Install Vx w/ serial on New XP Computer

[daniell999]

I have a new computer running Win XP Pro.

My Palm Vx was hooked up to my old machine via the serial docking station. It was upgraded to OS 4.1 and I used an Intellesynch application to Synch with Lotus Organizer.

I have not installed any Palm software on the new machine. How should I proceed? I have the Palm desktop available to install but after installation, I'll add the software for the Lotus Organizer (I am in front of the unit most of the day and Lotus is so much better than the Palm Desktop. Besides, the Desktop has limit to the number of records and would delete appointments and numbers from my Palm.)

How should I proceed with the installation? What should I do first? Install the docking station? Install the Palm Desktop application to get the Synch software installed?, ????????

[DrMud]

There are few XP issues when you are using Serial. And few problems with USB so long as you have XP admin privedleges.
1. To check if you have administrator privileges in XP, go to Start -> Control Panel -> User Accounts. If it doesn't list the type of account under the name of account you use, click on your account and click "Change account type." The next screen should show which type the account is. You may not be able to change this without help from your IT department. The administrator privileges can be removed after installation of Palm Desktop, but they must be added to the user account prior to installation.
Just load the Palm DeskTop as you had planned.
DrMud

[daniell999]

I can set accounts. I also happen to have a serial to USB convertor that was part of a potential solution when the serial port on the old machine burned out. (I ended up adding a new serial port card...)

How should I proceed?

1. Load the desktop.
2. Attach the docking station using a serial-USB convertor.
3. Attempt to synch?

Or some other sequence?????

[DrMud]

Your list seems to be in a good order. Don't be too concerned that you can make a mess. There is always the option to uninstall and reinstall.
There have been a number of post regarding problem with various serial/USB converts....best of luck with that piece of equipment.
Doc

[daniell999]

I decided to start out by synching with the Palm Desktop, having the Palm overwrite the desktop. Every time I start to synch, I get the sync screen on my computer for about 2 seconds and then it instanlty vanishes. The Palm eventually times out.

I know the serial connection exists because the process starts. I've tried slowing down the serial port speed but that doesn't work. The Palm and the desktop both have the same user name.
Any ideas where the process is breaking down.

[DrMud]

It sounds like the regisrty is corrupted. Take a look in the HotSync log. RIght click the Hotsync ICON and view the log.
If you have an error 8009 it is the registry. I'll give a link below for the repair.
DrMud

Hotsync Error 8009 (http://205.141.210.148/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?St=27,E=0000000000148936270,K=1861,Sxi=14,Case=ob j(8724))

[daniell999]

It turned out to be the HotScyn cradle itself. When I used a battery operated charger/syncher by Landware, it syncs fine. I ordered a serial cable and will use it from now on and just use the cradle for charging my Palm.

Thanks Doc.

[DrMud]

Glad to hear of your solution. I'll check out the Landware product.
Doc

[daniell999]

The Landware product is great. It weighs next to nothing and will charge a Palm Vx fully on 2 AA batteries (4 full charges). It comes with a serial sync cable.

[DrMud]

Thanks for the details. I'll put in my order today.
Doc