Goodbye ActiveSync, Hello Windows Mobile Device Center [Archive]

View Full Version : Goodbye ActiveSync, Hello Windows Mobile Device Center

Kris Kumar

06-21-2006, 03:00 PM

Windows Mobile Device Center is the new name for the interface that enables mobile device synchronization in Windows Vista. In my last article <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,10478">"Inside Windows Vista: Windows Mobile Device Center and Sync Center,"</a> I had offered a quick look at the feature as it was implemented in the Windows Vista Beta Build 5308. Our readers will remember that I had concluded the article saying that the feature has not been implemented completely and the critical pieces that enable synchronization of Outlook information like contacts, calendar and tasks etc, the most important pieces of device synchronization, are not enabled. Meanwhile Microsoft was claiming that Windows Vista will have the ActiveSync functionality baked into the core operating system but Vista testers, including myself, could not find any proof to verify that claim. Even after Windows Vista Beta 2 Build 5384 (a major milestone) was released in May, the mobile device synchronization was not supported. This made me believe that Microsoft had shelved the plans to improve the mobile device support in Windows Vista because of all the delays associated with the product launch. The situation changed recently after I received a tip from one of our readers, mzh, who informed us about an update that has been made available to Beta 2 testers. I booted my test system into Windows Vista and ran Windows Update. Sure enough there was an update waiting to be installed and it enabled the missing feature. :) After looking at the updated Windows Mobile Device Center, I can confidently say - "Goodbye ActiveSync!" <img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SyncingSpc.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/> So if you are interested in learning about how mobile device synchronization will look like in Windows Vista, read on... <!> The Missing Feature <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WindowsUpdate-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WindowsUpdate.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 1: Windows Update is now a Control Panel applet. Click on the image for the full size image. (104KB) If you are wondering why I am showing Windows Update screen shots then please bear with me. It is a new feature in Windows Vista; I thought you might be interested in it. Plus this is how I got the Windows Mobile Device Center working, so in case you have access to the Vista Beta then you can follow these steps. ;-) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WindowsUpdateDetails-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WindowsUpdateDetails.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 2: Let's see what all updates do we have? "Update for Windows Vista Beta 2" must be the magic update that enables the new sync functionality. Click on the image for the full size image. (72KB) I am fairly positive that in the future builds of Windows Vista and definitely in the final consumer release, this update will be baked into the core operating system. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Installing-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Installing.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 3: Windows Update is installing the updates. Click on the image for the full size image. (89KB) <PAGEBREAK> It's Time to Connect the Device <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MobileInstalling-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MobileInstalling.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 4: After you connect your mobile device, Windows detects and installs drivers for the device. Click on the image for the full size image. (462KB) You are greeted with the Windows Mobile splash screen every time the device is connected. And did you notice the popup indicating that the mobile device has been installed? This functionality was present even in the previous builds of Windows Vista. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MobileDeviceCenter-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MobileDeviceCenter.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 5: So this is the new Windows Mobile Device Center, the ActiveSync replacement? Click on the image for the full size image. (101KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-AdditionalOptions-DeviceCenter-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-AdditionalOptions-DeviceCenter.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 6: Also the Windows Mobile Device Center icon gets added to the Control Panel -> Additional Options. If you have not connected a mobile device to your system, then you will not see this icon. Click on the image for the full size image. (47KB) Windows Mobile Device Center Let's check out the ActiveSync replacement or shall we call it the ActiveSync killer? Let me first click on the Quick Connect icon. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-QuickConnect-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-QuickConnect.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 7: Quick Connect is the new name for the ActiveSync Guest connection. Click on the image for the full size image. (101KB) Quick Connect was available in the previous builds of Windows Vista and I have talked about it in my previous article. The functionality remains the same. Did you notice that the Quick Connect screen has both the Pocket PC and Smartphone images; whereas the main screen has only the Smartphone? I realized later that depending on what type of device is connected, the graphic changes. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ConnectedPktPCv-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ConnectedPktPCv.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 8: Here is the one with the Pocket PC. I had connected my good old HP iPAQ 2210. Click on the image for the full size image. (102KB) Let me go back to the main screen and click on "Setup your device." This is a new feature thanks to the Windows Update. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SetupScreen-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SetupScreen.