In some specific cases, Windows Mobile device connectivity to a Windows PC running Microsoft ActiveSync 4.0 may experience connection problems. This document will describe the known issues, and how you may resolve these issues.
*Please note that it is recommended that customers use ActiveSync 4.0 only for devices running Windows Mobile 5.0 software.
Issues:
The end users experiences include the following:
- Connection between a Device and PC is dropped during data transfer or synchronization.
- Connection is never established between PC and the Device and there is no visual feedback.
- Synchronization is completed partially, but does not finish as intended.
- The PC does not function as intended when connected to a Device.
Cause:
The end user experiences listed above are likely caused by interoperability with desktop firewall applications or applications that manage network traffic. These applications appear to conflict with the TCP traffic between a Device and the PC. If there is a conflict, it may cause the end user experiences outlined above. Listed below are examples of applications where an end user may likely have these experiences.
Disclaimer
Before you change any settings on your PC, network, or other equipment, please review the following disclaimer notice: Disclaimer
Click on each topic for more information:
Desktop Firewall Applications
Network Connection Managers
VPN Clients
Network Traffic Optimizers
Parental Control Utilities
USB Hub or Docking Station
Desktop Firewall Applications
Firewall applications are designed to block network traffic and secure the desktop PC from incoming network connections. Since ActiveSync utilizes TCP ports for data transfer with Windows Mobile-based devices, you may need to explicitly allow this traffic to be un-blocked by Firewall applications. To do so, you must add ActiveSync application processes into the Firewall Programs Exception List.
Troubleshooting:
If you are currently running any of the following Firewall Applications and wish to enable ActiveSync, please consult the detailed steps described below to add ActiveSync application processes into the Firewall exception list:
Sygate Personal Firewall
TrendMicro PC-cillin Internet Security 2005
Norton Personal Firewall
Zone Alarm Security Suite
McAfee Personal Firewall
For additional firewall software not mentioned above, please consult your firewall application documentation on how to add ActiveSync application processes to the exception list.
Note: ActiveSync files include:
Wcesmgr.exe
Wcescomm.exe
Rapimgr.exe
Ceappmgr.exe
These application processes are located in the ActiveSync installation folder (C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\ if installed in C drive with default settings).
ActiveSync also uses the following TCP ports for communication to/from these processes:
990
999
5678
5679
5721
26675
Network Connection Managers
Network Connection Managers are utilities that intelligently manage connection interfaces so that a PC with multiple connection methods (e.g. Ethernet, Wireless LAN, etc.) can utilize the best connection. In some cases, the utilities will shut down network interfaces and promote other interfaces for the best connection performance. Some of these utilities are implemented as NDIS Intermediate Drivers that monitor and affect the Windows system TCP/IP stack.
Since Windows Mobile 5.0 and ActiveSync 4.0 now utilize the Windows system TCP/IP stack for communication, the device connection will appear as a network interface and can be interrupted by a Network Connection Manager utility. Some utilities may mistake the ActiveSync connection as a valid internet connection and shut it down in favor of Wireless LAN connection.
If you experience issues with device to PC connectivity, please make sure a Network Connection Manager is not conflicting with the connection.
You can also try the following steps to un-bind NDIS Intermediate Drivers from your device Adapter.
NOTE: Unbinding these drivers may have unforeseen consequence including reduced functionality or the risk of a security vulnerability. If you have any questions or concerns regarding disabling these drivers.
Step 1
In Windows, click on the Start Menu and navigate to Control Panel.
Classic View:
Inside the Control Panel, double click on the "Network Connections" icon.
Category View:
Inside the Control Panel, click on the link for "Network and Internet Connections".
In the subsequent window, click on "Network Connections" at the bottom of the window.
Step 2
In the "Network Connections" window, right click on the connection with "Device" field labeled "Windows Mobile Device" followed by a number. Click on "Properties" once the context menu appears.
Note: It may help to put this window into "Details View" to identify the correct adapter with the "Device" field specified above.
Step 3
In the "Properties" Window, be sure to uncheck all check-boxes in the "This connection uses the following items:" list EXCEPT for:
- Client for Microsoft Networks
- File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
- Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
Hit Close.
Note: If this does not solve your problem, please follow the steps to re-check the all the protocols on the device Adapter.
