X51V (A12) worked great for on Vista's Windows Mobile Device Center 6.0 and Outlook 2007. Upgraded to WMDC 6.1 and now WMDC can't detect my device

Uninstalled device drivers and WMDC software (as best one can on Vista). And plugged pda in. Vista recognizes connection and installs drivers. Reinstalled WMDC, tried hard and soft resets, alternate cables, even tried to sync my old HP2210.... same problem! ... so I think it's a vista problem??
Microsoft told me to contact Dell

Dell's no help

I've been reading all the threads regarding same or similar problem - anyone resolve it!
Please help, I'm running out of ideas!