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 9: Time to click the Start button. Click on the image for the full size image. (105KB) Why does it say "Click here to download the required Windows Mobile Device Center software from Microsoft?" Didn't I already download the update? ?: <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SetupYourDevice-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SetupYourDevice.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 10: The "Windows needs your permission to continue" box. I am still not sure if this makes my Windows box more secure or more annoying? Click on the image for the full size image. (34KB) In case you are not aware of Windows Vista implements a feature called User Account Control which warns the logged in user and seeks their approval before carrying out changes to the system. It does that even if the user has administrator privileges. This is to prevent Trojans and malware software from hi-jacking or messing up the computer. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-InstallingMobile-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-InstallingMobile.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 11: Here we go; downloading another update. Click on the image for the full size image. (38KB) <PAGEBREAK> It is Time to Establish Partnership <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Setup1-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Setup1.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 12: Windows found that the device has existing partnerships. Windows Mobile devices are allowed to sync with only two computers. Click on the image for the full size image. (68KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Setup2-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Setup2.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 13: Aha! The thing I was looking for in the previous Vista betas. The screen looks nice with those big icons. Click on the image for the full size image. (64KB) Would like to mention that the first time I ran the partnership wizard, I had not installed Office 2007 Beta, so in the above screen where it says "Keep Outlook xyz up to date" it said that Outlook is not installed and the icon was grayed out. Since contacts, calendar and mail are baked into Vista as first class applications, I am surprised that Vista does not allow synchronization with the built-in data source. Instead it requires users to install Outlook. I wonder if this will change in the future beta releases. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Setup3-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Setup3.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 14: Finally! A screen where I can specify device name instead of annoying WM_USERNAME. Notice how long the default is? Click on the image for the full size image. (51KB) Did you notice the check box that will create a shortcut icon for the Windows Mobile Device Center on the desktop? Some may find it useful. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-FirstProblem-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-FirstProblem.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 15: Now Windows is saving the settings but looks like we have problem. Saw this happen only once and in spite of this the partnership was established and synchronization worked. Click on the image for the full size image. (90KB) The Real Windows Mobile Device Center <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WhenConnected-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WhenConnected.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 16: After the partnership is established and the device is connected you are presented with this fancy screen. The ActiveSync replacement looks pretty slick, doesn't it? Click on the image for the full size image. (102KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Programs-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Programs.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 17: The first item on the list is the Programs and Services. Let's click on the link titled "More..." Click on the image for the full size image. (109KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Programs2-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Programs2.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 18: Programs and Services allow the user to add/remove mobile applications and also access the Windows Mobile Web site for more information about devices. Click on the image for the full size image. (94KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Programs3-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Programs3.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 19: The add/remove functionality is similar to what we have currently in ActiveSync. So under the fancy user interface, ActiveSync is still alive and kicking. ;-) Click on the image for the full size image. (153KB) <PAGEBREAK> What's this? A New Feature? <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-PicturesVideo-2new-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-PicturesVideo-2new.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 20: Next up is Pictures, Music and Video link. Click on the image for the full size image. (118KB) Windows Mobile Device Center is making it easy for users to sync media files. First icon is for importing pictures, the second is for the import settings and the third is for Windows Media file sync. Check out the message "2 new pictures/video clips are available for import." Wow! It detected that I had taken some photos with the camera on my Smartphone, so now it is ready to download them on to my desktop. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-PicturesVideo-Importing-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-PicturesVideo-Importing.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 21: When you click on the first icon to import pictures/video clips, you will be prompted for a tag that will be applied to the files for easy identification/search later on. Click on the image for the full size image. (130KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ImportSettings-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ImportSettings.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 22: You can configure where the files should be stored. It will even automatically delete the photos from your Smartphone after it is imported to the desktop. Click on the image for the full size image. (61KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MediaPlayer-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MediaPlayer.