Microsoft ActiveSync Error

[pcdoc4christ]

Not sure where to post this one (wish ComputerHope had a Windows Mobile - Pocket PC - Other PDA forum).

When attempting to synchronize with a desktop computer via a USB cable, a acquaintance says Microsoft ActiveSync 3.7 displays an error: "Critical communication services have failed to start.  Try resetting the mobile device and connecting again."  

The HP iPAQ Pocket PC is running Windows Mobile 2003 SE.  The desktop computer is less than a year old and running Windows XP Home Edition.  

Things tried:

* Plugging the sync cable into a different USB port

* Checking Device Manager (No problems indicated with USB, but no Windows CE USB device listed)

* Connecting the Pocket PC after a soft reset

* Connecting the Pocket PC after a hard reset

* Connecting the Pocket PC after uninstalling and reinstalling ActiveSync 3.7 from the OEM CD that came with the iPAQ

* Verifying that he was logged on with an administrator account

* Disabling the AOL Privacy Firewall

* Disabling the McAfee antivirus program


Any ideas are welcome.

Doc

[Rob Pomeroy]

Any ideas are welcome.

Start bu upgrading ActiveSync to 4.1?

[pcdoc4christ]

Any ideas are welcome.

Start bu upgrading ActiveSync to 4.1?

Yeah, thanks for the suggestion.  Not sure if ActiveSync 4.1 is compatible with his version of Windows Mobile.

He is able to sync with his other PC.  I'm thinking it has to do with some software preventing communication.

Thanks again,
Doc

[Rob Pomeroy]

Yeah, thanks for the suggestion.  Not sure if ActiveSync 4.1 is compatible with his version of Windows Mobile.

Well it certainly works with Pocket PC 2002, so I'm guessing it'll be fine.

[pcdoc4christ]

Rob:

Thanks for the info.