Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2

Serial HotSync Problem

I have a Handspring Neo that I have always backed up to my big computer with a USB cradle. I want to back it up to my old laptop with Windows 95, so I bought a Serial cradle over the internet that said for "Docking Cradle for Visor". When I try to HotSync, it gives me the message: "HotSync Problem: The connection between your handheld computer and the desktop could not be established. Please check your setup and try again." I cannot seem to make it work. Is the cradle not compatible with the Neo, or does anyone have any suggestions?

Registered: Aug 2002
Location: Vermont
Posts: 148

is it an original Handspring serial cradle/cable or from someone else?

If it is original, the Handspring HotSync software should recognize it. Just right-click the icon by the clock and make sure "Local Serial" is checked.

- cml

Registered: Nov 2002
Location: Phoenix
Posts: 2

Still not working

It is an original Handspring serial docking cradle. The Local Serial is checked, but I'm still getting the same message.

Registered: Jan 2001
Location: Misplaced Canuck in Charleston SC
Posts: 257

the other thing to check is that the serial port the hotsync manager is listening on is the same one that your cradle is connected to.

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Registered: Apr 2000
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 118

Things to check:
1) Check BIOS of the laptop to make sure serial ports are active.
2) Check for IRQ conflicts. Usually COM1 is assigned IRQ4 and COM2 assigned IRQ3. The modem is usually assigned IRQ3(!). A serial mouse is sometimes assigned IRQ4(!). The track pad and/or bus mouse use something like IRQ12.
3) Check Win95 to make sure it is reading the COM ports. You can poke around to verify the IRQ from Win95.

I used to serial Sync to Win95. I had to map out all IRQ's in my computer to make everything work together.