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 23: The last icon in the Pictures, Music and Video section is for accessing Windows Media Player and configuring it to sync media files. I didn't spend much time on this feature. Click on the image for the full size image. (149KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-FileMAnagement-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-FileMAnagement.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 24: Next we have File Management. This is the same as the Explore option in ActiveSync. It lets you browse the file system on the mobile device. Click on the image for the full size image. (110KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MyComputer2-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MyComputer2.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 25: I like the way it shows the free/used space and notice the color coding - the main memory on my device is running low. Click on the image for the full size image. (64KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MyComputer-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-MyComputer.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 26: You can also explore the file system on your mobile device from the My Computer screen. Click on the image for the full size image. (100KB) <PAGEBREAK> <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Syncing-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Syncing.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 27: The Mobile Device Settings section. Click on the image for the full size image. (111KB) This is the area where you configure the Connection Settings, remember the ActiveSync Connection Settings? Check out the next screen. Before you do that, did you notice that the sync is in progress? I tried the whole sync operation only a couple of times and it worked without any problems. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ConnectionSetting-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ConnectionSetting.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 28: The icon with the blue screen and a gear brings up the Connection Settings screen. More proof that ActiveSync is hiding underneath the flashy Windows Mobile Device Center. Click on the image for the full size image. (124KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Exchange-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-Exchange.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 29: The Exchange server information can also be configured from the desktop. Click on the image for the full size image. (66KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ChangeContentSetting-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ChangeContentSetting.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 30: The icon with the Smartphone and gear is for managing the partnership. It allows you to control what all items should be synchronized. Click on the image for the full size image. (111KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-CompleteConnectionSettings-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-CompleteConnectionSettings.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 31: Here is the complete list of options under the Mobile Device Settings section. Click on the image for the full size image. (97KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ManagePartnership-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ManagePartnership.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 32: Manage Partnership section allows you to name the desktop and specify how the conflicts are to be resolved. Click on the image for the full size image. (103KB) Sync Center Sync Center in the Windows Vista Control Panel is the central place for viewing all the synchronization related connections/partnerships. I could not figure how to use this Control Panel applet, other than view the current connection/synchronization status or problems. During my first sync operation the Windows Mobile Device Center had run into an error/conflict and it had presented me with a link to the Sync Center to view the error log, but I could not find any error related information in the Sync Center. So it looks like a piece is still missing. <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SyncCenter1-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SyncCenter1.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 33: My Smartphone is registered for sync. Wish I had taken the screen shot after attaching my Pocket PC, and then this screen shot would have had two items. Click on the image for the full size image. (77KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SyncCenter2-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-SyncCenter2.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 34: Set up new sync partnership section has the storage card that is part of my Smartphone. Not sure why it shows up here instead of in the "View sync partnerships" section. Click on the image for the full size image. (83KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WhenDeviceNotConnected-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WhenDeviceNotConnected.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 35: This is how the Windows Mobile Device Center looks like when the device is disconnected. Click on the image for the full size image. (82KB) <a href="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WhenNotConnected-EndPartnership-HiRes.jpg"><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-WhenNotConnected-EndPartnership.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/></a> Figure 36: Another screenshot; this one shows that some options like deleting partnership and connection settings are available even when the device is not connected. Click on the image for the full size image. (91KB) With that we have come to the end of this article. The Windows Mobile Device Center enables pretty much the same functionality as ActiveSync. Windows Vista has given the eye-candy treatment to an otherwise boring application. The ability to detect and import photos/video clips from the device is a good add. So is the ability to name the mobile device during partnership. So do you think that the mobile device support in Windows Vista looks promising? We are eagerly waiting to hear your thoughts. Kris Kumar is a software engineer with expertise in Microsoft technologies and developer tools. He lives with his wife in Rochester, New York, USA.

