How To Replace the CD That Came With Your Handheld or Smartphone

Probably the single most asked question on the Brighthand forums goes something like this: "I've lost the CD that came with my Palm/Pocket PC. How can I get a replacement?"

In most cases, the simple answer is, "You can't." Fortunately, the story doesn't end there. While you generally can't get an exact copy of the CD you've lost, in many cases you can download software that will allow you to synchronize your device.

And there are a couple of Palms for which you do have the option of ordering a whole new CD.

Not surprisingly, what you need to do to replace your synchronization software depends on whether you're using a Palm OS or Windows Mobile device, so I've created separate sections for each.

Palm OS Handheld or Smartphone

Both Palm OS handhelds and smartphones use the same synchronization software, called HotSync. This synchronizes with the Palm Desktop on either a Windows or Macintosh PC.

For the benefit of those who have lost the CD that came with their device, a generic version of the Palm Desktop and HotSync applications is available as a free download from Palm, Inc. There are different versions by geographical area:

• North America
• Europe, Middle East and Africa
• Latin America
• Australia

There are also different versions for Windows (Palm Desktop or Outlook Synchronization) and Mac OS X.

You should be aware, though, that these downloads do not include any of conduits for applications available only on some models, such as Photos, Media, and Voice Recorder. These can be obtained only from the original CD.

In addition, Palm does not provide additional copies of bonus software, such as Documents to Go or various games. These were licensed by Palm for delivery on the CD solely to the original purchaser. If you want any of these third-party applications, please purchase them from their developers.

At this time there is no downloadable version available of the synchronization software for the Palm TX or Z22. If you have either of these models and need a replacement CD, telephone Palm Customer Support. Palm will sell replacement CDs, by telephone only, to customers who have registered their device with Palm and who can verify their serial number. You will need a credit card to cover the cost of the CD and shipping.

Please don't ask Brighthand members for copies of any of this software, as doing so qualifies as software piracy.

Special thanks to Dick Tracy, Alan G, and BAB2000 for doing the research on this topic.

Windows Mobile Pocket PC or Smartphone

When you're looking for a replacement for the synchronization software for your Windows Mobile-based device, it doesn't matter it you're using a Pocket PC or Smartphone, as both use the same software.

The application you're looking for is called ActiveSync, and it is freely available from Microsoft. The only decision you need to make is which version to use.

While ActiveSync 4.2 is much more stable than previous versions, Microsoft took some features out for security reasons. If you want to, for example, synchronize over a Wi-Fi connection you need ActiveSync 3.8.

So far so good, but the difficult part might be just ahead. You see, ActiveSync is only a conduit. It needs something to synchronize with: Microsoft Outlook. If you don't have a copy of this, it is not freely available for download.

Many companies use Outlook as their primary email and scheduling application, so this might not be a problem for you. But if you can't get a copy from your company then you'll need to buy one.

Please don't ask me or any Brighthand member to send you a copy of this application, as doing so is software piracy.