Palm m100

I have a problem with my Palm m100
I can no longer synchronize my handheld with my PC. The following message appears:
The connection between your handheld and your desktop has been lost. Some data was not backed up. check the setting and try again.
I reset the handheld, and the problem persists, I uninstalled the program and reinstalled everything and the problem remains.
I hope it isn't broken. The handheld is protected by a case, but a few days ago it slipped from my hands and fell to the floor.
It turns on and I can perform all kinds of operations, but I don't understand why it no longer synchronizes with the PC.
Anyone have any idea what to do?

Hello and welcome to the community, there are not many Palm users here as the forum is primarily aimed at the Handheld PC.

When you say you have uninstalled and re-installed everything have you done a hard reset on your palm?
I suggest you make a copy of the 'Palm/user' folder which contains all the data, then do a hard reset and reinstall palm desktop.
Sync using your current user name and then restore the user folder and sync again.

There are a few bits of software that when installed on the palm can cause sync issues so if you have recently added anything to your M100 you could try deleting that first.

Good luck

Edited by fantablium 2023-12-02 12:37 PM

So, yes, I did a hard reset of the device. And uninstalled Palm Desktop and reinstalled. The problem persists.
I also reinstalled Windows 95 and the problem still occurs.
I do not understand the issue. This type of problem appeared suddenly, from one day to another and I did not make any changes or add programs on the PALM.
There are no options to see what username I have on the Palm, at least I don't know how to see what it's called. I only know that when I installed the program on the PC again, I gave the same username again. I went through all the installation steps, which I did the first time.
But the problem remained.

What version of Palm Desktop are you running ?

Do you have Windows 95 fully updated ?
^im not sure about Palm desktop but I know active sync was picky about that

Moved to Off Topic

Is there any possibility of hardware failure in the HotSync cradle for the m100?

Also another question, going off of CE Geek- are you able to sync with Infrared ?

that's what I thought after it fell to the ground.

So let's start in order, I have some updates installed. Windows 95 OSR 2.1 - 4.00.950 C with IE 5.5.50.4134.0600 and other updates. BUT this has never been a problem. I have always synchronized my Palm with windows without problems.
Installed programs.
I have never used Palm desktop but Outlook 2000 this is the version:

HotSync provided on the installation CD:

Notes program, always provided on the CD:

Word and Excel document transfer program, provided on the CD:

Handheld HotSync:

Handheld version:

Regarding the infrared port. From what I know I don't have it.
But Windows 95 detects in devices: Porta seriale a infrarossi generica (COM2) = Generic Infrared Serial Port (COM2)


Edited by NarakuITA 2023-12-03 11:42 PM

It looks like Palm Desktop 4.1 is the last version for Windows 95 per this page

https://museumplanner.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/33529_en.html

The problem is that the following file that’s linked isn’t in archive.org so I don’t know a good website that’s reputable to refer you.
http://downloads.help.palm.com/downloads.palmone.com/PalmDesktop41ENG.exe

But the first thing I suggest is attempting to upgrade your Palm Desktop version. This way we can eliminate it being a hardware issue.

I found the update and updated the program to version 4.1. The problem persists.
I think the fall broke something inside it.
I should buy an infrared device. To be connected to the COM port?

Edited by NarakuITA 2023-12-04 10:09 PM

IrDA devices are getting more expensive and rare lately.

CE Geek or someone else can probably give better device than I but I’d see which is more cost effective - a new hot sync cradle or some kind of RS232 to IrDA adapter (I don’t know if usb irda is reliable on 95)

That said depending on which route you go, I found a good page outlining info on IrDA with Palm Desktop

https://arstechnica.com/civis/threads/anyone-sync-their-palm-pilot-using-ir.863592/

I'll take a look. But in the end I chose to get another Palm on ebay.

Oh nice ! Did the other one have a hot sync cradle that works with your m100 too?

I have no idea what you're talking about.

You mentioned you bought another Palm.

Does that new Palm have a dock that will also work with your m100?

Yes, I bought the same Palm m100. Identical.