Mike Temporale

06-21-2006, 06:58 PM

Wow! Excellent article Kris. :D

I really like the new look. It looks like they have spent a great deal of time making it easier for people to understand and work with.

Once important thing to remember, Underneath the new skin, it's still just ActiveSync. Integrating it with Vista is an important step forward that will make it easier for everyone to keep sync data between devices.

cortez

06-22-2006, 01:15 AM

Kris Kumar

06-22-2006, 02:22 AM

this worked for me the first time i installed it and connected... since then, i get an error saying wmsync.exe has generated an error. the funny thing is i can still browse the file structure on my device, e.g., copy and past files. anybody else have a similar problem?

Sorry not using it on a regular basis. Vista still doesn't support my home printer or I should say HP has not provided compatible driver, so I am stuck with XP for now.

Kris Kumar

06-22-2006, 02:31 AM

Once important thing to remember, Underneath the new skin, it's still just ActiveSync.

I was thinking of highlighting that in my closing remarks. But then I realized that I have not compared the executable files. ;-) I will try to see if the files are being shared, especially if there are any DLLs that are common.

We can say that it is old wine in a new bottle. But core synchronization plumbing will remain the same because existing devices have to be supported when Vista is launched. Also I can see why Microsoft is tackling the UI and adding features like photo/video file import. Making media file sync easily accessible.

I did not emphasize much on Sync Center [I don't know much to tell either], but that is supposed to bring all the other gadgets together and show the partnerships, sync errors etc. Maybe some time in the future I can do a quick look on Sync Center. ;-) [once I have figured it out]

Integrating it with Vista is an important step forward that will make it easier for everyone to keep sync data between devices.

Absolutely. I am glad I posted screen shots of Windows Update. I was thinking that any time Windows Mobile Device Center needs to be updated, it will be hot fixed via the Windows Update. I am hoping that the problems will be resolved more quickly. Right now we have to wait for the ActiveSync to be formally released even if the fix involved one DLL. So integration with Vista is definitely a big win. [wish I had highlighted this in the article :oops: ]

moonman

06-22-2006, 01:05 PM

Is this stuff for TAP members only, or is it public? My WU does not offer it yet.

Mike Temporale

06-22-2006, 02:34 PM

Is this stuff for TAP members only, or is it public? My WU does not offer it yet.

TAP? Not sure what that is. Windows Media Device Center is only available to those running Vista Beta 2. If you're running that, then when you run Windows Update it should find and download the new Device Center. ;)

moonman

06-22-2006, 04:43 PM

TAP? Not sure what that is. Windows Media Device Center is only available to those running Vista Beta 2. If you're running that, then when you run Windows Update it should find and download the new Device Center. ;)

TAP stands for Technology Adoptation Program, which I don't participate in yet. Windows Update finds nothing for me. Running Beta 2 of course :wink:

Sven Johannsen

06-22-2006, 04:55 PM

I've had a somewhat less rosey experience with WMDC so far. It has pretty consistantly required system and PPC reboots between successive JasJar connections for it to work. Nice you got prompted for a name to call your PPC, I didn't, though you can change it. Fact is my device has a name, you'd think they could use it. My PC has a name too, and it's not Windows PC.

A sync seems to finish from the WMDC screen point of view but the sync arrows continually spin and AS shows synchronizing on the JasJar. I've had syncs show completed, but new items didn't get transferred to the Jasjar.

It's still a BETA, granted, but i find myself longing for the 'old reliable' AS.

BTW, what makes you think this is AS code with a new UI? I got the impression it was a rewrite. I would think the functionality could have been there earlier if the sync code was done, and they were just working UI.

I understood that the pre-WM5 sync isn't there yet (but promised). Are you saying your 2210 was supported? Doesn't have WM5 on there does it?

Sven Johannsen

06-22-2006, 04:58 PM

Mike Temporale

06-22-2006, 05:34 PM

BTW, what makes you think this is AS code with a new UI? I got the impression it was a rewrite. I would think the functionality could have been there earlier if the sync code was done, and they were just working UI.

That was my understanding. I can't tell you where I heard it from - not because it's a secret or anything. I just don't remember. Maybe it would be more accurate to say that it's not *all new*. It's a new UI on top, and perhaps an updated version of AS under. But my memory seems to recall being told it was just a new front end. I wish I could remember where I saw/read/was told that. :?

moonman

06-22-2006, 05:56 PM

Are you connected to the internet, and have you hooked up a WM5 PPC yet? My B2 prompted me to get the update after I connected the PPC and WMDC started.

Is WMDC in Vista by default? Where can I find it?
Yes, I'm connected to the internet and have already set up a bluetooth connection with my K-JAM. Nothing happened.

(If nothing helps, I'll give it a reinstall, after all Vista is only for testing purposes on my notebook.)

Sven Johannsen

06-22-2006, 06:58 PM

Is WMDC in Vista by default? Where can I find it?
Yes, I'm connected to the internet and have already set up a bluetooth connection with my K-JAM. Nothing happened.

