Changes to ActiveSync Version 4.1

ActiveSync 4.1 is the latest sync software release for Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, including the iPAQ 2190 that Farm Works is currently selling.

ActiveSync 4.1 is available for Download Here.

New features include:

  • New partnership wizard makes syncing easier
  • Faster transfer of data files including media
  • Ability to sync photos assigned to contacts from Outlook on the desktop

*ActiveSync 4.1 supports PC sync via USB cable, Bluetooth, or infrared connection.

ActiveSync 4.1 System Requirements

  • Supported Operating Systems:
    • Windows 2000 Service Pack 4;
    • Windows XP Home;
    • Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1;
    • Windows XP Professional;
    • Windows XP Service Pack 1;
    • Windows XP Service Pack 2;
    • Windows XP Tablet PC Edition
  • Microsoft Outlook 2000, Microsoft Outlook XP, or Microsoft Outlook 2003 messaging and collaboration clients required for synchronization to the desktop or portable computer of e-mail, Calendar, Contacts, Tasks, and Notes. (Outlook 2003 is recommended)
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later (required)
You must have Administrator privileges on the computer where ActiveSync is being installed.

In some specific cases, Windows Mobile device connectivity to a Windows PC running Microsoft ActiveSync 4.x may experience connection problems , some possible solutions are listed here:

Desktop Firewall Applications

Firewall applications are designed to block network traffic and secure the desktop PC from incoming network connections. Since ActiveSync utilizes TCP ports for data transfer with Windows Mobile devices, you may need to explicitly allow this traffic to be un-blocked by Firewall applications. To do so, you must add ActiveSync application processes into the Firewall Programs Exception List.

Parental Control Utilities

Parental control utilities are often designed to block network traffic to designated Internet addresses. These utilities may be implemented as a Layer Service Provider that monitors network traffic across multiple Windows applications. ActiveSync communications between the PC and your device may be erroneously interrupted as well by these Layer Service Providers making it difficult to establish a connection.

Hubs & Docking Stations

USB hubs and laptop docking stations have not exhibited consistent stability with Windows Mobile devices and ActiveSync. Please connect the device directly to the PC USB ports if you experience connection drops or inability to connect through a USB hub or docking station.

Other know issues with ActiveSync 4.x:

  • ActiveSync 4.x no longer supports the ability to select specific categories of the calendar, contacts and tasks to synchronize to your Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC.
  • ActiveSync 4.x no longer allows the user to specify the frequency of synchronization with Windows Mobile 5.0 when synchronizing with Outlook.  With previous versions of ActiveSync the user could specify that they wanted to sync Manually, On Connect and Continuously.  ActiveSync 4.x only offers continuous synchronization.
  • ActiveSync 4.x no longer supports network based TCP/IP synchronization with Outlook.  Prior versions of ActiveSync allowed users to synchronize via Ethernet, Wi-Fi and modem.  This was removed for security reasons.
  • ActiveSync 4.x no longer installs the Pocket Word file converter.  Since the Pocket PCs can read and write the desktop file formats, however most users no longer need it.  If you need the Pocket Word converter, then install ActiveSync 3.8 and upgrade to ActiveSync 4.x.
  • ActiveSync 4.x does not provide a way to disconnect synchronization.  If you sync via Infrared and move the Windows Mobile 5.0 device away from the PC, it will still think it is connected until you perform a soft reset.  An alternative to disconnect without a soft reset is to open ActiveSync on the PC and click on File - Connection Settings and uncheck the option to sync via Infrared.  Once the device has disconnected, you can recheck the box to use Infrared again.
  • ActiveSync 4.x with a Windows Mobile 5.0 device does not support converting Access tables to Pocket Access (CDB) format.  ActiveSync 4.x with a device prior to Windows Mobile 5.0 does support the conversion of Access to Pocket Access (CDB) format.  This includes some versions of Microsoft Money (2005 and prior) that use this conversion process for their database.