Related
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). . . .
was going to upgrade to the new exec ROM today.... except Active sync decided to fail on me.
I'm running 4.1 on windows XP (SP2) and when i connect the exec via USB NOTHING happens at all, the little icon doesn't even go green or anything. i just get two "bum" and "bum, bum" sounds lol
However the LED on the exec does turn orange (the charging mode colour)
any help is much appreciated on how i can resolve this issue.
thanks everyone!
Check your ActiveSync connection settings (file -> connection settings) and make sure USB is enabled.
done that, and it is ticked....
i have also tried reinstaling active sync....
Turn OFF all your firewalls and try it again.
done that too........ followed the whole trouble shooting thing aswell... all in vain...
in the device manger from my desktop, under "network adaptors", "windows-mobile based device" is showed with a yellow circle with an explanation in it. it then states uunder "properties"
"The drivers for this device are not installed. (Code 28 )
To reinstall the drivers for this device, click Reinstall Driver."
The usual reason that ActiveSync has is the firewall. I pull out my WiFi card, disable the firewall, then connect the cable.
Once the unit has been sync'd I can put the firewall back on and get back on the net.
YMMV.
If your firewall wasn't blocking it before, then it might not be this.
quck update. when i coneect now, in the task bar a little bubble apears stating "new hardware found"
then a box appears with "Found new hardware wizard" on it.
i have a similar problem:
when i connect, activesync does recognize and attempt to sync, but when it starts 'looking for changes', it never ends! it keeps on 'looking for changes' for ever, or at least VERY LONG, ending up with an error on my PC saying that synchronisation failed and that i should restart my desktop computer, which doesn't solve thw problem..
with my blueangel i never had this problem, although i was using activesync 4.1 already back then too..
ideas, anyone?
spdfrx said:
i have a similar problem:
when i connect, activesync does recognize and attempt to sync, but when it starts 'looking for changes', it never ends! it keeps on 'looking for changes' for ever, or at least VERY LONG, ending up with an error on my PC saying that synchronisation failed and that i should restart my desktop computer, which doesn't solve thw problem..
with my blueangel i never had this problem, although i was using activesync 4.1 already back then too..
ideas, anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used to get that problem before, it seemed to resolve itself :?
but now nothing happens, not even the swirly motion of the active sync in the taskbar, the LEDs on my exec is the only thing that lets me know its connected. :evil:
This is exactly what I have on my computer too. The only solution for me is to turn OFF windows firewall and all other firewalls I have, then active sync works as it should be. You have to remember to turn OFF all firewalls BEFORE connecting your Universal via USB for it to work. It will not work if you connect the Universal first then shut OFF all firewalls. It has to be the other way around.
Ok i have a simlar problem, but let me explain first:
I upgraded to winmobile2005 on my Himalaya which went well and without a hitch. I was on my parents pc and i active sync' without a problem.
Ive now come home, and i cant sync. It sits there saying 'Retreaving settings...' and just doesnt go any further. Ive soft and hard reset device, checked firewalls etc - no luck.
It has identified the old active sync name, but nothing else. I can explore the device before it crashes after looking though about 5 directories/downloading large files.
How can i remove the old sync information from the device (as i guess this is the issue)?
Cheers for your time,
Sam.
have you tried to delete that partnership?
blofse said:
Ive soft and hard reset device
Sam.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you already "Hard Reset" your device, then whatever information on it has already been erased clean to factory defaults, unless you are restoring from a backup program after the hard reset. Then I suggest you restore to a file prior to performing an active sync connection to your parents' computer.
cktlcmd said:
This is exactly what I have on my computer too. The only solution for me is to turn OFF windows firewall and all other firewalls I have, then active sync works as it should be. You have to remember to turn OFF all firewalls BEFORE connecting your Universal via USB for it to work. It will not work if you connect the Universal first then shut OFF all firewalls. It has to be the other way around.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have turned off all my firewalls... still doesnt work...
budo*85 said:
have you tried to delete that partnership?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The partnership doesnt exist on my pc, and isnt listed until i plug it in.
cktlcmd said:
If you already "Hard Reset" your device, then whatever information on it has already been erased clean to factory defaults, unless you are restoring from a backup program after the hard reset. Then I suggest you restore to a file prior to performing an active sync connection to your parents' computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well yes it used to do that on WM2003, but it doesnt on this version. And im not using a backup program. Unless the program auto-saves to my storage card in some way? In which case whats the active sync file im looking for?
