Many, many Dell Axim X5 owners are wondering this one as my most recent searches of forums produced little in the way of results but many users lamenting their inability to link their PDA and sync in Windows Vista.
The problem manifests itself with many earlier Windows Mobile 2003 capable PDAs and there is a simple fix. One website suggested turning off any networking function associated with the USB connection as this is often a source of trouble. This proves useless for Axim X5 owners as there is no such option or function in the menus.
I am happy to report my fix for the problem was equally simple, however. Just go into your Start > Settings > Connections > Connections menu and choose any connection other than the USB one. Exit the settings window, open it up again and select USB again. Save your settings, disconnect your USB cable and plug it back in again.
This worked for me. If you still have problems and/or find alternate solutions or more information about the problem, please feel free to leave comments.
Happy synching~ 🙂
Dude… badass…
I was searching everywhere for this… thanks for the help… Im gonna try it tonight.
I am not following you with start settings connection –> don’t see it. Will the X5 sync with vista?
Thanks
Hi Anton,
Let me pull out my X5 so I can refresh my memory and describe it in better detail.
First of all, yes it can sync with Windows Vista but it takes resetting the connection settings to get it to work. I don’t know exactly why this works but it does.
Step 1: Click on your PDA’s Start Menu
Step 2: Click on Settings, opening the settings application.
Step 3: You’ll notice 3 tabs at the bottom. Click the one named Connections. Inside the connections tab select the Connections icon as well. This opens a dialog box to edit Connection parameters.
Step 4: Select the Advanced tab in the Connections dialog.
Step 5: Delete any connections listed in your Connections dialog.
Step 6: Shut down your PDA, power it up again and hook it up to your Vista computer. It will be found and suddenly work rather than saying it’s incompatible… Wow!
NOTE: This only works if you have Windows Mobile 2003. If you still have 2002 loaded it will not work at all. You can upgrade your Dell Axim X5 by finding the patch somewhere. I’ll post it here if I find my copy of it again.
To be honest I’m reading this in a bit of a tired state and I can’t recall many of the details but trust me, if you have 2003 it works.
Good luck!
How do I upgrade my dell axim5 to a windows 2003 operating system?
How to Upgrade your Dell Axim X5 to Windows Mobile 2003
Written by: Dan Namato
Special to p2btech
Dell created several updates for Pocket PC 2002. They are A00, A01, A02, A03 and A04. Dell also created two ROMs for Windows Mobile 2003.They are A04 and A05 updates. When Dell released A04 it didn’t go well consumers were having trouble with there Syncing and in rare cases the Axim did boot right. After this mistake Dell released the A05 patch called R64365. If you already had the A04 Pocket PC 2003 ROM, you could update to A05.
What Dell soon realized is with the A03 or A04 patch for 2002, you could install Windows Mobile 2003 from that A05 update. That is why the A05 update and the A03/A04 for 2002 updates have been removed from Dell’s webpage.
This tutorial helps you install Windows Mobile 2003 on your Dell Axim X5.
Materials
ALL MATERIALS ARE NEEDED
Compact Flash Card
Dell Axim X5
ROM A05 Update
Computer with Active Sync installed & Cradle
These steps need to be followed to the word otherwise you could damage your Pocket PC. *NOTE: ALL DATA WILL BE ERASED FROM YOUR POCKET PC.
1. Find and download the A05 R64365 ROM update from
http://www.faris.ukonline.co.uk/blog/PPC%202003%20SE%20A05%20ROM.EXE
2. Open PPC2003 archive to extract the files contained to your Hard Drive.
3. Take a Compact Flash (I used a 64MB Compact Flash Card) and Format it with your PC.
4. Go to the folder where you extract the files in step 2 and copy to the root (not in a folder) of the Compact Flash Card, the file “P25_NK_H_07170300EN.IMG” (That is the ROM of PPC2003). There is another .IMG file in the directory of “P25_NK_H_07170300EN.IMG” (if doesn’t work then try the other .IMG file). The archive is big, between 25 to 31MB may be more or less but must be big.
5. Insert the Compact Flash Card with the .IMG file into your Axim X5.
6. Remove Backup Battery and leave it removed, don’t insert until you have finished PPC2003 installation.
7. Remove Main Battery and insert it again.
8. Remove and reinsert your Compact Flash Card.
9. Make this combination of Keys: Push RESET + PRESS SCROLL IN BUTTON + CONTACTS BUTTON + POWER
10. Remove your fingers from RESET and POWER BUTTONS but continue to press the SCROLL IN BUTTON and CONTACTS BUTTON for about 20 seconds. THIS MAY TAKE MORE THAT ONE TRY.
