Active Sync suddenly won't sync + Outlook behaving strangely

After many years of using Outlook -- and using Outlook 2003 for several
years, continuously -- without a problem, it has suddenly started taking a
very long time to open messages when I click on them. Also, about one out of
every three times that I open Outlook, I get an error message saying that
Outlook was not closed properly and it goes through a lengthy routine of
ostensibly restoring my data file.

I always close Outlook properly. I never receive an error message when I
shut it down. I have tried every possible setting, many times, but nothing I
do has changed the above behavior in the least.

More importantly, my new HP iPAQ handheld computer (running Windows Mobile
5) has suddenly stopped syncing to my desktop pc (running Windows XP Pro). It
shows an error message saying that there was a "sync error" but does not give
an error code or say what caused it. (Not very helpful!). Now it tells me
that Windows is unable to communicate with the device and doesn't see it in
Windows Explorer, so I can't even drag files to it.

I have reinstalled ActiveSync several times -- wiping all my settings and
backed up handheld files. I have followed all the recommended remedies. And,
once again, absolutely nothing works. I tried different USB ports -- all of
which work fine with other devices -- disabled Windows firewall, etc.
Nothing, absolutely nothing, works. No viruses, spyware, etc. on this
machine. And, maddingly, nothing in online support that mentions this sort of
problem (for Outlook or Active Sync.)

In Outlook I have AVG anti-virus screening email. I also recently installed
Adobe Acrobat (Standard Edition). Both added buttons to Outlook's button bar.
But I have had successful syncs since then. No explanation for why this all
suddenly stopped working. No minidumps. No log entries, etc.

I really need a MS rep to look into this. Otherwise, I am going to return a
$500+ PDA to HP and buy a Palm.

Are you saying that when the device is connected Outlook behaves strangely?
If not, then suggest you check with the Microsoft Outlook related newsgroup
for better help in this regard. One thing that comes to my mind at this
point is the size of your .pst file. Beyond that you could try creating a
new Outlook profile and see if it behaves in the same manner.

When you connect your device, does it appear under the Device Manager?

--
Regards,
Raj Pillai
Microsoft MVP - Mobile Devices
http://www.pocketpcfaq.com/raj


"allegro" <> wrote in message
news:0C8D8F20-BE7B-4256-A00B-...
> After many years of using Outlook -- and using Outlook 2003 for several
> years, continuously -- without a problem, it has suddenly started taking a
> very long time to open messages when I click on them. Also, about one out
> of
> every three times that I open Outlook, I get an error message saying that
> Outlook was not closed properly and it goes through a lengthy routine of
> ostensibly restoring my data file.
>
> I always close Outlook properly. I never receive an error message when I
> shut it down. I have tried every possible setting, many times, but nothing
> I
> do has changed the above behavior in the least.
>
> More importantly, my new HP iPAQ handheld computer (running Windows Mobile
> 5) has suddenly stopped syncing to my desktop pc (running Windows XP Pro).
> It
> shows an error message saying that there was a "sync error" but does not
> give
> an error code or say what caused it. (Not very helpful!). Now it tells me
> that Windows is unable to communicate with the device and doesn't see it
> in
> Windows Explorer, so I can't even drag files to it.
>
> I have reinstalled ActiveSync several times -- wiping all my settings and
> backed up handheld files. I have followed all the recommended remedies.
> And,
> once again, absolutely nothing works. I tried different USB ports -- all
> of
> which work fine with other devices -- disabled Windows firewall, etc.
> Nothing, absolutely nothing, works. No viruses, spyware, etc. on this
> machine. And, maddingly, nothing in online support that mentions this sort
> of
> problem (for Outlook or Active Sync.)
>
> In Outlook I have AVG anti-virus screening email. I also recently
> installed
> Adobe Acrobat (Standard Edition). Both added buttons to Outlook's button
> bar.
> But I have had successful syncs since then. No explanation for why this
> all
> suddenly stopped working. No minidumps. No log entries, etc.
>
> I really need a MS rep to look into this. Otherwise, I am going to return
> a
> $500+ PDA to HP and buy a Palm.