Related
Hi,
If anyone can spare some time to look at my problem.
Basically : I have received my new O2 XDA EXEC and have tried a few times to synchronise it using
- the included 4.0 Activesync
- the download 4.1 Activesync
Problem is : when I plug the USB to the device, it is recognise and Activesync start spinning and displays "Connecting..." but would just keep connecting without moving further (as screenshot below).
I looked for issues like this on various website and here, but nothing really looks like what I am experiencing, anyone has an idea where to go from now ?
I checked
- firewall (activesync is in the list of exception)
- uninstalled activesync, reboot pc, reinstall, reboot pc.. still no luck
- install activesync on a second PC and do the same: no luck
- used a different mini USB cable, no luck so it's not the cable.
Do you think I should send my XDA back ? everything else seems to work (GPRS, Wifi, BT..)
Thanks a lot for your suggestion ?
PS: the device is recognised as I can ping it too from the PC.[/b]
Well you seem to have hit all the usual suspects. Regarding the firewall issue, in ZoneAlarm I also watched the logs, found a blocked connection attempt that seemed to be my device and set that to the trusted/allowed zone which helped back when I was having problems. The next step might be a hard reset on the Exec.
Try disabling your firewall and test the connection.
For some firewalls you have to do more than just allow ActiveSync.
Try diabling the password. That cofused my activesync the first time I tried my replacement handset
Disable firewall completely, than retest if activesync will work. Helps in 99%.
HTH
Chris
I'm currently having "issues" with ActiveSync too. Every time I try to sync when there are more than about 25 changes that need updating, my JasJar decides to open an ActiveSync window on the JJ (for no apparent reason).
It only manages to show the top half of the ActiveSync window (The "Connected" section with the progress bar are missing) then it freezes, requiring me to do a soft reset.
The only way I can currently sync all details successfully is to kill all non-essential processes with a process manager, and remove all today plugins (!), then it works with absolutely no problems. Not a very elegant solution, but it works for now, and as I've tried absolutely everything else I can think of in THIS thread, it'll have to do for now...
it works fine now ! I have disabled the firewall and also ..
uninstall Cisco VPN client, so not sure which one it was that caused the connexion problem.
Thx to all your fast responses.
I have mine Sync successfully after removing the anti-virus software. Not sure whether it works or not to install the anti-virus back on. I have followed all the instruction in Microsoft website, but with Trend Micro installed, it just couldn't Sync. That's why I removed it completely.
Maybe this will help You (or me ) further :
I can sync at home without problems, W-XP ASync 4.1, Internet through a Linksys Firewall/Router.
If I come to the office I get exactly what You have, visible, but no syncing.
I use W-XP there as well, same ASync 4.1, Internet through the Office Network.
When I disconnect the network cable, Microsoft Office will immediately notice and complain. I wait between 30-60 second and ASync will actually connect and sync. It will not sync to a Exchange Server though, as this is disconnected with the cable.
I would have come with this issue here, but probably a little later, as other problems are of higher priority to me now, but maybe this information helps here.
regards,
Ruud
Perhaps this hint may help you under certain conditions: http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?t=39002
regards
df2jh
Hi df2jh,
thanks, interesting read. I was able to solve my issue in the meantime.
My firewall, MS is restricting the programs used by MS ASync and therefore does not allow syncing.
Solution for me :
Disabled processes wcescomm.exe and rapimgr.exe in the Windows Task Manager
Wrote a text-file in the directory where ASync is in !! which will be searched for by the firewall (do not recall the name of this file, but can check it out if somebody needs it.) This file has one entry to disable the firewall in concern of rapimgr.exe.
Then run rapimgr and wcescomm by hand and, WOW, WCESMgr.exe will run itself and syncing it working flawlessly.
What I did not understand until then :
1) this special file should be in the ASync directory, not in the firewall directory
2) this special file is only searched for when ASync is run (PC boot), not when the USB is connected
For me this is solved, though not everything else in my sync problems.
Hope this helps others,
Ruud
Might not be the same issue but you may find my post in this topic of use
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=225939#225939
Might not be the same issue but you may find my post in this topic of use
http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=225939#225939
Had same problem on Kaiser and Wizard
I fixed it by going into Settings>Connections>USB to PC (in WM6.1, USB to PC is in system). Uncheck Enable Advanced Network Functionality. Fixed my active sync not connecting problems on both phones.
Hope that helps some of you!
escapemcp
Hi. This has worked for me, and solved a massive problem. Hope it helps someone else too.