11. Soon you will see a white screen with information about ROM and RAM.
This is the boot of the pocket. It will detect the .IMG file from CF card and will continue to erase the ROM and copying the new ROM from CF Card.
12. After completing installation just follow the instructions that appear on your screen and you have Windows Mobile 2003.
Download the Dell Axim X5 AO5 BIOS from this site: http://www.lilithebowman.com/download/drivers/dell-axim-x5/PPC%202003%20SE%20A05%20ROM.EXE
Will this work with a SD card too? Thanks.
Hi David, I’m not sure as I’ve not used the SD card for booting. The information I had found on it said to use a CF card but you can always try an SD card. There’s no harm in trying because if it doesn’t find the information on a CF card it will likely just stop the update process and present an error.
That said, I can’t take responsiblity if anything goes wrong so use your judgement here. I would say that if you’re going to do this, just buy a cheap CF card that can hold the firmware update and do it that way. It’s much safer than an untested method.
Cheers~
Thanks for solving my problem, I followed the steps you mentioned. Needed several tries before it actually worked but now it’s working fine.
benno (form the Netherlands)
No problem. I’m glad to hear it, Benno. 😀
There is another method of setting up the Axim 5 with Windows Vista works like a charm.
Go to windows and download Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista (32-bit)
Copy and paste the below into your browser, download and away you go!! P.S. I did get a error cannot sync at this time bla bla bla simply disconnect usb cable and reconnect it worked.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=46f72df1-e46a-4a5f-a791-09f07aaa1914&displaylang=en
Dijital: I believe that didn’t work for me for some reason – thus the reason for this post. For some reason the connection as it was set up didn’t function.
I don’t have the device anymore to test this but thanks. 😀
Hi Ean.
Have just installed Vista and couldn’t sync. Just read your solution. Will try it when I get home tonight.
Many thanks.
Your fix worked perfectly for me! I searched high and low for a fix for the same problem you had, and your info was extremely helpful! Thanks!!
I have a Dell Axim X5, with Windows Mobile 2003.
Ean,
Do you know if this fix works for the Axim X50? Is it the same as the X5?
Thank you.
Tracy:
A quick Google came up with the answer as the first entry under Wikipedia:
The Dell Axim X50 family
Main article: Axim X50 series
The Dell Axim X50 family is available in three models. The X50 low-end model uses an Intel XScale processor at 416 MHz, 64 MB flash ROM, and retailed for $299 USD. The mid-range model has 128 MB of flash ROM, a 520 MHz processor, and is listed at $399. The high-end device, the X50v, has a VGA screen, 624 MHz processor, 128 MB flash ROM, and retailed for $499 at the time of release. In 2005 Dell Axim X50 series received Red Dot Design Award as a recognition for its design.
While the X50 family has reached EOL, in mid-2007, an unofficial Windows Mobile 6 ROM for the X50v appeared. This update requires the PDA to be upgraded to WM5 and then uses the bootloader to flash a WM6 ROM image from an SD card. The update works successfully and adds new features to the X50v.
_____________________________________________________________
So essentially you need to find this Windows Mobile 6 ROM update to get a newer version for your PDA, but Windows Mobile 5 supports Vista just fine so I don’t see why you would be having a problem. Could you share what error message you’re getting?
If you have access to a non-Vista Windows computer you can make your life easier and just connect with ActiveSync and then start the “setup.exe” of the ROM-update thing from Dell. Seems to work so far for me.
Thanks HelgeM! That’s probably way easier than the crazy reboot menu trick. 😛
This step9+10 worked for me: “Hold the axim sideways (power button to the left) hold down Contacts(thumb left hand), Reset (with stylus, left forefinger), scroll in (right forefinger), and power (right thumb) then release both power and reset at the same time and continued holding contacts and scroll in for twenty seconds, then release.” Source: http://tom61.arcadecontrols.com/axim_bootloader.html
I had to use this more complex method because using an XP/Active Sync + patch setup.exe didn’t work because it said “Wrong language” because I tried it on a German X5.
