Compaq iPaq Pocket PC-More technical assistance needed

[mopar28m]

Hi,

I recently acquired a Compaq model 3650 with lots of accessories except one. The CD with the drivers so my desktop computer can see it.

I don't have the owners manuals either. So any & ALL assistance that you guys can give me would be greatly appreciated. I'm totally new with this.

Thanks a bunch in advance,

Lori
8)

[Nurhisham Hussein]

No drivers are actually required - what you need is to download and install Activesync 3.8 (edit: on your desktop) (don't get Activesync 4.x, that's meant for Windows Mobile 5):

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/downloads/activesync38.mspx

[mopar28m]

OK, I got the file downloaded & installed. But when I try to run the program, it starts synchronizing things & it runs into this error -

mapisvc.inf file missing.

Where do I get this file & how do I put it where the computer can see it?

Thanks,

(See I told you I was new at this) :) LOL

:roll:

[mopar28m]

userenv.dll file not found

Denied access.


?????????????




Is this related to other error I have?

[Nurhisham Hussein]

What OS are you running on your desktop?

Edit: Also, do you have MS Outlook installed? AS will only sync with Outlook, not Outlook Express.

[mopar28m]

I'm running Win 98 SE on my desktop.

I have Microsoft outlook express on my desktop for email.


I'd be happy just to able to surf the net a little, don't need it for email.

[uwaku]

I recommend you do a hard reset, which should reload any missing files. Once that's done you can re-sync your PPC and everything you need should work.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

I don't believe so - the missing files errors are on the PC, correct? As I stated before, you cannot sync your contacts, calender, tasks or mail with Outlook Express - you need to have the full Outlook software to do this. In other words, apart from program installation, there's not much call for you to sync at all. Since you don't have the CD, there's not a whole lot you can do, unless you want to purchase it.

[mopar28m]

And where do I purchase this CD? Sounds like the way to go.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Any computer store that sells Outlook on its own - it's kinda pricey though. You could try talking to HP direct - they may be willing to sell/give you a copy. BTW, you can get updates and manuals for your Compaq on the HP website as well:

http://h18007.www1.hp.com/support/files/handhelds/us/locate/71_1231.html

Edit: You can find the manuals here:

http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/DocumentIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodClassId=-1&contentType=SupportManual&prodTypeId=215348&prodSeriesId=96479

[Sven Johannsen]

Not sure where you would buy an old 3650 distribution CD anymore, other than e-bay. The only things really on it of interest would be ActiveSync, the program that allows synchronizing the unit with various things on the desktop, and a copy of Outlook. probably Outlook 2000. If you have no interest in Outlook, the only thing you should need is AS and I understand you already got this.

You might want to uninstall AS and start over.

The process normally is that you install AS on your PC. It runs in the background all the time. The first time you connect your PPC, it is recognized by USB, the drivers which were loaded with AS, recognize the device, and AS starts. You get an initial partnership wizard screen that asks if you want a regular partnership (which will sync stuff) or a guest (which won't). If you choose guest you get this wizard again next time. Choose regular. Then you should get a window that asks what you want to sync. Without Outlook the only things you should/could check are files and favorites. You can uncheck everything, which might be a good idea. It will create a partnership, which keeps the wizard from annoying you when you cradle the device, but doesn't sync stuff you don't care about.

Files - creates a folder on your desktop that you can drop things into and they automatically wind up on your PPC. Also stuff in My Documents in your PPC wind up in this folder on the desktop.

Favorites - Internet Explorer can have a special Mobile Favorites folder under Favorites. Links in this folder get sync'd to the PPC. If you set any of these site up for off-line viewing, which downloads pages to your PC, those doewnloads will also be transferred to your iPaq, making them available off-line there. Watch the size.


Two things you might want to be aware of, (maybe three). There is a hole at the bottom of the iPaq that you can stick the stylus in. That is a Soft Reset. It is like rebooting your PC. It is useful if things aren't working quite right. On the 3650 there is a little door you can slide over, under which is a switch. Sliding the switch over disconnects the battery. That is a Hard Reset. It resets your PPC back to factory fresh, everything is erased. The OS and apps are all in ROM so that comes back, but time settings, documents, user name...all gone. It's like you got it out of the shrink wrap. Letting the battery run down, is also a Hard Reset. Keep that in mind. As old as the device is, if yuo have crappy battery life, you might consider getting a replacement. You have to open the case with a torx driver, but it is not to hard. The battery is connectorized. You should be getting better than 4-6 hours of use on a charge. Not using it, the battery should retain a charge for several days.

Hope some of this helps.