WINDOWS MOBILE: CATASTOPHIC UPGRADE WIN-2K to WIN-XP

[bacarson]

A routine upgrade from Windows-2000 (Pro) to Windows-XP (Pro) turned into a catastrophy due to the way Windows-Mobile devices install after the upgrade. (Note: Win-2k and Mobile were flawless prior to upgrading to XP)

Problem: After the upgrade the AXIM-X51v Mobile device installs as a Network Adapter. The Activesync connection & recognized the AXIM, plug-n-play offers to install the device. Device drivers fail: Error message= "Name is already in use either as a service name or service display name."

(BTW: Windows XP device manager will not let you delete the Mobile AXIM device as a network adapter, stating it may be necessary for the computer to reboot.)

Repeated attempts to install only increase the Network Adapter ID by #1 ... #n incrementally. Same error and failure. Phone call to Microsoft, 4-hours later after registry edits, XP file integrity checks, multiple reboots > same result. Microsoft Solution=Clean install of XP. This clean install on second hardrive and multiple boot computer succeeeds in getting Mobile AXIM to install drivers, Follow-up recommendation/solution from Microsoft: Format C: , reinstall new XP, not an upgrade.

"Format C: Yes" as the final solution to get the AXIM X51v Mobile device to install drivers!!!!!

[Khris]

I didn't think people actually did OS Upgrades anymore due to the inherant problems.

[Bagelsnbrew]

Backup data > Format drive > Install new WinOS > Install apps > Restore data!!!

Painful? Yes! But at least with Windows, this is the only way to insure OS upgrade success.

[player911]

As with any OS, if you boot into Safe mode (F8) and delete the devices in Device manager that way... it'll actually delete them.

As with the increasing number... this sometimes happens with USB network devices and some internal. This happens by windows finding a new device and installing it again when it thinks there is one already installed, basically thinking your adding a second device.

The number usually won't get high, around 4. What I normally do, and it seems to correct it, is to rename your connections. Its good common practice to label your connections so you know what is what.

For example, Lan1 = Internal
Lan2 = External

Also, if you alternate from wireless and wired lan connectivity... disable the one your not using. Windows gets confused as to which one its pulling the internet from.

Install Service Pack 2 from Micrsoft. It won't automatically install.

After SP2, then get the rest of the updates.


I can understand where you are coming from. You'll prolly be disappointed of Windows XP. Nothing beats Windows 2000. It is prolly the most rock stabile OS in the Windows line. Server 2003 is up there on my list of cool OS's too.

I use XP because of the startmenu. Thats it. I love how the start menu has My computer, network places, etc. Saves time when there are lots of windows open and you need to access a new C:\ window.

And regardless of the OS, a nice clean full install is always in order. Upgrades are sloppy and nasty. Do what I do and just copy over your install files to a backup disc or external HDD or a networked computer for temp storage. Do a clean install, then copy back over the source install setup files and install all the programs freshly.

XP runs like hell compared to 2000. Be prepared for lock-ups and sloppy code. Damn that start menu!! All this talk makes me miss the good old days.

[dvmed]

XP runs like hell compared to 2000. Be prepared for lock-ups and sloppy code. Damn that start menu!! All this talk makes me miss the good old days.

Independent testing shows that XP pro outperforms older OS and at least equals 2000 pro. If you're going to make bold statements like that be prepared to back it up with proof.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/p...rformance.mspx

[bacarson]

I posted this for the primary reason of not wanting anyone else to have this experience. (Not expecting "lectures" about OS upgrades both here and on similar posting at the Dell Forum.

Also, any suggestions of solutions: during the Microsoft 3-1/2 hour phone call we tried all of the above. I have had two MS supervisors make follow-up phone calls with apologies. (For what ever that is worth)

As for Windows-XP vs. Windows-2000> this was the last computer on the home network not running XP. I believe XP handles wireless connections better than the OEM LAN-Monitors. Bootup time with XP is multiple times quicker too, better multi-media handling with photos & cameras etc. IMHO...

[Khris]

You'll prolly be disappointed of Windows XP. Nothing beats Windows 2000. It is prolly the most rock stabile OS in the Windows line. Server 2003 is up there on my list of cool OS's too.

Perhaps you should re-evaluate your list of "Cool OS's" if XP isn't on there.

XP runs like hell compared to 2000. Be prepared for lock-ups and sloppy code. Damn that start menu!! All this talk makes me miss the good old days.

I guess I did see a turnip truck go by....

For AS 3.8 and my X30, this is what I have done in similar situations..


Stop ActiveSync

Find where ActiveSync has stored the PPC profile. Mine is at
"C:\Documents and Settings\Noisy Crow\Application Data\Microsoft\ActiveSync\Profiles\MyX30"

Move it elsewhere. When you restart AS and plug in your Ax use the same device ID etc. When done installing copy the folder back, overwriting the one that was just created.