By the way: I found out that you cannot use an Axim-Backup to restore on a different language Axim. 🙂
But it syncs nicely with Vista now. Thanks!
After updating the Axiom as described above will I be able to sync it with the current data under Active Sync? I hate to loss the information I have in it already. Thanks and going to give this a try VERY SOON!
Hi David:
What can I say? I really don’t know off hand. I would definitely back up all of your data before trying anything like this at all. That’s just computer common sense.
There is no way to guarantee that the upgrade process isn’t going to plow right over your data. This is probably true any time you’re making significant changes to a computing device.
Always backup. Always. :3
Ive tried most fixes still does not work can someone plese tell me a good fix for my X5?
Thank you, this worked great and now i can sync…only one problem, my axim is running outlook and i am running windows calendar and windows mail…has anyone been successful in either getting these two to sync or finding a compatible download? my pc is vist and my axim is windows xp. thanks for any help!
Ive got it working only one problem I can’t sync my E-Mail can someone please help me
Josh
I don’t think it’s possible jp that your X5 can run XP. I think You have window mobile or windows CE. mine runs Windows CE 4.2.
Josh: You’re absolutely right. He has a version of Windows Mobile. I think he means the Axim was made to work with a Windows XP system.
jp: To get your Axim to work with Vista you need to download the updated firmware for your PDA and follow the instructions to get it on there.
WARNING: Before flashing any device ever, always back up any important information on it. Always make sure your battery is at full power or it is plugged in. You can’t lose power while flashing or you will “brick” your device meaning it’s broken forever. (Or until the manufacturer fixes it.)
When following your directions at the top here, I got to the “connections icon” stage, but the window I get doesn’t refer anywhere to a USB connection. It seems to be referring to how to connect to the Internet using different settings. Am I in the wrong place?
My X5 is running Windows Pocket PC Version 3 Build 11178, ROM version A02. Is that the same as Windows Mobile Version 3 you refer to?? Sorry to be so clueless…….sure could use some help.
Thanks,
Hi Fraser,
No version A03 is too old. You need Windows Mobile 2003 which is the A05 ROM you see in the posts above.
You’ll need to follow the instructions to flash it to your device or if you have a PC with Windows XP, you should be able to just flash the A05 ROM using the setup program.
I don’t have this PDA anymore so I can’t offer any more help, perhaps someone else can.
Cheers
Still can someone tell me how to sync my E-Mail.
Josh
Ean;
I downloaded the files and tried the procedure using CF card. No dice. I then used an old XP machine and tried it from there. Everything went along OK until I got a message that said “you can’t update AO2 to AO5”. Am I missing something here? Any help you or others could give would be appreciated. Thanks,
Fraser: Is your device from outside North America? If so the setup won’t work as posted previously.
I would try again with the compact flash upgrade. If you can provide me with an error message or the point in the process where you’re stuck then I can provide help.
As always, saying “It doesn’t work!” doesn’t help at all.
Hi, Ean:
Nope, bought direct from Dell website. I have tried many times with the CF route. It always results in a very brief white screen, which disappears in a millisecond, then goes to a frozen blue screen with the Dell emblem in the middle. I then have to reboot with the stylus or pull the battery and it goes back to the beginning and I have to reset everything like I did when it was new (align the screen, set time, etc.).
In following your instructions, it is impossible for me to do all 4 buttons at once, so have to use the stylus to hit the Reset, then hold the 3 buttons down simultaneously.
Last night I found the update files for AO3 and AO4 online, so I am going to try to go one step at a time, using my old XP laptop. If that doesn’t work I am stumped.
Fraser: The problem is definitely that you’re trying to go straight from A02 to A05. The installation procedure up to even says that you needed A04 before A05 will work. It will be a bit of extra work but if you can get it upgraded that far then you should be fine for getting WM2003 on your PDA. Good luck!
Ean: Well, here’s the story………
Using my XP machine, I ran the AO3 update and it went just fine. Same thing for the AO4 update. Both went without a snag. Then I ran the A05 update and got the following message part way through:
Current: ROM V04 (05200300EN) MS Pocket PC 2002
Update: ROM V05 (07170300EN) MS Pocket PC 2003
“The procedure cannot proceed due to the following reason: You cannot upgrade MS Pocket PC 2002 (A04) to MS Pocket PC 2003 (A05)”.
