Just when you thought it was save to dust off the USB port, and were feeling brave enough to even attempt to use USB once again, Microsoft go and throw a spanner in the works.

ActiveSync 4.0, which RTM'd earlier in the year has failed to materialise as a public redistributable on the Microsoft website, with Microsoft still claiming the RTM to be a 'Developer Preview'. Unfortunately, as Microsoft are shipping ActiveSync 4.0 with Windows Mobile 5.0 devices, this claim doesn't exactly stand up to scrutiny.
An article has appeared on the Windows Mobile support site which is reminiscent of a problem experienced by any number of ActiveSync 3 users. USB connectivity doesn't work.

The article also includes a disclaimer line stating "Please note that it is recommended that customers use ActiveSync 4.0 only for devices running Windows Mobile 5.0 software", highlighting the fact that something has gone seriously wrong with the product aspirations of the ActiveSync team as they have done what seems nothing short of ship an unfinished product.

View: ActiveSync 4.0 USB Connection Troubleshooting