You should be able to find it in Control Panel> Additional Options if you haven't changed to classic. Might have to hook up via USB to trigger it, at least the first time. There is a connections setting for BT in WMDC. Not sure how that is set if you haven't ever had it running. Not sure what all works at this point either. My K-jam did work via USB, but I pulled it from the mix as I actually use that device. WMDC isn't quite ready for prime time yet, IMHO.

***long quoted edited down by mod JD***

Rocco Augusto

06-22-2006, 09:04 PM

i cant wait till i get my new laptop so i can start playing with vista :)

moonman

06-22-2006, 10:20 PM

You should be able to find it in Control Panel> Additional Options if you haven't changed to classic. Might have to hook up via USB to trigger it, at least the first time. There is a connections setting for BT in WMDC. Not sure how that is set if you haven't ever had it running. Not sure what all works at this point either. My K-jam did work via USB, but I pulled it from the mix as I actually use that device. WMDC isn't quite ready for prime time yet, IMHO.

I went into Control Panel > Additional Options, but nothing was there. Then I reinstalled Vista, but this time the bluetooth driver didn't work. (a strange "COM0" port appeared and I couldn't pair my devices... ****)

The USB cable connection solved the problem, K-JAM modem drivers installed fine and Windows Update immediately popped up saying I have WMDC Beta to download. So here it is on my desktop working just OK.
Now WMDC IS appearing in Control Panel.

I'll try to fix the bluetooth problem, but anyways thanks for the help!

blazingwolf

06-22-2006, 11:41 PM

Kris Kumar

06-23-2006, 02:02 AM

I got everything to load but for some reason when I connect my XV6700 it doesn't even realize it is connected. I know the USB port is working fine as it charges my device and a thumb drive work just fine. I would like to try this but can't so far. :(

Plug the phone in and then try looking at the Device Manager in the System properties area of the Control Panel for any unidentified USB device or network adapter. Delete it and then plug the phone back in.

Also a quicker way to solve the above problem is to plug the phone into a different USB port.

Kris Kumar

06-23-2006, 02:04 AM

I'll try to fix the bluetooth problem, but anyways thanks for the help!

I was about to say that you need to connect the device using USB to get the WMDC.

It seems like a catch-22 situation doesn't it. You would want to use the Bluetooth for syncing the phone, but you have to USB first to get the WMDC icon. :? I hope Microsoft will fix this and make the WMDC icon always available, so that Connection Properties can be tweaked.

***huge quote edited down by mod JD - please don't quote large blocks of text, thank you.***

Kris Kumar

06-23-2006, 02:08 AM

Are you connected to the internet, and have you hooked up a WM5 PPC yet? My B2 prompted me to get the update after I connected the PPC and WMDC started.

Regarding the Windows Update not showing anything. I have run into that problem on my VmWare image of Vista. It has access to the Internet. But it tries looking for an update for a long time and then says nothing was found. :-) If I can get my VmWare image going, I might use Vista more. But for now I will have to stick with my trusted XP.

***huge quote edited down by mod JD - please don't quote large blocks of text, thank you.***

Kris Kumar

06-23-2006, 02:10 AM

I understood that the pre-WM5 sync isn't there yet (but promised). Are you saying your 2210 was supported? Doesn't have WM5 on there does it?

I was able to get the 2210 partnership setup without any problem. I will check this weekend if the sync works. I hadn't tried that - partly because I hate when the contacts/calendar gets duplicated etc. So I totally avoid syncing from two places. Plus this being beta I trust it even less.

Sven Johannsen

06-23-2006, 02:55 AM

I was able to get the 2210 partnership setup without any problem. I will check this weekend if the sync works. I hadn't tried that - partly because I hate when the contacts/calendar gets duplicated etc. So I totally avoid syncing from two places. Plus this being beta I trust it even less.

Interesting. The Beta group is chock full of folks that can't sync pre-WM5 and MS acknowledgment that it doesn't work yet for 'legacy'. Wonder what the pairing did. One thing that annoyed me (two actually) is that when I paired my K-Jam (and my JasJar) it never asked if I wanted to combine or replace and it just took off syncing, without giving me the scren to choose what to sync first.

