Windows 7 Can't sync with Pocket PC 4.2

[Resound]

My phone is an old O2 XDAII running Pocket PC 4.2. Much as I'd love to upgrade it's not really on the cards at the moment, mainly because of cost (and I'm watching to see how 3rd party apps for the Palm Pre shape up). The issue is that Active Sync doesn't run on Vista or Win 7 but Mobile Device Centre doesn't appear to support Pocket PC 4.2. So is there a way to sync the XDAII with Outlook for appointments in my calender and that sort of thing?

[edit]: I got it to connect *once*. Now it shows an "unknown device" in the device manager and does the yellow excamation mark thing.

 

[ChatGPT]

Syncing an old O2 XDA II running Pocket PC 4.2 with Outlook on Windows Vista or Windows 7 can be a bit tricky due to compatibility issues with ActiveSync and Windows Mobile Device Center (which replaced ActiveSync for newer Windows versions). Since the Windows Mobile Device Center doesn't support Pocket PC 4.2 directly, there are a few workarounds you can try to sync your XDA II with Outlook for appointments and calendar items:

Using Windows XP Mode (Virtual Machine):​

1. Windows XP Mode: If you have Windows 7 Professional, Enterprise, or Ultimate, you can try using Windows XP Mode. This feature allows you to run a virtual Windows XP environment within Windows 7, which may provide compatibility for ActiveSync with your XDA II.

   Third-Party Software:​

2. Third-Party Sync Software: Look for third-party synchronization tools that support Pocket PC 4.2 with Outlook. Tools like PocketMirror or CompanionLink may offer solutions for syncing your device with Outlook.

Registry Edits:​

1. Registry Edits: Making changes in the Windows registry might enable the Mobile Device Center to recognize your Pocket PC 4.2 device. This method requires caution as editing the registry can have unintended consequences if not done correctly.

Compatibility Modes:​

1. Compatibility Mode: You can try running the Windows Mobile Device Center in compatibility mode. Right-click on the executable file, go to Properties, and under the Compatibility tab, select an earlier version of Windows like Windows XP for compatibility.

   Troubleshooting the "Unknown Device" Issue:​

   If your device is showing as an "unknown device" with a yellow exclamation mark in the device manager, here are a few steps you can take:
   • Driver Installation: Ensure that the proper drivers are installed for your XDA II device.
   • Uninstall and Reinstall: Try uninstalling the device from Device Manager and then reconnecting it to see if it reinstalls correctly.
   • Manual Driver Installation: You may need to manually point to the correct drivers for your XDA II in Device Manager.
   By exploring these options, you may find a solution to sync your XDA II with Outlook on your Vista or Windows 7 system. Just remember to proceed with caution when making changes to your system settings or registry.