RFC: ActiveSync Disconnects during/after Sync, only WM2003?

[docsmooth]

OK, first off, this is a Request for Comments and a cross-post in one.

First, the cross-post:
I've mentioned this thread before, over on the Dell Support Forums (link goes to page 16) http://forums.us.dell.com/supportfor...ending&page=16

My first post about this problem (and on this board), was here: http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showt...threadid=28473

I wanted to start a new thread.

Now, the RFC: If you're having disconnect issues (Place Axim in cradle, and without doing anything, it randomly disconnects from the PC - the ActiveSync icon in the systray goes from green to grey), please post the following info: Are you using your Axim on a stand-alone (connected to the internet, and nothing else) PC, on a work PC, or other LAN connection? Please also state connection type; whether your Axim was pre-loaded with 2003, of if you upgraded; what the ROM version is; what version of USB is on your computer; and if you've tried the powered USB hub fix Dell support mentions fixs 90% of these problems.
I'll be using this info in my open case with Dell.

I personally have an Axim X5 400MHz, purchased in May with 2002, now running 2003, ROM A05. I've not tried the powered USB hub fix AT HOME, where I'm connected to the internet through DSL. I've got USB1.1, and have tried ActiveSync 3.6, 3.7.0 and 3.7.1. My USB driver states that I have 500ma available, and only 2 required for the Axim. The only other USB device I have is a scanner, which is currently unplugged from the wall (completely off).

I have 2 co-workers who I support, both with X5 400's preloaded with WM2003. I will get ROM versions tomorrow. They are both using AS3.7.0. One is a USB2.0 Intel MB desktop, the other is a USB1.1 laptop. THey have tried the "powered USB hub" fix.

I'll keep this thread updated, along with the one on the Dell forums, as long as you guys will help with the information on your setups. What fixes have you tried? Did they work? Between the 3 systems I support, I've tried them all (change power settings on axim, "allow computer to turn off this device" in DevManager, WindowsNT4 SP5 compatibility, powered USB hub, use USB2.0, not 1.1, try different version of AS, etc.) that I've found.

Thanks for your help, and I'll let you know when more info is available. (Please read the crosspost for full info).

[docsmooth]

"John" from Dell called me back today (He's the one I spoke with on Saturday for about 30-45 minutes, and asked all the questions I have already answered). He and his manager "Edison" are looking into the "random disconnect on Windows Mobile 2003" issue for me, and will get back to me "within a few days".

Some information Dell gave me, i thought I'd pass to this board:
1) The tech manager I spoke with Saturday, "Edison" said that a powered USB hub is fixing this problem for over 90% of the cases they see.
2) They claimed that USB1.1 wasn't supported (it worked with PPC2002, so why not 2003?, as I stated above).
3) They said that they've only seen this problem with *upgraded* Axims, not preloaded Axims. I've seen this problem with 2 pre-loaded Axims, and an upgraded one, and that's why they're looking deeper into it.

Updates will continue as I have info available.

[Montero]

I'm having disconnect problems with Axim X5 (PXA255) on networked standalone. Upgraded from PPC2002 to 2003 (v4.20.1081 build 13100) via Dell CD. ROM version A05. Using USB 2.0 connection on an Intel D845BG mobo. Have tried power hub, but get same problem. Tried both AS3.7.0 (from Dell CD) and AS3.7.1, same problem. Power management is turned off on all root hubs. Interesting note about my disconnect problem, it disconnects shortly (random timing) after placing the Axim in the cradle, but then I power the Axim off then on while it is still in cradle, it will stay connected for as long as I leave it in the cradle, even a full day. This leads me to believe it is an initialization problem with the ActiveSync component on the Axim.

[JakeRich]

This problem is also showing up on Toshibas and Ipaqs. It looks like a M$ problem, not Dell.

