Can't start sync on treo 650

[tc95062]

Over time, my Treo has been more and more difficult to sync (by this I mean to even initiate the sync process!). I never had this issue with earlier Palms, so had assumed it's because with the treo the contacts are more exposed and get dirtied.

So, I've cleaned the contacts (on the cable and on the Treo) and then it will work for a while. I've also had to hold the cable to put pressure between the cable and the treo, and that helps as well. But, it has become more dificult over time to get something to work at all.

Do the cable wear out with time - would replacing it help?

What exact contacts on the cable are used for sync?

Does anyone sell a plug to insert in the treo to protect the contacts?

From my viewpoint, the weakest part of the Treo design is cable design....

Any help appreciated!

Tom

[TazUk]

Using a cradle would help as gravity would make sure the contact between the Treo and cradle is good

[Kimmy]

Hi Tom and welcome to Treonauts

I've not really heard of people having issues with the cable and the contacts on the cable giving course for the Treo not syncing. Maybe a new cable might sort it out or maybe it might be a software issue, when did this problem first occur?

[tc95062]

The first time it happened it was definitely a contacts issue, and cleaning fixed it for a while. The subsequent times I am not as sure (didn't actually see the dirt but imagined it must be there).

I should note that the Treo itself always tries to sync, but the PC doesn't always wake up to service it. I don't use the PC for much, and have not changed its config in a while, do I don't think that's it.

I'm not sure why it worked a couple times when I applied pressure to the cable to push it into the Treo. It might be coincedence but....

On the other hand, the Treo seems to have become slower at other tasks; simply opening up a piece of mail now takes longer than it used to. I made sure that I am not short on memory (removed stuff, moved it to a card, etc.) but the problem persists. So, this might factor into it....

Maybe I'll go spend $ on a new cable anyway?

[forgot]

You might want to look into software such as CleanSweep and Install Manager. These are programs that will help you find and control the little bits that test programs can leave behind after you delete them. They can eat up memory and slow your device down.

Also, how do you store your cable? Do you have it rolled or coiled tightly, bending near the connector? Over time this can cause some problems, but if you keep it from getting kinked it shouldn't be an issue.

[tc95062]

OK - I swung by the Verizon store and got them to clean out the contacts, brought it home, and still no joy.

So, I am ready to try some software to clean it up. However, I can't locate either of the titles you recommended. I found something called Uninstall Manager - is that what you meant? And I can't find CleanSweep at all (on this site, Palm's site, etc.). Or, is there other software that will work? Note, that whatever the software I need to be able to download it directly to the phone as I can't sync to get it there.....

P.S. My cable doesn't move much; just sits on my desk....

[brandon]

i think forgot meant uninstall manager, but if you can't hotsync you'll have to d/l it ota. if all else fails, hard reset and make a clean go of it.

[forgot]

Sorry, yeah thats what I meant. You can get them both in the NeatFreak package. Here's several packages to choose from.

[tc95062]

I got that software loaded, and it finds quite a lot of (smallish) stuff it says isn't referenced. I deleted some obvious stuff (no help on sync yet yet) but is it truly safe to delete everything it finds? I guess I don't trust the tool completely yet and am looking for other's experiences....have you been burned?

[forgot]

Yeah, don't trust it completely as it has been known to suggest some system files on occasion. Be careful and look into what you are deleting.