budo*85 said:
spdfrx said:
i have a similar problem:
when i connect, activesync does recognize and attempt to sync, but when it starts 'looking for changes', it never ends! it keeps on 'looking for changes' for ever, or at least VERY LONG, ending up with an error on my PC saying that synchronisation failed and that i should restart my desktop computer, which doesn't solve thw problem..
with my blueangel i never had this problem, although i was using activesync 4.1 already back then too..
ideas, anyone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i used to get that problem before, it seemed to resolve itself :?
but now nothing happens, not even the swirly motion of the active sync in the taskbar, the LEDs on my exec is the only thing that lets me know its connected. :evil:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you're right! it did! (i already had turned firewalls off, i always do, hate them)
and to tbe last poster: are you using activesync 4.1 at your home?
Regarding Firewall
I've posted this earlier in another thread, but I guess it is not bad to post here again
Regards
------------
Thank you for your suggestion, I would however say this "Be Careful", I would NOT turn firewall completely if I were you guys, IF I have doubt that it is due to firewall, I would turn the firewall ONLY for the Universal interface
pls find the steps here
1. Start
2. Settings
3. Control Panel
4. Security Center
5. Windows Firewall icon in the lower part
6. Advanced Tab
7. UNCHECK the Network Connection that represents your Universal
Note,
A. To be sure that you are not disableing firewall on the wrong interface, please rename your Local Area Connection (x) to your Pocket PC device, so then you would know for sure you are dealing with the RIGHT connection (I use SPV M5000), renaming it is very easy, right click on the connection in the NETWORK CONNECTIONS, then RENAME
B. Disabling firewall for all connections IS VERY DANGEROUS especially IF YOU ARE ONLINE or ON A NETWORK, you might get SERIOUS problems, from viral infections to Hacking (only God knows)
C. The above applies only for WINDOWS FIREWALL on Windows XP Service Pack 2, I have no idea how to do it with Zone Alarm or ANY other software as I dont use any, but I think there must be someway to do so.
All the best & good luck.
spdfrx said:
and to tbe last poster: are you using activesync 4.1 at your home?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, both locations have v 4.1 installed. Does no one know of the files i should be removing on my PDA then? :S
Blofse : there are no files to remove - you've already said that you've done a hard reset and returned it to the factory settings which removes all user data and therefore, the device has nothing on it at all about partnerships with computers - i would suggest looking elsewhere for a resolution.
Budo : I think your problem is the yellow symbol on the network card entry in device manager. In this case, I would unplug the exec, righht click on this network card entry and click remove. Then uninstall activesync. Make sure the actve sync folder is deleted and check the windows\system32 folder for files called rapi.dll and ceutil.dll (these might have gone during the uninstall, but check anyway).
Reboot your PC and reinstall activesync before plugging in your exec again.
Hopefully, this will sort you out but post back if it doesn't.
Cheers,
Smiffy.
Pleased with my Orange M3100 so far, about 3 weeks of use...
Just have one problem, activesync randomly starts up and I'm bothered that I may accidently start a phone call if it fires up whilst in the case and I don't know about it...
I have the WiFi turned off unless I need it and also have data disabled using
the util off MODACO... so it shouldn't be seeing any thing to sync to, the only thing active is the Bluetooth which I leave on all the time for headset or GPS use with TOMTOM...
Any thoughts please....
Phil
You need to use the 'Fake Server Trick'. I can't find links to it on this forum, but if you spend a bit of time searching you'll find it on the board somewhere. I saw it mentioned recently.
It was a must-do on my old Dell Axim x51v because it would stop the PDA starting and lose the compactflash card amongst other problems, requiring a soft reset to start the PDA. Not so much a necessity on the Vario II thankfully. If you can't find it here I posted a thread on Aximsite a while ago giving the procedure step by step:
http://www.aximsite.com/boards/showthread.php?t=112638
@ Gooners
Is this gonna stop the WSOD and the "not coming back from standby mode"? Cause I've got these problems in daily basis and I have to reset all the time
I have a question about the fake server trick. Will it stop direct push? Also, will it stop updates to my calendar and contacts from syncing?
nickcerda said:
I have a question about the fake server trick. Will it stop direct push? Also, will it stop updates to my calendar and contacts from syncing?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I can't really answer your question with absolute certainty because I don't use the Direct Push service on my Vario II.
