Database Users

Why oh why is Activesync so awful??

Here I am, installing 4.1 for a third time....
Why is it so hard to make a stable connection utility? All I get now, no matter what I do re: firewall/connecting while off/rebooting/rerunning AS is "USB Device Not Recognized".
God I hates it.
I take it there is NO alternative to syncing my Outlook 2003 etc?

Yep, it's about as tempremental as a 3 year child.
I find best solution after that error is.
1 disconnect pc and universal
2 reboot both and let them finish starting
3 press power switch on universal to put it to stand by.
4 connect them
5 when universal awakes go to activesync and select sync.

Have you checked your firewall thoroughly?
This drove me crazy until I realized the firewall was blocking connection to the device.
Remember that with stoopid new activesync, which also conveniently removes wifi syncing, you are making a tcp connection to the device that requires a clear path through your firewall.
V

vijay555 said:
Have you checked your firewall thoroughly?
This drove me crazy until I realized the firewall was blocking connection to the device.
Remember that with stoopid new activesync, which also conveniently removes wifi syncing, you are making a tcp connection to the device that requires a clear path through your firewall.
V
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Was giving error even with firewall temporarily (!) turned off.
All sorted now, uninstall etc...

I gave up on USB and use Bluetooth only (works perfectly)
I gave up on trying to get USB to work with Activesync ... after several hours of frustration. I use the "Connect via Bluetooth" option and it has worked perfectly everytime, which is a great improvement of my XDAII. I hope this helps.

I used the newest german version on buzzdev.net
Connected immediately.
So i think it's the version,

USB PROBLEM. ACTIVESYNC keeps Connecting but no sync ! :-(

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

Activesync hanging on "Looking for changes"

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

Active Sync problem with brand new MDA CompactII

Somebody please help me!! I today got my new MDA Compact II. Have started it up and loaded active sync.
Whenever I connect it to the computer ActiveSync only gets as far as "Retrieving Settings"
No other Syncing takes place, however I can see the device in "My Computer" on my laptop.
I cant be doing anything wrong, its not as if i'm a newbie and have never used Active Sync before.
Anyone else encountered this problem?
I'm getting really frustrated, can anyone shed some light on this before it gets launched out the window?

You can try a few thing
(1) Remove the partnership of your device. E.g. File -> Delete Mobile device. It reconnect your phone it should ask you to set up a new partnership
(2) Remove the partnership, uninstall your active sync, reboot your system and reinstall your active sync
btw, the mobile device on your My Computer is there after you installed the activesync, doesn't mean much.

I expect it is the same problem as i see 50-60 times a day at work
Firewalls!
Sygate corporate firewall will not work until you do the MTU size hack.
On other firewalls, (McAfee, Sygate personal, etc) they dont always shut down when you disable them, they actually just hiode from you.
Check the MS site and make sure you have DEFINITELY added all the processes and ports to your firewall.
on the off chance it is not a firewall,
As it is now a TCP/IP connection with WM5, just cos your wm2003 device works, doesn't mean you've done everything right.
Try turning off any pop up blockers etc and check you only have the standard three protocols (at most, you should get away with only TCP/IP) enabled on the network connection that activesync creates. any other strange protocols can cause problems in communication.

What version of ActiveSync are you using? You tested the 4.2 Preview?

How to set a BA WM6.1 on XP with AS 4.5?

I can't connect, grayed out. Can't find a solution on this part for the forum for it?

There is no specific solution, as this should just work out-of-the-box. Maybe a proper HardReset will solve the problem?
And BTW: what is grayed out? AS connection is initiated automatically just after connection. Maybe connection is not properly done or cable is damaged?

Reinstalling AS might also work as well. I have had that happen to me before, but before going into HR, reinstalls, flashing, etc., try the obvious ones (ie, try to plug the craddle in a different USB port)

On the pocket :
Start => Settings => System=>USB to PC=>Enable advanced network functionality should be checked
On the PC
open activesync
File => Connection settings=>Allow USB connections should be checked
after these settings your device should connect, if it is not check if your firewall blocks the access of activesync to the network

yes, my only experience of failure was due to a firewall that blocked the connection between BA and AS...
Try to shut it momentarily down and then retry
If you are not successful this way, perhaps you have problems on connectors or cables, but it sounds me quite strange...
Let us know how you are going on!

...or change your USB port...

xplode said:
On the pocket :
Start => Settings => System=>USB to PC=>Enable advanced network functionality should be checked
On the PC
open activesync
File => Connection settings=>Allow USB connections should be checked
after these settings your device should connect, if it is not check if your firewall blocks the access of activesync to the network
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Xplode. I did all this still it isn't connecting. I haven't tried the XP firewall yet. Now I have read on the above the first option could be untaggged but this was about another device. Many seems to have similar problems when not using Vista and de comm. center but everthing on hardware is working here.I put off the firewal for a moment, reset and it basically didn't do anything. AS is set as an exception in the firwall options. Can't do much more now since I am in the hospital since 5-31

I have the same problem with my notebook. If you're email-account in Outlook is running on an Exchange-Server, ActiveSync will only connect when the PC ist connected to the Exchange-Server. I tryed ActiveSync on an other PC without Exchange and it's working.
Greets Rossi

Meanwhile I removed Office 2003 still I haven't been able to sync with the device.I haven't got any exchange account. I can't remember if I did before at home, sync.Probely not. I can't test because I ain't home yet. I didn't use the BA as my main device, just to experiment with.
Hmm, I did browse the BA via AS at home