Connections Help

Connections Help

Concepts
Microsoft ActiveSync
Remote Connections
Troubleshooting

How to
Connect to a PC via a Cable or Cradle
Connect to a PC via Infrared
Connect to a PC via a Network (Ethernet) Card
Connect to an ISP
Connect to a Network via a Modem
Connect to a Network via a Network (Ethernet) Card
Synchronize While Away from Your PC
End a connection
Change Dialing Options

Microsoft ActiveSync

With Microsoft ActiveSync, you can exchange information between a PC and your device. For example, you can:

Synchronize information between your device and PC so that you have the latest information in both locations.
Copy files between your device and PC.
Back up and restore device data.
Add and remove programs on your device.

To establish communications between your device and PC, you first need to install ActiveSync on your PC. Once ActiveSync is installed, you will be prompted to connect and create a partnership with your device by using a cable, cradle, or infrared connection. After the partnership is created, you can also connect your device and PC by using a modem or an Ethernet card.

Remote Connections

If you want to connect your device to an Internet service provider (ISP), a network, or your PC while away from the office, you must create a remote connection. You have the following options:

Connect to your ISP. Once connected, you can send and receive e-mail messages with Inbox and view Web pages with Pocket Internet Explorer. If this is the method you want to use, see Connect to an ISP.
Connect to the network at your company or organization. Once connected, you can send and receive e-mail messages with Inbox, and view intranet or Intranet Web pages with Pocket Internet Explorer. You can connect to a network by using a modem or a network (Ethernet) card. If this is the method you want to use, see Connect to a Network via a Modem or Connect to a Network via a Network (Ethernet) Card.
Connect to your PC to synchronize remotely. Once connected, you can synchronize information such as your Pocket Outlook data. If this is the method you want to use, see Synchronize While Away from Your PC.

Connect to a PC via a Cable or Cradle

When you install ActiveSync, you create a partnership between your device and PC. Simply connect your device and PC via a cable or dock your device to start synchronization. The baud rate for data transfer between your device and PC is set automatically for you. If you have problems connecting, try lowering the baud rate.

Tap > Settings > Connections tab > PC.
Select a baud rate. The next time your device and PC are connected, the new baud rate will be used.

If you want to change TCP/IP and port settings, select New Connection to create a custom connection.

Connect to a PC via Infrared

Follow the instructions in ActiveSync Help on the PC for setting up your PC.
Line up the infrared (IR) ports on the devices according to the instructions in your owner's manual so that they are unobstructed and within a close range.
Initiate a connection from the device by tapping > Programs > Connections > IR ActiveSync.
To disconnect, move the device away from the PC to break the IR connection.

Connect to a PC via a Network (Ethernet) Card

You can synchronize your mobile device remotely with your PC by using a network (Ethernet) card. You do not need to create a new connection on your device. Instead, you must purchase an Ethernet card that is compatible with your device.

Set up a partnership between your mobile device and PC by using a cable, cradle, or infrared connection.
Disconnect your device from your PC, but leave your PC running.
Insert the Ethernet card into your device.
Connect the Ethernet card to the network by using a network cable. For information, see the owner's manual.
Synchronize your device with your PC. For information, see Synchronize While Away from Your PC.

To view the Internet or intranet, or to download mail directly from the server via IMAP4, use your network (Ethernet) card to connect directly to the network.

Connect to an ISP

Get the following information from your ISP: ISP dial-up access telephone number, user name, password, and TCP/IP settings. Some ISPs require information in front of the user name, such as MSN/username.
If your device does not have a built-in modem, insert a modem card or connect an external modem to your device through the COM port.
Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem.
Tap New Connection.
Enter a name for the connection, such as "ISP Connection."
In the Select a modem list, tap your modem type. If your modem type does not appear, try re-inserting the modem card. If you are using an external modem, tap Hayes Compatible on COM1 as your modem.
You should not need to change any settings in Advanced. Most ISPs now use server-assigned IP addresses. If the ISP you are connecting to does not use server-assigned addresses, tap Advanced > TCP/IP tab and enter the addresses. When finished, tap OK and then Next.
Enter the access phone number, and tap Next.
Select other desired options, and tap Finish.
On the Dialing tab, specify your current location and phone type. These settings will apply to all connections you create. For specific instructions, see Change Dialing Options.

Once you have created the connection, it appears in > Programs > Connections. To start the connection icon, remove your device from the cradle, enter your user name and password, and tap Connect. Once connected, you can:

Send and receive e-mail with Inbox. Before you can use Inbox, you need to provide the information it needs to communicate with the mail server. For specific instructions, see Inbox Help.
Visit Web pages with Pocket Internet Explorer. For specific instructions, see Pocket Internet Explorer Help.

Connect to a Network via a Modem

If you have access to a network and you have a RAS account, you can connect to the network by creating a modem connection. For information on RAS accounts, see your network administrator.

