USB/XP hot sync issue

[bweav]

I have a Palm Vx and a Dell 2650 with only USB ports (no serial/IR). It will not sync with Palm desktop using the PalmConnect and I've tried all the standard things such as checking both serial and USB in hot sync manager, as well as completely removing and reinstalling Palm desktop. I've seen that a number of users have had problems similar to this, and I'm not sure it's limited to the Vx. I also tried moving the COM port my modem used because I thought there might be some kind of conflict, however, every time I change it, Palm desktop changes too giving a message that the previous port is now unavailable. It only gives me one port as an option to choose for syncing. The USB does work, I've checked that. Interestingly enough XP sees the Palm (I've installed and reinstalled the most current drivers from Palm) because it appears in device manager when connected and is removed when disconnected. Device manager claims it is working properly. Any help would be greatly appreciated as Palm tech support has been zero help after multiple inquiries.

[djmangen]

When you attempt to sync, what messages are displayed on the PC? How about on the Palm?

[bweav]

The palm gives the generic no connection message - The connection between your handheld computer and the desktop could not be established. Please check your setup and try again.

The computer gives no message whatsoever, but device manager knows the palm is connected through a serial adapter and claims it is working properly.

[djmangen]

In your Palm software, under Hot Sync and then Setup, does the port specification match the port that the Dell is recognizing? That could be the problem -- but it is just a guess on my part.

[bweav]

It appears to believe it's using COM 5 which the modem also uses, however it's difficult to say because Device Manager only shows it as using IRQ 9, which is the same as the Modem. I don't have a listing of COM ports in device manager and I'm not sure how to find a listing of all the COM ports outside of it.

[joker34]

Try uninstalling the drivers for PalmConnect and reinstall them again and hopefully it'll choose something other than com5. If not then you might need to get another com port activated on your machine. I've heard it won't work with only having 1 com port.

[bweav]

I guess it was an issue with the creation of a virtual COM port on installation. I found a solution at the following link.

http://discussion.brighthand.com/palmhandhelds/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15259&highlight=XP+USB

By installing with NAV disabled and getting the PalmConnect installed midway, Palm Desktop got the virtual COM established at COM4 and I'm in business! Thanks for the replies and spread the word, a lot of people are having this problem.