[Help] Prevent ActiveSync 4.1 From Starting (Whenever Windows Media Player 10 Is Started)

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

I've just installed ActiveSync 4.1 (over ActiveSync 3.8.) and I notice an annoying feature - AS4.1 starts up whenever I start WMP10 :evil: Killed AS4.1 manually but it got started up again (and again) whenever I start WMP10. Anyone has a clue on how to prevent (or disabled) AS4.1 from starting? FYI, I'm using HP iPAQ h4150 (WM2003SE) on Windows XP SP2. Thanks in advanced :cry:

[Janak Parekh]

I believe this is because AS 4.1 hooks into WMP10 for media sync for WM5 devices, and in fact installs drivers into WMP10. I just leave AS 4.1 running all the time, and selectively cradle my WM5 device.

There may theoretically be a way to rip out these drivers, but the simplest solution for you, since you're a WM2003SE user, is to use AS 3.8. There is zero benefit for using 4.1 for a non-WM5 device -- the software goes into "compatibility mode" and basically acts like 3.8. In fact, you lose some features like WiFi sync.

--janak

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

God, didn't know that AS 4.1 goes into AS 3.8 compatibility mode when syncing with a WM2003SE PPC. I guess there's no point in upgrading to AS 4.1 (but I do like the slightly improved UI and icon). Anyway, is there any recommend method/tutorial for downgrading to AS 3.8? Can I keep my existing partnetship? I can't just install AS 3.8 over AS 4.1, right?

[Darius Wey]

God, didn't know that AS 4.1 goes into AS 3.8 compatibility mode when syncing with a WM2003SE PPC. I guess there's no point in upgrading to AS 4.1 (but I do like the slightly improved UI and icon).

When you connect a WM2003SE device, it reverts back to the old UI. The general recommendation is for all non-WM5 users to stick with AS 3.8.

Anyway, is there any recommend method/tutorial for downgrading to AS 3.8? Can I keep my existing partnetship? I can't just install AS 3.8 over AS 4.1, right?

Use Add/Remove Programs to remove AS 4.1. Next, go into C:\Windows\System32\ (or replace C with whichever drive you normally have Windows installed on) and delete all instances of rapi.dll and ceutil.dll. You might have to go into Tools > Folder Options and enable viewing of hidden files and folders. If you can't find them, then the files have already been removed. Restart your computer and then install AS 3.8.

To answer your other questions: No, uninstalling AS 4.1 directly removes your partnership. You will have to create a new one when you install AS 3.8. Also, a direct install of AS 3.8 over AS 4.1 will not work.

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

Thanks for the tip on removing rapi.dll and ceutil.dll manually. Any other leftover files that needed to be removed as well? What about the registry?

[Darius Wey]

Any other leftover files that needed to be removed as well? What about the registry?

Nah, you shouldn't need to.

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

Bad news... AS 3.8 now starts up whenever WMP 10 starts! I did perform a clean uninstallation of AS 4.1 (manually removed leftover files/registry). The previous installation of AS 4.1 must've replaced some system files.

Then I saw this entry in the registry "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Windows Media Player 10 Update for ActiveSync 4.0\KB894476". The "KB894476" hotfix must've did something to the system and thus, AS 3.8 now starts up whenever I watch movie/music on WMP 10 (and gives error on not able to find my device at COM4 (Bluetooth)). It's extremely annoying!

Anyway, I'm trying to save my system on trial and error. Could anyone please provide me with the list of files (and file version/date) in "C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$"? I'd deleted my "$NtUninstallKB894476$" already (bad move).

Help? Anyone? :cry:

[Darius Wey]

Anyway, I'm trying to save my system on trial and error. Could anyone please provide me with the list of files (and file version/date) in "C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$"? I'd deleted my "$NtUninstallKB894476$" already (bad move).

C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$\cewmdm.dll (161KB)
C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$\spuninst\spuninst.exe (205KB)
C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$\spuninst\spuninst.inf (8KB)
C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$\spuninst\spuninst.txt (1KB)
C:\WINDOWS\$NtUninstallKB894476$\spuninst\updspapi.dll (364KB)

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

@Darius: Thanks for the list. I replaced the "cewmdm.dll" (10.0.3790.3902 @ 221KB) with a version before the "WMP 10 Hotfix for AS 4" update (10.0.3790.3802 @ 161KB, from the living room's PC). Again, bad news... it doesn't work - stupid AS 3.8 still pops up whenever I start WMP 10. I'm exhausted of ideas already... Anyone got solutions?

[Darius Wey]

Have you tried reinstalling Windows Media Player 10? If I recall correctly, there have been a couple of new builds released since Windows XP SP2.

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

@Darius: I haven't tried reinstalling WMP 10 yet but I do believe I have the latest WMP 10.00.00.3646 as I visit Microsoft Updates on the 2nd Tuesday of every month. What's the latest WMP 10 build anyway? Man, this is driving me nuts into Christmas... 8O

Could you send me your AS 4.1 "wcesetup.log" file (david_brandon h o t m a i l)? I wanna compare it against my current AS 3.8 "wcesetup.log" file and hopefully, be able to pin-point any other files that got added/replaced. Thanks

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

Yes! I finally solved the "AS 3.8 starting up whenever WMP 10 starts" issue (I think). I got so frustrated over this issue and I resorted to unregistering the "cewmdm.dll" from the system services - "regsvr32 /u cewmdm.dll". I guess this trick may also work with AS 4.1.

Did a little testing and both WMP 10 and AS 3.8 still works. Didn't test the WMP 10 sync feature though (with any portable devices) as I don't use that feature.

No more annoying AS 3.8 whenever I start WMP 10! I'm one happy camper now... :mrgreen:

[Darius Wey]

No more annoying AS 3.8 whenever I start WMP 10! I'm one happy camper now... :mrgreen:

I wish I had your efficiency late at night. ;)

Glad to see you got it working.

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

I've just installed Windows Media Player 11 Beta and the annoying "ActiveSync starting up whenever Windows Media Player starts" issue is back. Am using ActiveSync 4.1. Anyway, to resolve this:

- make sure "wcescomm.exe" and "rapimgr.exe" is not currently running (view and kill via Task Manager)
- unregister the offending "cewmdm.dll" from system services by executing "regsvr32 /u cewmdm.dll" (via command prompt or the "Run" menu)

[DaViD_BRaNDoN]

I totally forgotten how to disable the annoying ActiveSync 4.5 from starting whenever I start Windows Media Player 11. I remembered I had the trick posted here years ago so I googled myself...

+david_brandon +activesync +"windows media player" site:forums.thoughtsmedia.com

...and I found this thread again! What a relief! Thanks PocketPCThoughts! So happy... :D