Windows mobile unplugged

A glitch with Microsoft's PC to mobile device synchronisation software is preventing users from synchronising their device as normal. Microsoft has issued a software update designed to resolve the issue.

Some users of Microsoft ActiveSync 4.0 have reported problems when using the USB connection of their PC to connect to a device with Windows Mobile 5.0. These challenges are "likely caused by interoperability with desktop firewall applications or applications that manage network traffic," according to Microsoft.

The glitch only affects users with devices running the latest version of Microsoft's mobile device software, Windows Mobile 5.0 software, and only when synchronizing directly to a PC using a USB connection. Wireless synchronization via either Bluetooth or infra-red is not affected. Nor is direct server synchronisation.

In Europe, potentially affected devices include the Orange SPV M5000, iMate JasJar, iMate K-Jam, T-Mobile Vario, T-Mobile MDA Pro, O2 XDA Exec, O2 XDA Mini S, O2 XDA Phone, FSC Pocket LOOX N500, Dell Axim X51 series, HP PPC series (rx1950, hx2190, hx2490, hx2790), Qtek 9100, Qtek 9000, Qtek 8300 and Qtek 8310.

An update for ActiveSync is scheduled to be available in late November. For most users the better option would be to download updated software from Microsoft's Windows mobile website. Microsoft has also produced a troubleshooting guide covering the problem here. ®