hotsync suddenly won't work

[bkl72]

I recently got a new Dell Optiplex at work and successfully loaded the Palm software. I was able to hotsync for about two weeks, and then suddenly I started receiving messages saying that the a connection could not be made with the com port. I tested the com port, and it was fine, so I switched ports (and made the necessary adjustments to my hotsync setup). Again, I was able to hotsync for about a week or so, but then the same thing started happening on com port 2. Tested the port, and again it was okay. I have tested my cradle on different computers, and it has worked perfectly. I suspect that something is awry in my computer configurations, but our computer technician has not been able to find anything, and Palm Support is not help. Anyone have any ideas?

[DrMud]

I am going to give you a link to a resource that may be of some assistance. I will also await your next posting and if the link has been of no assistance I will work on this with you.
DrMud

HotSync Trouble Shooter (http://www.jimthompson.net/palmpda/Tips/HSTroubleshooter.htm)

[bkl72]

I tried a couple of the suggestions listed at the link you recommended. However, I don't feel confident enought to try some of the others and do not have full-time tech support here at work. I checked both ports; they're fine. I have successfully hotsynced at other computers, with this and other cradles. One thing that is different from the problem indicated at the link you suggested -- while I am getting the message "the connection between your handheld computer and the desktop could not be established", I am not seeing the hotsync status box on the computer screen. No connection is being made at all. The ports are apparently okay, my cradle is apparently okay, and my handheld is apparently okay.

[DrMud]

Are you getting any information in your HotSync Log? It sounds like the PC is not even recognizing the request to initiate the HotSync.
Doc

[bkl72]

No, there's no information in my hotsync log, just indication of the last successful hotsync.

[DrMud]

There are really only two possibilities here:
1) The Palm Desktop registry is corrupted.
2) There is a port conflict that you have not spotted.
As to the Registry issue in general those problems leave a trail in the HotSync log I suspect the port settings.

Consider downloading the latest USB driver from Palm.com and uninstalling the Desktop and reinstalling then hooking up the USB Cradle.

Doc

Palm Desk Top Unistall (http://205.141.210.148/SRVS/CGI-BIN/WEBCGI.EXE/,/?%20%20St=12,E=0000000000146484133,K=6403,Sxi=6,Ca se=o<br%20/>bj(<br%20/>10109))

Palm USB Driver (http://www.palm.com/support/accessories/usb/win98_USB.html)

[bkl72]

I have a Palm Vx, and I haven't been able to find a USB cradle or adapter that will work.

[DrMud]

Sorry about the USB mistake on my part. In a typical day I respond to 20 or more postings and some days I just simply get lost in all the threads.
What OS is on the Dell?
Have you uninstalled the other accessories that use COM ports and tried installing the Palm Desktop Software?
Doc