However, I would guess if you already have an Exchange server mapped for Direct Push, then you need to have Activesync running for it to work properly and sync with the Exchange server regularly, so the F.S.T. is probably not for you.
That said - if you are getting problems which *may* have something to do with Activesync launching itself while on standby and causing WSOD etc, you could apply the F.S.T. then just load Activesync manually, start a manual sync, then close Activesync down afterwards. This would completely defeat the object of Direct Push though!
takis999 said:
@ Gooners
Is this gonna stop the WSOD and the "not coming back from standby mode"? Cause I've got these problems in daily basis and I have to reset all the time
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Give it a whirl... it can't do any harm.
I didn't realise the Hermes/TyTN/VarioII sufferred from these problems... maybe because I did the F.S.T. on my VarioII the moment I received it.
I did the fake server trick, seemed to work, but after a while ActiveSync is back in my runinng programs list. Is that normal or should the program be gone?
Every time you dock and sync with your PC, Activesync will load on your TyTN no matter what. When you undock you'll need to manually close Activesync otherwise it will stay running in the background.
I'm assuming you docked at some point?
g00nerz said:
Every time you dock and sync with your PC, Activesync will load on your TyTN no matter what. When you undock you'll need to manually close Activesync otherwise it will stay running in the background.
I'm assuming you docked at some point?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, I didn't. I did the server trick 4 times now, but every few hours when I look at my open programs ActiveSync is there again. I don't know if ActiveSync still tries to sync automatically or does nothing, but is is there...
Killsync - Stop ActiveSync!
So you have ActiveSync and you want to stop it from running. Well with Killsync, it stops ActiveSync so you can release the ram and increase the speed of your PC. This application does the same thing as the user switching to the task manager and killing the wcescomm task. When you need ActiveSync you can click on the ActiveSync icon. You can try putting Killsync in your startup to close ActiveSync if it starts first.
http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/applications/killsync.htm
Just got around to trying the fake server trick yesterday, it appears to have worked on my M3100.. May it continue...
Thanks for help
Phil
Hi all yes I tried the Fake server trick 2 weeks ago before going To Germany on Business. I have not had the problem in the two weeks away. seems to have worked though I was not syncing quite as much or to same office PC. I will see home it goes now I am back in the office.
Thanks
Nigel
Hi. I've had a really good search for info before posting and tried lots of things but I'm stumped!
I've got a Softbank X01HT (HTC Hermes 200). It used to work fine with AS4.2 and 4.5 but stopped working one day and hasn't worked since!
When I connect the phone via USB everything looks normal. I get bing-bong and bong-bing etc, I can see the phone is attached in device manager, the phone charges etc. etc. but AS won't connect to the phone. In AS connection setting it says USB is available etc. I have deselected advanced USB connection and tried "work"/"internet" etc.
I haven't done anything to the phone. No upgrading of ROMS or OS or anything. I even gave my laptop a first birthday!
I have a Dell Precision M60 running Win XP SP2 and a fresh installation.
I have deselected "do not allow exceptions" in Windows Firewall and AS has put exceptions for itself in there.
I am not running through a hub.
I'm hoping someone can help - maybe I missed something in all my searching for a solution.
Had something similar happen to me once. Resolved it by deleting the partnership on the pc from within active sync on pc (make sure phone isn't connected or active sync won't let you delete the partnership). Issue was with the partnership profile on the pc getting corrupted nothing to do with phone at all. Once partnership is deleted connect phone (make sure you have reset your phone settings that you have changed back to default) and set up a new partnership. Good luck and let us know if it works.
Cheers
Barney
Barney
Thanks for replying.
As mentioned, my laptop got a "first birthday" i.e. the HDD was wiped and the OS re-installed. There are therefore no pertnerships or remnants buried deep in the registry etc. to delete. In AS (with or without the phone connected) everything except for "connections settings" is greyed out.
Cheers
Bryce
Do you by any chance have zone alarm running? If you do switch it off and see if it works. If you don't then switch off Windows Firewall and see if works. Post the results.
Cheers
Barney
tatuanui, have a look at
http://pocketpcapps.net/activetweak.aspx
maybe this freeware tool can help you
cheers jost
Whenever mine acts up I simply disconnect my phone, restarting my pc, restart my phone and is well. I dont have the problem often but it solves it for me
Active sync
I had a similar problem. Check out Settings/Connections USB to PC and uncheck "Enable advanced network functionality"
This worked for me.
May not be related but worth a try.