Step 1:
Ensure you are trying to fix the same problem as I was by looking at the symptoms, which were:
- HTC Wizard synchronizes OK when you plug it in the first time
- It stays in sync if you leave it plugged in
- If you unplug it and then plug it back in at any time later, XDA goes s-l-o-o-o-w and then freezes and will NOT re-sync
- If you unplug it and soft reset before reconnecting then it's fine
Essentially, the Wizard was requiring a soft reset between every connection to the USB cable, or it would crash and require a reset anyway!
These issues have been discussed in about 10 threads on this board, and on pretty much every other resource for Wizards and Pocket PC devices on the net. I was, however, totally unable to find something like this which directly addressed the problem.
Step 2:
Download a program called Dr. TCP from here: http://www.dslreports.com/drtcp
Run it to open a dialog box with loads of fields with strange techy names... no, i didn't understand it either. However, I've been searching the net for days and I found an article here: http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/index.php/id;504222574;fp;2;fpid;1277378924 which told me how to work the numbers out...
In the bottom drop-down box, select "Windows Mobile-based Device" and enter 1492 in the box next to that. That's your maximum "MTU".
Here are the settings which work for me (from the top). If i don't mention a setting, I didn't change it!
Tcp Recieve Window: 261360
Dial Up (RAS) MTU: 1492
Path MTU Discovery: Yes
Save and Exit Dr. Tcp.
Step 3:
You need to open "Network Connections"... in XP, that's Start > Connect To > Show All Connections. I'm sure you can find it yourself. Anyway there should be an icon called "Local Area Connection (x)" with "Wireless Mobile-based Device" written in grey underneath.
Right click on that and select DISABLE. This will close your USB connection to your Wizard so those MTU settings can be applied.
Now unplug your Wizard from its cable. Here, I tried right clicking on the connection and selecting "Enable", but it just errored. So you need to unplug it.
Step 4:
Reconnect and see what happens. I am now happily disconnecting and reconnecting as many times as i like and it just keeps on synchronising itself. MAMMA MIA!
If this solves your nasty "i need to reset every time I disconnect" problems then please post here to say so. If it doesn't work then post here also, I guess. If this is a solution for you then credit for this is not mine - it's just the sum total of a lot of searching across this and other forums, websites and message boards. THANKS!
not working
These steps did not work for me.
I still have to reset the device otherwise I get this message after about 5 minutes.
"Synchronization cannot be completed successfully. Reconnect your device and try again. If the problem persists, see the Microsoft ActiveSync Troubleshooter in Microsoft ActiveSync Help on your desktop computer."
It appears to be only a problem syncing as I can still explore the device.
well...
...that's depressing. I genuinely thought that would work for other people too.
Did you read that PCWorld article I linked to? it explains how I got those numbers... they could be different for you, perhaps?
I'll keep thinking...
I did not look at the article. I'm having other issues trying to get my 2 computers synced with my mobile device http://forum.xda-developers.com/viewtopic.php?p=234189. Once I get those resolved I can try some different things.
On my home computer I am only synchronizing favorites and files and it doesn't appear to be a problem.[/url]
Oh right ok. I read your other post too, but I only have 1 PC for home and work so i can't help with that.
Has anyone else tried this?
I am no longer having the problem since I fixed my other sync issue (multiple computers issue). I had reinstalled activesync and did a hard reset on my device so maybe something else got cleared up. I am also having much better luck with the way my device is running. Before I was getting frequent slowdowns and lockups. I am a much happier customer and will be sticking with my cingular 8125. I just love all the features, but the activesync issues and slowness was starting to get to me. I'm so glad it is all behind me now and I can start to really enjoy the thing. Although I have yet to connect my bluetooth headset, that may have caused me issues too. Sorry I couldn't be more help testing this out.
I and a work college have had this problem on both our systems and found that it was being caused by Avantgo.
It would work fine and sync every time for days until we installed Avantgo.
After these we both had the symptoms you describe in the first post until we did a hard reset and re installed everything except Avantgo, it was then fine again. As a test I then reinstalled it and it started not syncing again, my college who has not reinstalled it has had no further problems.
I have now been running for 3 weeks with no problems and no Avantgo.
If you have it installed it may be worth trying it without for a wile and see if it helps.
Didn't work for me. Still no connection when plugging in for the 2nd time. MTU value changes back to blank when opening the Dr.TCP again, the other values are ok though. But thanks anyway for the hints!
