Error Message: Synchronization Cannot Be Started Because You Are Not Able to Log onto the Network and...

ID: Q243029

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows CE versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.11 for the Palm-size PC
  • Microsoft Windows CE versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.11, 3.0 Professional Edition for the Handheld PC
  • Microsoft ActiveSync 3.0
  • Microsoft Windows CE Services versions 2.0, 2.1, 2.2

SYMPTOMS

When you try to synchronize a Windows CE-based device to a desktop computer for the first time after upgrading to Microsoft Outlook 2000, you may receive the following error message:

Synchronization cannot be started because you are not able to log onto the network and access information. Restart your desktop computer and synchronize again. If the problem persists, contact your network administrator.
Note that items such as mobile channels and files synchronize successfully, but this issue prevents tasks, contacts, appointments and messages from synchronizing. Also, you may not be able to connect to a network, and restarting the desktop computer does not resolve the problem.


CAUSE

This problem can occur if Outlook 2000 does not properly update the copy of the Mapi32.dll file in the Windows\System folder during the Outlook 2000 installation. The file is supposed to be replaced with a stub which points to the real file in a separate folder. If the Mapi32.dll file is not replaced during Outlook 2000 setup, ActiveSync is not able to initialize Outlook 2000 for synchronization with Pocket Outlook items on the Windows CE-based device, and this generates the error message.


RESOLUTION

To resolve this problem:

  1. In Outlook, click Detect and Repair on the Help menu, and then click Start.


  2. Disconnect the Windows CE-based device from the computer, and then quit Outlook. Test to determine if the problem is resolved, and if not, continue to the next steps.


  3. Click Start, point to Find and then click Files or Folders.


  4. In the Named box, type mapi32.dll, click My Computer in the Look In box, and then click Find Now.


  5. Right-click the Mapi32.dll file, click Rename, type mapi32.old, and then press ENTER to accept the name change. Note that if there are multiple copies of the Mapi32.dll file in the list, rename each file to a unique name.


  6. Quit the Find tool, and then start Outlook.


  7. When Outlook starts and you receive a prompt that files are missing, click Yes to permit the Windows Installer to replace them.


  8. Reconnect the Windows CE Device to the desktop computer and attempt to synchronize.



MORE INFORMATION

When you start Outlook, it checks for the existence of the necessary files. In the case of Mapi32.dll, if it is not present at startup, Mapistub.dll is used. If for any reason Mapistub.dll cannot be found, Setup automatically attempts to replace both files.

Additional query words: handheld sync needs attention

Keywords : kberrmsg kbtool wince handheld
Version : WINDOWS:2.0,2.1,2.11,2.2,3.0,3.0 Professional Edition
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: November 4, 1999
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