Thehoodedclaw_uk said:
I had a similar problem. Check out Settings/Connections USB to PC and uncheck "Enable advanced network functionality"
This worked for me.
May not be related but worth a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks but, as metioned, already tried that one.
g35driver said:
Whenever mine acts up I simply disconnect my phone, restarting my pc, restart my phone and is well. I dont have the problem often but it solves it for me
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I wish it was something simple (yet annoying) like that...
Barneyabz said:
Do you by any chance have zone alarm running? If you do switch it off and see if it works. If you don't then switch off Windows Firewall and see if works. Post the results.
Cheers
Barney
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Barney
Cheers. When at work, Windows firewall is off. When at home it is on but exceptions are allowed and AS has put itself in the exceptions. Switching off the firewall completely is not an option as the admin has switched that function off (greyed out). This is no different to when it was all working so I'm not so sure it's that.
I don't have zone alarm. In fact I have re-installed very little since having reinstalled Windoze.
Keep the suggestions coming though!
tatuanui said:
Barney
Keep the suggestions coming though!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Had a similar problem.
Open task manager. Is RAPImgr.exe taking up all the processor time on a CPU (so will take 50% on a dual core machine, 100% on single core).
I had this issue with AS 4.5 when upgrading from the old machine (Wizard) to the new Hermes and basically had to reboot between connection attempts to get RAPIMgr to die. When I killed it manually, the computer rebooted anyway.
The problem with this seemed to be disconnecting it mid-sync and then connecting a new phone which then broke it. The way I solved it was to stop connecting the Wizard.....
Perhaps try removing the relationships on AS on the phone. I guess it might work....
Hi last suggestion I have - I know you mentioned your pc was wiped so there are no partnerships, however the first time you tried to connect your phone since then something might have gone wrong and a partnership might have started to be created but not yet completed. With your phone disconnected can you open active sync, click on "file" then on "delete mobile device" (if it allows you to - it might be greyed out) - See if that works and get back to us.
Cheers
Barney
Suddenly my HTC Prophet (WM6 & Windows Vista Business) won't connect through ActiveSync any more. Two hours ago it worked flawlessly every time, now I connect and disconnect the cable - only the battery seems to be loading, but no ActiveSync connection. Clearly, the device itself tries to connect, but the PC stays like nothing has happened. I remember having the same problem about 2 years ago with HTC Wizard, but then I replaced it then and the new one worked.
What could the problem be? I have restarted both the PC and the PPC (soft-reset) several times.
I had a similar issue after I flashed a new ROM, all was working fine, but then it wouldn't sync. I'm on an Exchange server, so I don't really mind just wiping and starting over, which is how I believe I fixed it. It it's not that go to Start>Settings>Connections>USB-to-PC and see if the box is checked. If it is checked, undo it and then see if it will connect.
Urthwhyte said:
I had a similar issue after I flashed a new ROM, all was working fine, but then it wouldn't sync. I'm on an Exchange server, so I don't really mind just wiping and starting over, which is how I believe I fixed it. It it's not that go to Start>Settings>Connections>USB-to-PC and see if the box is checked. If it is checked, undo it and then see if it will connect.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
10x, it worked but it's not stable too. Unchecking this option, the device connects the same way as though Bluetooth, and I also have problems with this kind of sync too. Plus, with the "advanced network functionality" (whatever this means ) everything was a bit more transparent. Without it the device sometimes connects, but most of the times does not. I'm almost sure it's the PC that is making troubles.
It's such a pain with ActiveSync...
The Advanced Network Functionality I believe enabled RNDIS support. It's supposedly more stable....or something. Have you tried backing up your contacts and stuff with PIM backup and hard resetting? You can either try that, or deleting the partnership and creating a new one, which may have been the other thing I did to make it work again.
Urthwhyte said:
The Advanced Network Functionality I believe enabled RNDIS support. It's supposedly more stable....or something. Have you tried backing up your contacts and stuff with PIM backup and hard resetting? You can either try that, or deleting the partnership and creating a new one, which may have been the other thing I did to make it work again.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, I tried many things - I even uninstalled Windows Mobile Device Center, created new partnerships, etc. I haven't tried to hard-reset, because it's a pain every time to install the software and adjust the settings on the device
I know what you mean. I've just given up on installing any software thats a pain to configure, and stuck with what's cooked into the ROM's other than my Exchange settings and IM client. However, if hard resetting turns out to be the only way to go, think of all the ROMs you could flash!