Greetings,
Andreas
Didn't work for me neither...
just to check (i know this sounds daft) but you did DEFINITELY press the SAVE button in Dr TCP before you pressed the EXIT button? can't imagine why it wouldn't store the data.
aaaaaaaaanyway i guess it's not the ubersolution i thought it was
Now I thought I had this working 100% using this hack (It was on a clean install of WM5 however so this may have been why it worked). Anyhow, it stopped working again after I installed PocketWeather ... now locks up whenever I connect....
I wonder if it is 3rd part s/w causing some of the problems with AS? Is it down to the scheduled update in PocketWeather or simply hooks into the ConnectionManager / ActiveSync from apps looking to see if a network connection exists....
I think some more investigation is required ... or perhaps I will flood MS with 1000's of emails telling them how flakey their software is *(Though I think they already know that)*
Any updated? I'm having this same problem, except my device won't connect at all! Even after a reset. It connected once and that was it.
Hi Silentz,
sure, I saved the settings. I'll try the ActiveSync clean install-method and report the results. 'Hope that MS will put out an update or better version soon! Rumours out there?
Greetings,
Andreas
tried and failed...
tried the above TCP solution- Not working for me either...
Found best solution. Go try the latest imate rom. You can then plug out/in the cable as many times as you want & it'll just work fine.
Bebbo said:
Now I thought I had this working 100% using this hack (It was on a clean install of WM5 however so this may have been why it worked). Anyhow, it stopped working again after I installed PocketWeather ... now locks up whenever I connect....
I wonder if it is 3rd part s/w causing some of the problems with AS? Is it down to the scheduled update in PocketWeather or simply hooks into the ConnectionManager / ActiveSync from apps looking to see if a network connection exists....
I think some more investigation is required ... or perhaps I will flood MS with 1000's of emails telling them how flakey their software is *(Though I think they already know that)*
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It seems to be as soon as you access the internet through the passthru connection on Activesync. So installing AvantGo/PocketWeather might explain this to a certain degree as they may be accessing the internet.
Incidentally, how could Microsoft have stuffed up so badly with Activesync? It's a tiny program but works so badly - Couldn't a third party come up with a different version of Activesync or something? I'd pay for it if it worked better than this crock!
Just for info, the latest iMate ROM (With Push Email) does indeed seem to fix this issue. Obviously it was with the WM5 side rather than anything that could be fixed on the PC side.
My Active-sink probelms disappeared since upgrade to the latest iMate ROM. Has been working like a charm with all apps and utilities installed, Tweaks2k2, Spb Pocket Plus, Pocket Informant, Worldmate Pro, etc...
told you it works
cheers
I am running the 2.08 (Qtek test) rom and have this issue since last friday. before that never had it!!
What I changed on thursday was: enable exchange server sync and use it. because push-email si no solution for me I just disabled it and dropped the association.
Then (on friday) the trouble started.
I tried DrTCP...and ended up with a broken netlogon (secure client) service on the pc. The IS solution for that was a new image . . thank you very much.
I am back on track with the pc now, but AS still slows down my device.
Are any of you having this trouble using or have used:
-Push email
-Blackberry
What is the amount of free program memory on your device? Mine is around 6MB (probably caused by Blackberry install which I cant remove). . . .
Hi
Activesync just decided to stop working yesterday on my O2 XDA Mini S.. I've uninstalled and reinstalled both Activesync and Outlook 2003, and even resorted to hard resetting the device, but I still get a hang when I connect!!!
Any ideas?
Shaun
make a new partenship but do not tick the media box.something to do with media player. i have been having the problem for over a week.
whatever you do do not open media player wile sync as i will desconect the device.let me know how you get on.
I have been having this problem regularly with both my phones since I got my XDA mini S and MDA Vario 2 weeks ago.
I had the PPC6700 for a couple days (switched from cingular to sprint - hated their service so now am back to cingular) now I have the 8125 and with both devices 4.1 blows - very tricky to configure. My issues came from VPN mostly - I say mostly cause it still doesnt like to connect when I have that tunnel in place. What I determined to work on both handsets was sync the cal, inbox, tasks, and contacts with exchange and sync NOTHING locally. If I need to transfer files I do it via mSD card - apps install regardless. This is a high level accounting of what I went through, but will go through more detail if you want.
I had the same problem also some weeks back. It ended up being due to the software firewall I am running (sygate). I've discovered that I have to completely exit the firewall app (rather than just allow all traffic) if I want to sync properly - a real pain!