Get the following information from your network administrator: dial-up access telephone number, user name, password, domain name, and TCP/IP settings.
If your device does not have a built-in modem, install a modem card or use an external modem connected to your device through the COM port. To use an external modem, you need to use a NULL modem cable and appropriate adapters to connect the external modem to your device.
Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem.
Tap New Connection.
Enter a name for the connection, such as "Corporate Connection."
In the Select a modem list, tap your modem type. If you are using an external modem, tap Hayes Compatible on COM1.
You should not need to change any settings in Advanced. Most servers now use server-assigned addresses. If the server you are connecting to does not use server-assigned addresses, tap Advanced and enter your TCP/IP settings. When finished, tap OK and then Next.
Enter the access phone number and tap Next.
Select other desired options, and tap Finish.
On the Dialing tab, specify your current location and phone type. These settings will apply to all connections you create. For specific instructions, see Change Dialing Options.

Once you have created the connection, it appears in > Programs > Connections. To start the connection, remove your device from the cradle, tap the connection icon, enter your user name, domain, and password, and tap Connect. Once connected, you can:

Send and receive e-mail with Inbox. Before you can use Inbox, you need to provide the information it needs to communicate with the mail server. For specific instructions, see Inbox Help.
Visit Internet or intranet Web pages with Pocket Internet Explorer. You may need to set up a proxy server to visit Internet Web pages. For specific instructions, see Pocket Internet Explorer Help.
Synchronize. See Synchronize While Away from Your PC for more information.

Connect to a Network via a Network (Ethernet) Card

Use a network (Ethernet) card to connect directly to a network. Once connected, you can view the Internet or intranet, or download e-mail. You do not need to create a new connection on your device. Instead, you must purchase and configure an Ethernet card that is compatible with your device.

Get the following information from your network administrator: user name, password, and domain name.
Insert the Ethernet card into your device.
The first time you insert the card, Network Settings will appear automatically so that you can configure the network (Ethernet) card. If it does not appear, or to change settings later, tap > Settings > Connections tab > Network.
If you need to enter specific server information, tap the Adapters tab and then your Ethernet driver. Most networks use DHCP, so you should not have to change these settings unless your network administrator instructs you to do so.
Connect the Ethernet card to the network by using a network cable. For information, see your owner's manual.
In the Identification tab, enter your user information. If you need assistance, see your network administrator.

Once connected you can:

Send and receive e-mail with Inbox. Before you can use Inbox, you need to provide the information it needs to communicate with the mail server. For specific instructions, see Inbox Help.
Visit Internet or intranet Web pages with Pocket Internet Explorer. You may need to set up a proxy server to visit Internet Web pages. For specific instructions, see Pocket Internet Explorer Help.
Synchronize with your PC. See Synchronize While Away from Your PC for more information.

Synchronize While Away from Your PC

If you want to synchronize remotely, several conditions must be met on the PC. See ActiveSync Help on the PC for these conditions. If you meet these conditions, you can synchronize remotely in one of two ways:

Use a modem to connect to the network that your PC is connected to. See Connect to a Network via a Modem.
Use a network (Ethernet) card to connect to the network that your PC is connected to. See Connect to a PC via a Network (Ethernet) Card.

If you are not connected, tap > Programs > Connections > ActiveSync. In the ActiveSync dialog box, select the connection you created from the connection method list and the name of the computer you want to connect to, and then tap Connect. If you are connected, tap Sync Now.

See Also
Microsoft ActiveSync

End a connection

When connected via a modem, tap > Today. Tap or at the bottom of the screen and then Disconnect.
When connected via cable or cradle, detach your device from the cable or cradle.
When connected via Infrared, move the device away from the PC.
When connected via a network (Ethernet) card, remove the card from your device.

Change Dialing Options

Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem > Dialing tab.
In the Location list, tap the location where you want to change settings.
To create a new location, tap New. Enter the name of the location, and then tap OK.
Enter or edit the area code and country code as needed.
Tap Tone or Pulse. Most phone lines are tone.
To automatically disable call waiting, select Disable call waiting. Then, tap the appropriate number sequence in the list, or enter a new sequence.

If you need to change how your modem dials numbers, tap Dialing Patterns and use the table below. Hyphens and spaces in dialing strings are ignored. Some modems may not respond to the following characters even though your device lets you add them to the dial string.

