PsiWin 2.3.3 synchronising problem

[Flutefriend]

I run a PC with Windows ME & Outlook and am having a constant battle to ensure my Psion 5mx contacts remain synchronised with the PC. I have uninstalled PsiWin & cleared the registry and the relevant system files, but on re-installing get the same old problem, namely one of the programme hanging when "Reading Psion Appointments". I also then find that the PC no longer recognises that the Psion is connected, and no amount of coaxing via the connections tab/ports options etc helps.
For the record I have also installed Psion synchronising update file to no avail.

Any help/suggestions gratefully appreciated.

[Jim Cooke]

The combination of WindowsME and PsiWin was probably one of the sorriest in the history of computers.:( PsiWin itself is not the cause of the problem - it's WindowsME. You can continue to struggle along trying to make the combination work properly but it would take a lot less time and you'd have a lot more success upgrading to WindowsXP Home or Pro and using PsiWin 2.3.3. This combination is totally stable for me and I never have the type of hangs and freezes I did with earlier versions fo Windows.

[Flutefriend]

Jim,

Thanks for responding, albeit not very encouragingly!

I am really quite reluctant to upgrade to XP - not wishing to swell BG's coffers any more. So any suggestions of how best to "struggle on" would be most welcome.

I tried deleting all my contacts on the Psion (as you have suggested elsewhere) but now find I cannot re-install them at all.

It might be worth mentioning that I do try to synch with two PC's, one here at home and another in my office. I can't seem to get either to link up now! The office one runs Windows 2000 Professional as far as I can recall!

[Jim Cooke]

I'd rather give Mr. Gates a few more bucks than tear my hair out trying to make WindowsME work.:) In terms of trying to get what you have working now, my first question is what version of PsiWin are you using? PsiWin 2.2 has given some people better success than 2.3.3 but not in all cases. If you're not using 2.3.3, then it would be worth a try on your home machine. It's absolutely vital that have 2.3.3 installed on your office machine since no earlier version will ever work correctly with Win2K or WinXP.

The other piece of advice I'd give is rather drastic. First, let's try to get your Psion to sync to one machine correctly. This means backing up your files, moving the backup files to a different temporary directory, and then hard resetting the Psion. Next would be an uninstall and reinstall of PsiWin using Mike McC's registry cleaner that is both at his web site and has been posted here many times. Don't reinstall any programs. Just set up PsiWin so it sees your Psion as a new machine and then try syncing in a totally clean environment.

I'm afraid that you've probably made so many changes to both your Psion and PsiWin in your attempts to get things working that we could chase ghosts forever. A clean start will give us the best chance of making things work with the least amount of effort overall.

[Flutefriend]

Jim,

Many thanks for responding again & for the advice.

I have tried both PsiWin 2.2 and 2.3.3 to no real advantage either way.

So it looks as though I am going to have to grit my teeth and get back to a pristine machine via a hard re-set.

It's probably time to clear up my clutter anyway!

I'll try to remember to let you know how I get on when I can find the time to do as you suggest.