Program Install using Active Sync

[dbman]

I have an X5 with an update to 2003. My work computer is my primary sync partner. I recently discovered programs like PocketPlus 2.0, Adobe Acrobat Reader, 200 Solitaire Collection and many others will not install using this computer. Each install routine runs as expected and completes with an indication that the program has been installed, but the ActiveSync program never queries the Axim and as a result, the program is not actually installed on the PocketPC.

Since I have several programs like RDCalc, Sprite Backup and others that install just fine using this computer, I thought at first it's a problem with the programs themselves. However, I also have a WinXP-based laptop at home that I to install software when I am away from the office. I use the Guest account and everyone of these programs installs just fine!

I have uninstalled and reinstalled ActiveSync 3.7.1 on my work computer, tried uninstalling and reinstalling the apps many times and nothing so far has fixed this problem. Both computers are running ActiveSync 3.7.1

I would appreciate any ideas before I resort to rebuilding my Win2K OS (latest service packs and updates).

[Janak Parekh]

When you uninstall and reinstall ActiveSync, do you make sure there's no ActiveSync folder in Program Files? I also assume you've tried deleting and recreating your partnership?

--janak

[dbman]

Janak, I am sorry for not responding before now. I was very hesitant to go through the process of deleting the partnership, deleting the folders, removing ActiveSync and its folder and reinstalling things.

Since I could install programs fine using my home laptop, it was not critical to take immediate action.

However, today, after unsuccessful attempts to install updated versions of SPB Pocket Plus and SPB Full-Screen Keyboard, I decided to try your suggestion.

I uninstalled both programs using ActiveSync on the PC. Note that the uninstall routine works just fine!

I deleted the Pocket_PC My Documents folder.
I deleted the primary partnership with my work computer.
I uninstalled ActiveSync and deleted the ActiveSync folder in Program Files.
I reinstalled ActiveSync 3.7.1
I created a new primary partnership
I waited until the re-sync was completed.

I reinstalled SPB Pocket Plus and Full Screen Keyboard and both programs still do the same thing as I have experienced with these programs and others. That is, the Windows installer works through the registration pages and then instead of triggering the ActiveSync install routine, the installer immediately indicates that the install finished successfully. The ActiveSync program install does not run and the programs are not actually installed on the PocketPC.

Since the programs will install using my laptop, I think I can safely assume that the PocketPC is not the problem. Also, it is very odd that some programs will install while many like these two will not.

Fortunately, I can copy the Windows 'exe' files to the SD card and install them using my home computer so this problem is not critical, but it is annoying!

[Janak Parekh]

You don't need to apologize. ;)

It's almost definitely not a Pocket PC issue. The question is if the hassle of trying to fix this is worth it. It sounds like it's not an obvious thing, and if those two are the only programs, I'd probably leave it alone -- or perhaps contact Spb and see if they have any say before doing more trial-and-error debugging.

--janak

[dbman]

You don't need to apologize. ;)

It's almost definitely not a Pocket PC issue. The question is if the hassle of trying to fix this is worth it. It sounds like it's not an obvious thing, and if those two are the only programs, I'd probably leave it alone -- or perhaps contact Spb and see if they have any say before doing more trial-and-error debugging.

--janak
I was able to install the programs at home. Unfortunately, quite a wide range of programs will not install at work so I do not think it is an Spb problem.

Later this year, I will probably rebuild my work PC and I suspect it will fix this problem.