Based on a bit of hunting I've found out that the activesync connection works by creating a software USB - tcpip bridge. The first step on connecting the win mobile is to assign an ip address to the connection. This proceeds ok with the firewall app running as it works via the normal DHCP port numbers. Once this is done activesync knows there is a win mobile machine connected and starts trying to commumicate with it ( connected..... looking for changes). The problem now is that the communication between activesync and the machine occurs via different ports number *which are blocked by the firewall app*. This also explains why you can't sync when you have a VPN active - the VPN blocks the traffic from the 'extra' local address created by the activesync DHCP request and activesync consequently can't tell the win mobile is attached.
What I don't understand is why if doesn't work when I tell the firewall to "allow all"! There is a document on microsoft's site explaining how to go about setting up a firewall to allow this traffic (google for 'activesync firewall problem'). Problem is that it doesn't seem to work with the sygate firewall as far as I can tell...... any ideas anyone?
does anyone know if you can install IPX/SPX on the handheld?
Hi
Thanks but still not working... I am not running my VPN (I know Activesync never works with my VPN). I do not have any firewall software in place, and the windows firewall is off. My antivirus is disabled when I sync, and I have a valid, DHCP assigned IP address.
I am not syncing media - in fact the *only* item I have ticked is files.
I can explore the pocketpc OK, so I know its physically connecting.
:-(
Any other ideas?
Shaun
this page may help
http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/faqs/activesync/tshoot-as4x.htm
Hi
Sigh, still no luck. So far I have:
1. Repaired and then Reinstalled Activesync 4.1
2. Repaired and then Reinstalled Outlook 2003
3. Repaired mapi32.dll
4. Hard reset the XDA mini S
5. Deleted all partnerships, both sides
6. Changed sync options to only sync favorites
7. Reapplied XP SP2 and patches
8. Removed all firewalls and antivirus software
9. Tried different cables, and IR connections
Yet still, no matter what I do, I get "Looking for changes" forever. Exporing the PPC is fine.
I cannot reinstall XP - this is an company laptop, and MIS do not allow us to reinstall our OS, and as they don't support the XDA, they won't reinstall XP either....
So I'm left with no options - back to a palm!?
Regards
Shaun
Sorted!!
Phew
After random playing I found it... It hangs if "favorites" is n the sync list. If I delete the partnership and when the wizard restarts, untick favorites, it syncs OK.
In all my testing, I had stupidly assumed things like files and favorites would work...
So... I think I'll live without favorites.
Shaun
U must have stuff which is not uninstalled properly. try unchecking everything for SYNC except Files.
I have experienced the same problem. Activesync worked great out of the box, but several days later, began hanging up on "Looking for Changes". Nothing that I tried fixed the problem, including reinstallation, deletion of devices from both sides, syncing with BT, etc. Finally, I gave up and did a hard reset, and Activesync immediately worked perfectly again! I assume that one or more programs I installed on the MDA along the way was causing the problem, and I am now going to methodically reinstall apps until I find the culprit. I will post again when I identify the guilty party.
had the same problems, tried all the standard solutions and nothing fixed the hanging on sync issue...
until i plugged the phone into the usb add-on card instead of plugging in to the motherboard's usb ports.
haven't had any problems since!
Had about the same problem.
Just synchronized once, and on a second connection hung on connecting or looking for changes. Tried everything I could think of.
Last resort was a cold reboot without restoring the backup..
Then synchronizing worked like a charm.
Put back the backup and it still works.
Why? Beats me........
Edit
It stopped functioning again. Have to do a soft reset and delete the partnership on th PC.
Then it will sync for as long as the Wizard stays in the cradle.
When I take it out it won't sync for a second time
Hangs on looking for changes
I find it does this everytime, without fail, if outlook is open when I connect.
If it's closed, and I connect, no problem.
Another quirk is media player.
When the device is connected and you open a movie file in WMP. If you close WMP, the file continues playing (in audio at least). Disconnect the device, no problem.
Works now
Hi,
I had same problem.
I was using Zone Alarm and after I configured it right it worked.
I had to upgrade to pro
Microsoft has got a nice page that explains it for different firewalls.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/help/activesync/default.mspx
I do not really understand why it does work now when it didn't when I just diabled the windows firewall or later the ZoneAlarm firewall. But it works now.
Greetz,
Pfeffa-rah
I also had all kind of troubles trying to sync via USB. Now I sync via BT and it works pretty well so far. No need to disable the firewall, no hanging, etc. But I only sync the Outlook stuff, no files or favorites.
