Hello Everyone,

Now that I am beginning to use Windows 7 more and more, albeit the Beta version, the next logical step is to begin synchronizing my Samsung Epix SGH-i907 Smartphone, or any other Windows Mobile wireless device for that matter, in the new Microsoft environment.

Sound simple?  (Smile)

Of course, if the process were too strait-forward, too simple, then it would not have the time-tested and never-wavering stamp of Microsoft.  (Even Bigger Smile) 

OK!  So here’s the deal:

Unlike Windows XP, which uses Microsoft ActiveSync to connect to mobile devices, or Windows Vista, which uses Windows Mobile Device Center, Windows 7 upon its official release date, will use Microsoft Device Stage in order to connect to all things mobile. 

The operative phrase here is, of course, “upon its official release date”. 

Well, Boys and Girls, that date ain’t here, yet and, until it is, follow these steps in order to enable Windows 7 Beta to recognize and, consequently, allow you to synchronize your Windows Mobile device.

NOTE 1:
This document assumes that you know how to download an application from a website.

NOTE 2:
This document assumes that you have a clean installation of Windows 7 Beta installed on your computer.  That is, you did not merely upgrade from Windows Vista.

NOTE 3:
This document assume that you are familiar with Windows 7 User Account Controls (UAC).

NOTE 4:
This document assumes that you are familiar with the basic concept of mobile device synchronization. 

NOTE 5:
This document assumes that your wireless device is not password protected.

NOTE 6:
The following procedure requires that your computer has a live connection to the Internet.

1.
Attach your Windows Mobile device to your Windows 7 Beta computer.  Upon doing this, assuming that you have sound enabled on your computer, you will hear at least two tones.  At this point, you may receive an alert informing you that the device is not recognized by Windows 7, Beta.  This is to be expected.

1.
From within Windows 7 Beta or any computer running a legitimate copy of Windows, go to:
The Windows Mobile Device Center Download Page and download Windows Mobile Device Center v6.1 for Windows Vista.  (Yep!  You heard me right.)

2.
After downloading the application, simply Click on its filename to begin the installation process.

NOTE 7:
You may receive a device driver installation error message.  If an error message is displayed, do not take any action.  Simply allow the application to automatically complete its installation.  This process could take up to 10 minutes so be patient.

3.
After Windows Mobile Device Center has been successfully installed, a very simple Help/Configuration Dialog Box will appear.  Make any selection you wish or tap the computers Escape key to close this Dialog Box (Recommended).

4.
After the Help/Configuration Dialog Box has been closed, the Windows Mobile Device Center Dialog Box will appear.

5.
At this point, you may Click either the [SETUP DEVICE] button, (ALT+S) or the [CONNECT WITHOUT SETTING UP YOUR DEVICE] button (ALT+C).  If you choose to connect without setting up your device, equivalent to creating a Standard Partnership in Microsoft ActiveSync, to quickly open a Windows Explorer view for your wireless device, tap the letter F on your computer’s keyboard.

Enjoy,

Mark