Kris Kumar

06-23-2006, 03:16 AM

Interesting. The Beta group is chock full of folks that can't sync pre-WM5 and MS acknowledgment that it doesn't work yet for 'legacy'. Wonder what the pairing did. One thing that annoyed me (two actually) is that when I paired my K-Jam (and my JasJar) it never asked if I wanted to combine or replace and it just took off syncing, without giving me the scren to choose what to sync first.

Figure 8 is the proof that I could get my 2210 paired. Will try the sync and let you know.

Regarding the prompt about whether to combine or replace, I have noticed that happening with ActiveSync as well. Actually that is exactly why I didn't try to sync the 2210. I always set up partnership with nothing checked. Then manually select the calendar and contacts, and manually specify ActiveSync to overwrite the entries on the device.

moonman

06-23-2006, 10:59 AM

I was about to say that you need to connect the device using USB to get the WMDC.

It seems like a catch-22 situation doesn't it. You would want to use the Bluetooth for syncing the phone, but you have to USB first to get the WMDC icon. :? I hope Microsoft will fix this and make the WMDC icon always available, so that Connection Properties can be tweaked.

Exactly! :D I figured it out meanwhile. Well... this cable-first method is not quite understandable, but hope they'll fix it soon. Anyway I created a bluetooth connection, and WMDC is working fine for me. And the funny thing is, I didn't have to use the (f*ckin') Widcomm driver, instead Vista's built in Microsoft BT driver operates well.

http://winportal.net/etc/tmp/WMDC.jpg

Thanks again for the help!

leslietroyer

06-23-2006, 01:55 PM

Does the "AS" allow multipul connections. I have both a PPC and the 2125 - I carry one or the other depending on the situation, It is always a hassel in hte morning - connect one and sysc - then unplug and sync the other device -

Les

Sven Johannsen

06-23-2006, 11:28 PM

Sven Johannsen

06-23-2006, 11:32 PM

Figure 8 is the proof that I could get my 2210 paired. Will try the sync and let you know.

Regarding the prompt about whether to combine or replace, I have noticed that happening with ActiveSync as well. Actually that is exactly why I didn't try to sync the 2210. I always set up partnership with nothing checked. Then manually select the calendar and contacts, and manually specify ActiveSync to overwrite the entries on the device.

Hard reset the JasJar and pulled all partnerships off Vista to try from scratch. This time I did get the opportunity to select items to sync, before the first sync happenned. Still didn't get a combine or replace, but don't recall if that happens on a pristine device with no other partnerships. Started out working better, but didn't take a half hour before i was back at having to reset and reboot to get a sync to happen twice in a row.

blazingwolf

06-24-2006, 07:56 AM

Also a quicker way to solve the above problem is to plug the phone into a different USB port.

I've tried other ports on my laptop. It realizes I plug in my device and loads some software but after it says the software is loaded succesfully it never connects. Disconnecting and reconnecting doesn't work. Neither do soft resets of my PPC.

***huge quote edited down by mod JD - please don't quote large blocks of text, thank you.***

ctmagnus

06-24-2006, 08:26 PM

I've tried other ports on my laptop. It realizes I plug in my device and loads some software but after it says the software is loaded succesfully it never connects. Disconnecting and reconnecting doesn't work. Neither do soft resets of my PPC.

My SMT5600 was doing this. Exchange sync worked, and I'm guessing that existing synchronization partnerships would work, but I was unable to create a new partnership. I had to hard-reset the device to get the computer (XP) to find it.

***huge quote edited down by mod JD - please don't quote large blocks of text, thank you.***

Sven Johannsen

06-24-2006, 09:07 PM

Figure 8 is the proof that I could get my 2210 paired. Will try the sync and let you know.
Kris, do you do server sync, or desktop? The indication from MS was that Server sync does work with WM2003, but not desktop. That just means pass-through works. I think the error you get is 'Outlook not cofigured' on all the PIM stuff.

Kris Kumar

06-25-2006, 02:03 PM

Kris, do you do server sync, or desktop?

Desktop sync.