[mavlb]

I got an AXIM X5 400Mhz for Christmas. I'm using (?) no I'm not. It is connected to a standalone PC using the USB cradle. The AXIM came preloaded with PPC2003, Outlook 2002. So far I have been unable to establish a partnership between PC and and AXIM. The wizard to create the partnership did not appear. I have installed/uninstalled/reinstalled many times to no avail. I have installed MS ActiveSync 3.7.1 which seemed to maintain a link between the two but nothing happened. The only achievement to date is that I no longer need to visit the barber.

Mav

[JakeRich]

Mav, on the dell cdrom there is a file in the root directory that ends in .inf. That file points to the Dell USB driver, which you must install. Go to Add Hardware, with the Axim in the cradle and the cradle attached and then look under the USB devices. If you don't have one for the Dell Axim, the driver is NOT installed. Add the hardware and then point to the .inf file when it asks for where the drivers are located.

[mavlb]

JakeRich: Thanks for that. PC is showing Dell AXIM USB Sync and informs that there are no problems. Ha! PC is running XP HE. Appreciate any other advice you or others may have.

[Montero]

Mav... take a look at some of the troubleshooting tips at
http://www.cewindows.net/faqs/t-shootactivesync.htm

Montero

[docsmooth]

Jake - you have links to any Toshiba / Compaq forums with the same problem? I couldn't find any last month when I looked.

to everyone: I've been swamped lately - no updates from me though, will have time to call Dell back this weekend since they've forgotten me.

[Montero]

Nice winter storm here in the Great Lakes State knocked out my cable service a few days ago. Without broadband network connection my Axim didn't disconnect, not one cotton-pickin' time. When the cable modem went back online, the disconnects started again.

Is it possible that broadband network connections are causing this problem? Maybe those who don't have problems are using dial-up connections.

[keithgy]

I had the same problem (x5/400/64/48) I noticed the problem AFTER I installed activesync 3.7.1 (the new one with all the upgraded bugs:)) This continued until uninstalled 3.7.1 and reinstalled 3.6. Since then, I haven't had the problems.

[keithgy]

one other thing... this happened at home and work (Both DSL). Both were fixed w/ 3.6.

[heathermh]

My x3 was disconnecting after syncing. Now it seems to stay connected, but won't reconnect if I remove it from the cradle and then put it back in the cradle. I have to reboot or move the cradle to a different USB port to get it to reconnect, then it works fine until I remove the x3 from the cradle (I get the error: USB Device Not Recognized). I got this far by modifying my ActiveSync setup on the x3 and setting "When syncing remotely - *Maintain connection*".

My setup info: IBM Thinkpad T40 laptop connected to work network w/ internet access. Windows XP Pro. My Axim was preloaded with 2003. ROM version A00. USB 2.0. ActiveSync 3.7.1 build 3244.

I haven't tried any other hubs - everything was working fine until recently. The problem *may* have started when I was push-upgraded to Windows Media Player 9 at work. Has anyone else seen any potential problems with Media Player?

About the same time, I started getting periodic errors that my x3 "couldn't connect" - I'm not sure what it's trying to connect to... this happens randomly when I haven't put it in the cradle or told it to connect. ActiveSync on my x3 seems like it's having issues...

[amcsinc]

My wife and I each got X5 Basic's with sync cradles last month and have had the same problem, she on her computer, and me on mine. The ActiveSync reconnect feature doesn't work. We have to pull the X5 out of the cradle and reinsert it to sysnc. Both X5's came preloaded w/WM2003 and the ActiveSync 3.7.1 CD and ROM A05. We're using Win98 SE and Outlook 2000. Her cradle is plugged directly to the computer, mine goes thru a powered hub, both are USB 1.1. She has a scanner also plugged into the computer; I have a scanner on the hub. We have a D-Link 614+ router so both computers can get on line (cable modem), but have not networked the computers.

[amcsinc]

OK, it just happened to me for no apparent reason. I have Outlook and Word open. The little sync ball went gray and the chime sounded. It said "not connected." I powered the X5 down and up in the cradle and ActiveSync restarted.