Frustration level high, so I quit trying. THEN, I go back to my VISTA machine and just for grins connect the AXIM to its cable, Windows Media Center fires up, I hit the Sync button and away it went! Go figure.
So, bottom line is this: Still stuck with PC 2002 A04, but at least it seems to sync with my VISTA and Outlook 2007.
Is there any benefit to wanting to try to figure out the problem going to PC 2003 A05, or should I just call the game and live with what I have?? At least it seems to work….any thoughts??
F
Ean can you help me with my E-Mail the sync all works great but in the windows mobile window on my vista I go to the settings where you change what you want to sync I try to check the E-Mail box it wont check, can you help me.
Josh
Hey Ean I’m not so sure about what os I have I go to pocket word and go to the page that came with the machine that tells your system information it says os version 4.20.1081 [build 07170300EN]
and Rom version A05 so what do you think I have?
Josh
Josh: http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Windows+Mobile+version+4.20
Google brings up a page which says your phone is indeed running Windows Mobile 2003. I don’t know how to make your email sync. I’m not an Activesync pro or anything. I only borrowed the PDA for a few months so I have limited experience with it.
Cheers
Well, that lasted a long time. The day after I figured I had it working, I went to sync it and get the message that there is a problem with the connection and it won’t work. At this point I am pretty much done with it unless there is something simple I am missing here. I tried again to do the upgrade on my XP PC, but again got the message the “you can’t upgrade from AO4 to AO5, etc.”…..
Talk about frustration – I am about ready to go Mac! MS is nothing but a gigantic ripoff………
Wow Fraser I don’t know why you X5 says can’t upgrade from A04 to A05 sorry
Josh
Does someone else here know how to fix my E-mail.
Josh
Does anyone know how I can sync my widows calendar on my vista to my dell axim? I love the calendar with Vista and I have all my dates on it so really would love to have it sync? I am very clueless with all of this. Thanks.
Hello Josh and Lisa, you might find your answer here.
http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Vista+Calendar+Sync+with+Windows+Mobile+2003
;D
It says in the Google search you gave me there is no way to sync E-Mail and calender! well to bad, I guess were stumped Lisa.
Wow – finally, I manage to resurrect my old (bought it in 2003) Dell Axim. I wanted to post here to give those of you who read this and think it’s too much hassle to tell you to keep on going – it’s worth it. My Axim was an X5, 400MHz, 64Mb RAM. Now OK, it had A05 already installed on it (don’t know if it came like this or if I might have upgraded it last time I used it – which was about 2004). But the good news is that you can resurrect your old Axim (I feel like a kid in a sweet shop now!). I was lucky in that I had access to a non Vista machine as well. So on the non Vista machine I installed ActiveSync 4.5 from the Microsoft site, and connected my Axim cradle and Axim with that and got it to synch. Then I downloaded the Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 from Microsoft on my Vista Home Premium machine. I then swapped the USB cradle over from the non Vista machine, slotted in my Axim and bingo stingo it came to life and allowed me to set up the connection and synchronise it. All is now well in the household….thanks Ean!
I’m glad to see you had success! 😀
Ean-I know this is an old post, but hoping you can help. I have the Dell Axim with A05. I’m tryin gto get it to sync with Windows 7 home premium; windows mobile 6.1.6965. The OS recognizes the X5 and I can perform a backup, but cannot get Windows Mobile to connect to the X5. If I uncradle and recradle, it will attempt the connection, but returns and red ERROR. No message-just the word error. Any suggestions?
Hi Sheri.
As I don’t have the X5 anymore, I can’t really help debug errors any more than you could do yourself by carefully typing the error message into Google and hoping for the best.
This is typically how I start if I can’t figure something out myself.
Sorry I couldn’t be of more help.
-E
Ean,
I’m glad to see the recent post — shows you’re still there! I had an Axim 5x that I used for work and to play games until I got an Iphone and didn’t need it anymore for work. Just for playing games. I had synced it with my XP PC at my office. I stil have the XP at work but at home I have a desktop and a laptop that started out with Vista but have been upgraded to Windows 7. The old Axim died but I got a new one from Ebay and am trying to download the games onto the new one. Is it possible to connect the Axim 5x to the Windows 7 PC? I tried the method you listed above for connecting to Vista, but there was nothing under the Connections tab on my Axim to delete. The Axim is running Pocket PC 2003. Can you help me? Thanks! Kat