To	Enter
Dial country code (specified by the dialing program)	E
Dial area code (specified by the dialing program)	F
Dial local number (specified by the dialing program)	G
When using a GSM cellular phone, the plus sign is used to indicate that you are about to make an international call (rather than entering the international access number for the country you are in).	+ (plus sign)
Insert a pause (typically 2 seconds)	, (comma)
Wait for credit card tone (specified by the dialing program)	$ (dollar sign)
Wait for second tone (typically used after $)	W
Tone-dial the following numbers	T
Pulse-dial the following numbers	P
Transfer to another extension (0.5 sec on hook, 0.5 sec off hook)	! (hookflash)
Wait for "quiet answer" (typically indicated by 6.5 seconds of silence followed by a ringing tone)	@
Use special controls on some systems (tone only)	ABCD * #

Advanced Options

When creating a connection to your ISP, you should not need to change any settings in Advanced. Most ISPs now use server-assigned addresses. If the ISP you are connecting to does not use server-assigned addresses, ask your ISP for the addresses, and enter them in the TCP/IP tab.
When creating a connection to a network, ask your network administrator for the TCP/IP settings, and enter them in the TCP/IP tab.

Troubleshooting

Modem connections
Network connections
Cable, cradle, and infrared connections

Modem connections

This topic covers solutions to situations you may encounter when trying to connect your device by using a modem.

Can't dial out

Remove your device from the cradle. You cannot connect by using a modem if your device has an active connection with the desktop computer.
Verify that the modem is firmly seated and connected to your device and the telephone jack.
Make sure the telephone line is analog. (Analog telephone lines transmit data in analog instead of digital form. Your home telephone line is most likely analog, while office telephone lines are often digital.)
If you create a modem connection for an external modem, select Hayes Compatible on COM1 as your modem. If you are using a modem card, select the modem card as your modem.
To use an external modem, you need to use a NULL modem cable and appropriate adapters to connect the external modem to your device.
Make sure the modem is waiting for a dial tone. Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem. Tap your connection and tap Next twice. Make sure Wait for dial tone before dialing is selected.
For international calls, allow more time for the call to go through. Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem. Tap your connection and tap Next twice. Clear Cancel the call if not connected within or increase the number of seconds allowed. For information on dialing patterns, see Change Dialing Options.

Can dial out but can't make a proper connection

Make sure the network to which you are trying to connect supports Point-to-Point Protocol (PPP). Your Internet service provider or network administrator can verify this.
Verify that the location is correct. Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem. On the Dialing tab, make sure that Location reflects your current location. Tap Dialing Patterns to make sure the correct sequence of numbers are being dialed. For information on dialing patterns, see Change Dialing Options.
Make sure you are using the right phone number for the modem you are trying to reach. Tap > Programs > Connections. Tap and hold the modem connection icon, and then tap Edit. Tap Next and double-check the phone number you are trying to reach.

The connection is unreliable

Make sure the modem is firmly seated and connected to your device and the telephone jack.
Disable call waiting. Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Modem. On the Dialing tab, select Disable call waiting. Then enter the disable code specified by your telephone company.

Network connections

This topic covers solutions to situations you may encounter when trying to connect your device to other sources of information by using a network card.

If Network Connection isn't listed as a connection method in the ActiveSync dialog box when starting synchronization, wait a few minutes and try again. Also, if synchronization does not start right away, the network is probably busy, and it may take a minute for your device to acknowledge the network connection.
Double-check that you have added necessary server information. Tap > Settings > Connections tab > Network. Tap your installed adapter (usually your Ethernet card's name) and enter any necessary information. Most networks use DHCP, so you should not have to change these settings unless your network administrator instructs you to do so.
You must use an Ethernet card that is compatible with your device to connect successfully.
Make sure that the proper drivers for your card are installed on the device. See the documentation that came with your network card for more information.
Verify with your network administrator that your user name and password are correct.
Verify that the network you are trying to connect to is available by asking your network administrator or trying to connect to it from another computer.
If you are unable to synchronize using a network connection, in ActiveSync on the PC, click File > Connection Settings and select Allow network (Ethernet) and Remote Access Service (RAS) server connection with this desktop computer.
You may need to change the device name if you are trying to connect to a network and cannot because another device with the same name is already connected. To change the device name, tap > Settings > System tab > About > Device ID tab.

Cable, cradle, and infrared connections

This topic covers solutions to some situations you may encounter when trying to synchronize with your PC by using a cable, cradle, or infrared connection. For extensive troubleshooting information, see the ActiveSync Troubleshooter in ActiveSync Help on the PC.

Ensure the device is turned on.
Remove any Ethernet or modem cards.
Ensure that you do not have any other active connections. Tap > Today. Tap or at the bottom of the screen and then Disconnect. To end a network connection, remove the card from your device.
Ensure the cable is securely plugged into the COM port on the back of your PC. Use the cable that came with the device without an extra cable or extenders attached.
Plug the other end of the cable securely into the correct port on your device. If you are using a cradle, push your device securely into the cradle. ActiveSync should connect to your device automatically.
Some devices have more than one port for various types of equipment. If you are unsure which port is used for a cable on your device, see the documentation that came with your device.
When using infrared, transfer only one file, or no more than 25 contact cards, at a time.
Make sure the infrared ports are aligned according to the instructions in your owner's manual so that they are unobstructed and within a close range.
Adjust the room lighting or move to another location (some types of light interfere with infrared communication).