Bogus said:
I had the same problem also some weeks back. It ended up being due to the software firewall I am running (sygate). I've discovered that I have to completely exit the firewall app (rather than just allow all traffic) if I want to sync properly - a real pain!
Based on a bit of hunting I've found out that the activesync connection works by creating a software USB - tcpip bridge. The first step on connecting the win mobile is to assign an ip address to the connection. This proceeds ok with the firewall app running as it works via the normal DHCP port numbers. Once this is done activesync knows there is a win mobile machine connected and starts trying to commumicate with it ( connected..... looking for changes). The problem now is that the communication between activesync and the machine occurs via different ports number *which are blocked by the firewall app*. This also explains why you can't sync when you have a VPN active - the VPN blocks the traffic from the 'extra' local address created by the activesync DHCP request and activesync consequently can't tell the win mobile is attached.
What I don't understand is why if doesn't work when I tell the firewall to "allow all"! There is a document on microsoft's site explaining how to go about setting up a firewall to allow this traffic (google for 'activesync firewall problem'). Problem is that it doesn't seem to work with the sygate firewall as far as I can tell...... any ideas anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
First of all you have to open the ports in the sygate firewall like microsoft describes (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/help/activesync/sygate.mspx)
For getting the synchronization to run with the sygate firewall it seems to be necessary to change the maximum tcp ip packet size (MTU).
You have to change the RNDIS driver settings in the mobile phones registry as well. Use a regedit tool like PHM Registry Editor:
Here are the settings to be added (or to be changed respectively):
Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Drivers\USB\FunctionDrivers\RNDIS
Name of the Value to add: MTU
Type : DWORD
Data: 1514 (Value is Decimal)
Name of Value to add: MaxOutTransfer
Type: DWORD
Data: 1642 (Value is Decimal)
After a reset my Prophet (XDA Neo) synchronized well with active sygate firewall!
had the same problem
I had the same problem when i first got my mda. It didn't even work off the bat. I noticed it was my computer because i tried it at work and it worked perfectly. I called everybody and tried everything you can possibly imagine. In the end i said the hell with it and i reinstalled my OS. Now its working like a charm. Don't what caused it but I haven't had it since.
firewall
I had this same problem and i had to go open up some ports in my windows xp firewall, once i did this, it worked just fine.
if you read the trouble shooting steps that come with the program it tells you that.
-Chuck
I can't perform a sync. My computer recognizes the new device, but active sync just hangs showing a window stating: "retrieving settings..."
Any ideas as to how to fix active sync?
I already tried uninstalling active sync and performing a hard reset on my Exec, but it still end up with active sync hanging.
I have the same Problem and no Idea what to do...
OK, I was able to sync using BT. Now when I connect my Exec using USB, my Exec still won't sync via USB. I already checked the settings if I had the check mark on syncing via USB and I do. I can access my SD Card via USB, but it still won't allow me to sync via USB. Any ideas?
I know I am missing a setting somewhere. Hmmmmm.
OK, another update guys, it seems that active sync allows me to install programs without syncing, so to me this is no hindrance, as long as I can access my SD Card and install applications via USB, it's good enough for me. I guess if I want to sync I just have to use BT. But any solutions on your part is also appreciated.
Hi,
somteimes that's an issue related to firewall or antivirus.
If you're using Sygate or Kaspersky that could happen.
If you use Sygate there's a file in Buzzdev.net to solve the issue.
Hope to be helpful
durius said:
Hi,
somteimes that's an issue related to firewall or antivirus.
If you're using Sygate or Kaspersky that could happen.
If you use Sygate there's a file in Buzzdev.net to solve the issue.
Hope to be helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't use Sygate. I do have System Suite with NetDefense Firewall. I'll try and disable my firewall to check if that is what causing me to unable to sync via USB. But how come it allows me to access my SD Card and insatall applications if my firewall is blocking active sync. Shouldn't it be blocking all functions of active sync? I'll post my update once I disable my firewall. Thanks durius.
Hi, it's not the firewall.
BUMP,
I still have this problem.
I had the same problem
1. no Activesync exept the first time
2 no Mailsynch via wireless
3 MSN messenger wouldn't log in
I did a hard reset with the same rom and voila
everything works now.
I jus deleted the wireless remove cab from the xtended rom before the hard reset as i wanted the Wireless Today item back
I also had problems with new Rom , installed ActiveSync 4.1 ,big mistake. Rolled back to 4.0 and now all perfect.