I haven't had a chance to boot my Vista system yet to try out the 2003 based PktPC sync. :oops:

Kris Kumar

06-27-2006, 04:36 AM

I installed the latest build 5456. Now I am back to square one. :-(

I have lost the sync functionality. I was hoping that the Windows Update that enabled the functionality in 5381 would be baked into this build - No, I was wrong.

Now I will have to wait for the Windows Update for this build. :evil:

Interestingly the splash screen in the Figure 4 in my article has now been updated/replaced. The image is the same but in the lower portion the splash image displays the text that says something like - checking for update that will enable sync or something like that. :?

ashmore0425

06-27-2006, 04:47 AM

I have been trying to snyc my 2125 and have had no success. My phone continues to say waiting for network while the Mobile Center says syncing. All the while nothing is happening. What's up?

Kris Kumar

06-27-2006, 04:54 AM

I have been trying to snyc my 2125 and have had no success. My phone continues to say waiting for network while the Mobile Center says syncing. All the while nothing is happening. What's up?

It's beta software, that's the problem. ;-) :-(

alex_kac

06-28-2006, 04:56 PM

It still looks far too complex to me. Why the dozen screens? Synching should have as few screens possible and be as unobtrusive as possible.

peterawest

09-01-2006, 05:23 PM

I installed the latest build 5456. Now I am back to square one. :-( I have lost the sync functionality.

I've recently installed Build 5536 Pre-RC1 and all I get when connecting is the Connection Settings dialog that is shown on Figure 28.

I am able to browse my device with Windows Explorer, but thats all. I'm still using an older iPAQ 1945, so maybe the older OS is not supported yet.

Kris Kumar

09-01-2006, 05:51 PM

I've recently installed Build 5536 Pre-RC1 and all I get when connecting is the Connection Settings dialog that is shown on Figure 28.

I am able to browse my device with Windows Explorer, but thats all. I'm still using an older iPAQ 1945, so maybe the older OS is not supported yet.

I haven't been keeping up with the latest Vista releases. Waiting for the RC1 now.

When I did the article at that time my iPAQ 2210/2215 had worked without a problem. It is a Windows Mobile 2003 device.

peterawest

09-04-2006, 12:41 AM

Waiting for the RC1 now.

I downloaded and installed RC1. After installing my Pocket PC it didn't offer anything additional.

I've run the Windows Update, but nothing new is coming up. Oh well.

Kris Kumar

09-04-2006, 03:03 AM

I downloaded and installed RC1. After installing my Pocket PC it didn't offer anything additional.

I've run the Windows Update, but nothing new is coming up. Oh well.

I have it installed too. It detects my Smartphone. It installs the driver. In the control panel, I can see the Windows Mobile Device Center. But I can't do much, no data sync functionality. I can explore the file systems. Import photos and videos using the new Vista import functionality.

But like you mentioned, the Windows Update does not do anything for me. I cannot see how I can sync contacts, calendar etc.

I did notice one new feature. When you connect the Smartphone, you see the Auto Play dialog, similar to the CD/DVD insert action. :-)

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ReadyToUseSmall.jpg (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-ReadyToUse.jpg)
Figure 1: Auto Play functionality. Click on the image for larger image.

http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-AutoPlaySmall.jpg (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Kris-Vista-AutoPlay.jpg)
Figure 2: Auto Play functionality. Click on the image for larger image.

I like this new functionality.

BTW: While working with the images for this post, I noticed that in Figure 1, there is the familiar Windows Update icon in the tray bar. I will have to check it out.

bahree

09-25-2006, 09:43 PM

Hi,
If you are trying to get WMDC to sync up with your mobile using Vista RC1 (or Build 5728) then check out my post from about a week ago (http://desigeek.com/weblog/amit/archive/2006/09/19/Syncing-your-mobile-with-Vista-RC1-with-WMDC.aspx). Make sure you look at the comments as well as that has common issues discussed. :)

peterawest

10-07-2006, 07:29 PM

Windows Mobile Device Center Beta 3 for Windows Vista (x86) is now available for download for those running Vista RC1 and above:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=c23c8e6a-a72d-4aef-9663-31ce2fefbada&DisplayLang=en

I'm just installed Vista RC2 on my test computer and then installed this update. It's working great with my older iPAQ 1945.