on to Microsoft Outlook. Make sure Microsoft Outlook is installed and functioning correctly. You may need to restart your computer.
-or-



Microsoft Outlook Synchronization cannot be started because you are not able to log on to the network and access information. Restart your desktop computer and synchronize again. If the problem persists, contact your network administrator.
CAUSE
This behavior may occur if you have installed the Personal Folders Backup utility.
RESOLUTION
To resolve this problem, use the following methods in the order in which they are presented:
Method 1 - Remove the Outlook Backup Add-in
Start Outlook, and then click Options on the Tools menu.
Click the Other tab, and then click Advanced Options.
Click COM Add-Ins, click Outlook Backup Add-in, and then click Remove.
Click OK three times, quit all open programs, and then restart your computer.
Try to synchronize the Outlook items. This method should correct the problem in most cases. However, if the problem still occurs, go to method 2.
Method 2 - Remove the Outlook Personal Folders Backup Utility
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
Click Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders Backup, and then click Remove.
Follow the on-screen instruction to complete the wizard.
Try to synchronize the Outlook items. If the problem still occurs, go to method 3.
Method 3 - Rename the Microsoft Folder and Reinstall Programs
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
Locate and then click the C:\Program Files folder. In the right pane, see if there is a Microsoft folder (as opposed to Microsoft Office). If there is, make a note of the folder names in the Microsoft folder.
Back up any relevant data, and then remove all programs that were installed in the Microsoft folder. To remove the programs, follow these steps:
Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.
Click the program that you want to remove, and then click Remove or Change/Remove.
Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the program.
Follow steps b and c for all programs that you want to remove.
Close the Add or Remove Programs dialog box.
Rename the Microsoft folder as MicrosoftPrograms.
Reinstall all programs that you removed in step 3 to the MicrosoftPrograms folder.

[Gigi]

I too have had extensive problems with Activesync in the past. My problem was that Activesync would only work after a fresh reboot of Windows. If I left my Ax in the cradle after syncing once, it would never resync on its own again until I rebooted. I tried soft and hard resets, un and reinstalling Activesync 3.6 (I'm using XP), disabling firewall, uninstalling McAfee firewall and installing Zone Alarm, checking and reconfiguring Ax settings, and even getting a replacement Ax but NOTHING worked (at least permanently).

At first I thought it was DSL related because I started having problems about the same time I switched over from dial-up to DSL. In retrospect, I now realize that it had to do with hiccups during the syncing process, especially during the installation of new programs. I came to this conclusion because I found that after I got my replacement Ax and everything seemed ok, the problem started again once I tried reinstalling some programs. If I got errors during the installation process, or the application hung, my syncing problem would recurr. However, when I tried system restore to a time where Activesync was working normally, the problem was fixed. This makes sense in relation to my switchover to DSL since it was also at that time I started downloading extensively and trying out new applications.

Anyway, to sum it up, I have concluded that my Activesync problems are not due to problems with the Ax itself but to Activesync on my PC. It doesn't seem very "robust". Also, the best solution I have found to this problem has been to use Resync. It has worked like a charm for me!!!

[SuperXim]

Originally posted by Michael
Are you using XP?
Active Sync 3.5 (the version that ships on the Dell CD) is not fully compatible with Win XP.
Download version 3.6 from Microsoft.

I'm using Active Sync 3.5 (from the Dell CD) as well as Windows XP Home. Syncing between computer and handheld have worked everytime. Perhaps your problem is with a USB port or software conflict?

[rlsinchs]

Have XP Pro and have had synch problems as described in many posts.

At GG's suggestion I loaded resynch and it seems to have cleared up the problem.

Pretty simple solution!! Thanks GiGi

[Gigi]

Perhaps your problem is with a USB port or software conflict?

No, I don't think it's a USB port problem since I tried plugging in my cradle to different port and have checked my configurations. Also, all my other USB devices work just fine.

I think it IS some sort of software issue, but I don't have the technical knowledge to really figure out in which way.