Activesync not working after ROM update HTC Wizard (Vario)
admisi said:
I also had problems with new Rom , installed ActiveSync 4.1 ,big mistake. Rolled back to 4.0 and now all perfect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
I had same problem too after installing i-mate ROM - Activesync just kept saying 'Connecting...'. I went into Device Manager, disabled the Windows Mobile card within network cards, checked for updated drivers (it didn't find any so assume this step is irrelevant) then re-enabled the network card and it all worked like a dream.
Hope this helps.
Steve
I had this same issue, drove me crazy. I managed to fix it, but I'm about to be really unhelpful as I din't fix it in a particularly scientific manner.
I was so annoyed that I did the following 3 things, in this order
1 - Went to Device Manager and unistalled Windows Mobile device #X
2 - Uninstalled Activesync build 4.1.41xx, went into \windows\system32 and deleted rapi.dll, then reinstalled version 4.1.40xx something or other
3 - Turned off my firewall
I then managed to sync the phone again, turned the firewall back on. It now syncs fine, but I do still get the msg on the PPC saying "unable to get an IP address"
I sync with two PCs, my home machine and a work laptop. I don't know if maybe I was running two different versions of activesync, but I was able to sync with the laptop even while this was going on.
From what stevegiraffes says, it appears that it was actually step 1 above that fixed the issue. The strange thing was that my PPC device name had been M5000, but after managing to get the damn thing to sync at home it became WM_Ownername again; minor point.
Very odd, but major panic now over
Happy Pi day everyone!
durius said:
Hi,
somteimes that's an issue related to firewall or antivirus.
If you're using Sygate or Kaspersky that could happen.
If you use Sygate there's a file in Buzzdev.net to solve the issue.
Hope to be helpful
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I stand corrected. It was Windows Firewall that caused the problem. I tried disabling both my firewalls again and it worked. Thanks!
Thanks to everyone that responded. I tried all your suggestions, but in the end it was the FIREWALL after all. I am glad this was over.
I've been successfully synchronizing with two PCs for the better part of a year. Last week, with no obvious change in software (but there were some XP updates), synchronization quit working correctly. The symptom is that when I go back to a PC I have already sync'd with, activesync doesn't recognize the existing partnership and insists that I delete one of my two partnerships. If I do this, say at home, it will sync fine, but then when I reach the office, activesync doesn't recognize the existing partnership there. I am not running exchange on either machine. I run zonealarm pro with the standard fix that has worked fine, and nothing on any machine changed except standard updates.
I'm using Activesync 4.1 because when I tried 4.2 when it first came out, it didn't sync properly, and running the stock t-mobile 2.6, but without most of the extended ROM items.
Any ideas would be appreciated. I have not yet tried the hard reset with a fresh install of activesync that some advise, but did change the
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ActiveSync\EnableNonLocalCrossPollination
to one, which doesn't seem to have fixed the problem.
Trying 4.5
I installed activesync 4.5, first by deleting both partnerships, then stopping and uninstalling activesync on both pcs and deleting the activesync file in program files, then installing 4.5 and syncing. Now both have partnerships, and I'll know in the morning if that cured the problem.
SidebySide Errors and Fix
I looked in the Event Viewer under administrative tools, and activesync was generating a list of about twelve "red X" errors, all of the form
Dependent Assembly Microsoft.VC80.MFCLOC
called by something called SideBySide. A quick search turned up this fix:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/923014/en-us
and the installing of the download under Resolution eliminated the errors. I don't yet know if this is connected to my activesync partnership problems.
Solution!
This seems to be a complete solution: renaming the device.
http://www.cellphonetalk.net/viewtopic-146185.html
Help!
None of these solutions has fixed the problem! Has anyone figured out a solution that doesn't involve a hard reset?
Another solution
This doesn't work for me because no mobile device shows up under network connections:
Sometimes the Windows device manager recognizes the Windows Mobile adapter but Activesync does not recognize the device. In that case, go to Start—>Control Panel—>Network Connections. Look for the Windows Mobile adapter. Right click on it and go to properties. Under “This connection uses the following items” make sure 1) TCP/IP, 2) Client for Microsoft Networks and 3) File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks are selected. If not, just select them and hit OK. Activesync should recognize the device.
Frustrated
Well, I couldn't get this to work. Finally I did the hard reset. The good news is that I was at 99% functionality in under an hour; the remaining was the odd tweak I didn't have in my list, most of which I did when I had a minute otherwise unoccupied.
The hard reset seems to have fixed the problem. But what a nuisance! And still no glimmer of an idea as to what causes it. If anyone has a theory, I'm curious.