VPN Clients
Virtual Private Network (VPN) Clients are utilities that facilitate a remotely connected PC to authenticate and join a secure private network. Some components of VPN clients are implemented as NDIS Intermediate Drivers that monitor and affect the Windows system TCP/IP stack traffic.
Since Windows Mobile 5.0 and ActiveSync 4.0 now utilize the Windows system TCP/IP stack for communication, the device connection will appear as a network interface and information between the PC and your device may be erroneously interrupted by VPN Clients. This may cause difficulties in connecting the device with a PC while the PC is joined on a Virtual Private Network.
If you experience issues with device to PC connectivity in this case, you may need to turn off the VPN Client to restore connection functionality.
You can also try the following steps to un-bind NDIS Intermediate Drivers from your device Adapter.
NOTE: Unbinding these drivers may have unforeseen consequence including reduced functionality or the risk of a security vulnerability. If you have any questions or concerns regarding disabling these drivers, do not proceed any further and please contact the manufacturer.
Step 1
In Windows, click on the Start Menu and navigate to Control Panel.
Classic View:
Inside the Control Panel, double click on the "Network Connections" icon.
Category View:
Inside the Control Panel, click on the link for "Network and Internet Connections".
In the subsequent window, click on "Network Connections" at the bottom of the window.
Step 2
In the "Network Connections" window, right click on the connection with "Device" field labeled "Windows Mobile Device" followed by a number. Click on "Properties" once the context menu appears.
Note: It may help to put this window into "Details View" to identify the correct adapter with the "Device" field specified above.
Step 3
In the "Properties" Window, be sure to uncheck all check-boxes in the "This connection uses the following items:" list EXCEPT for:
- Client for Microsoft Networks
- File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks
- Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
Hit Close.
Note: If this does not solve your problem, please follow the steps to re-check the all the protocols on the device Adapter.
Network Traffic Optimizers
Network Traffic Optimizers are utilities that enhance a connection to increase connection throughput. In some cases, this is done by modifying the network packets or re-directing network traffic to save transfer time. Some of these utilities are implemented as Transport Driver Interface Drivers that are installed in the Windows system to monitor the TCP/IP stack.
Since Windows Mobile 5.0 and ActiveSync 4.0 now utilize the Windows system TCP/IP stack for communication, the device connection will appear as a network interface and information between the PC and your device may be erroneously interrupted by Network Traffic Optimizers.
If you experience issues with device to PC connectivity, please make sure that a Network Traffic Optimizer is not conflicting with the connection. You can check this by temporarily disabling or uninstalling the Network Traffic Optimizing software you are running.
Parental Control Utilities
Parental control utilities are often designed to block network traffic to designated internet addresses. These utilities may be implemented as a Layer Service Provider that monitors network traffic across multiple Windows applications. ActiveSync communications between the PC and your device may be erroneously interrupted as well by these Layer Service Providers making it difficult to establish a connection.
If you experience issues with device to PC connectivity, Parental Control Utilities could be conflicting with the ActiveSync connection. You can check this by temporarily disabling or uninstalling any Parental Control Utilities you are running. If you are having a conflict with such a utility, you may need to contact the utility manufacturer for a work around.
USB Hubs & Docking Stations
USB hubs and laptop docking stations have not exhibited consistent stability with Windows Mobile-based devices and ActiveSync.
If you experience connection drops or inability to connect through a USB hub or docking station, please connect the device directly to the PC USB ports.
Disclaimer
MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE MATERIAL ON THIS WEBSITE, INCLUDING ANY REFERENCED THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE. THE MATERIAL CONTAINED ON THIS WEBSITE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY; SUCH MATERIAL IS PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITH ALL FAULTS, AND YOUR USE OF THE MATERIAL IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Any modifications discussed on this website, including modifications to your firewall, security software, or network connections may have unforeseen consequences, including reduced functionality or a potential security vulnerability. Your system may be different than the scenarios described on this website; confirm your system requirements and specifications before proceeding. If your PC connects to a corporate network, check with your IT department before making any modifications described on this website. For additional information regarding use of the material contained on this website, please see the Microsoft Terms of Use.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows Logo, and ActiveSync, are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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-Content of this Troubleshooting Guide Provided by Microsoft, Inc.
