Total n00b and a bit stuck

[Guest Loud]

Hi people who have soooo much more knowledge than I hope to achieve ;) Ok crawling done, I think I may need help....actually alot of people have said that in the past. Anyway, I just got myself the Samsung Omnia through Orange (PDA:XXHG5/MSHG1 & PHONE:XXHG5), after sending a HTC Touch Diamond back as it was just too slow, and already I'm having problems. I installed Windows Mobile 6 last night on the home PC (XP) with no probs but it wouldn't allow a connection as it came up with some mumbo-jumbo about Outlook not being my mail client, which it isnt. So I tried to install WM6 on my laptop today (Vista) and it comes up with another error message about something to do with cache blah blah :( I am not particularly techy minded but have a little experience of a Palm Tungsten in the past and an N95 and tbh all I want to do is transfer files from my home PC and laptop to the phone. Maybe a couple of programs later on down the line and even some of this flashing malarky I keep reading about, although last time I tried that I got in trouble with the Mrs :D

What am I doing wrong? What do I need to do? What numbers will win this weeks lottery and lastly Princess Leia...would you?

If someone does take a min to help please bear in mind I am a retard compared to what you guys know so please make it simple, like me. :wacko: Thanks in advance.

[Guest Neil5459]

Hi people who have soooo much more knowledge than I hope to achieve ;) Ok crawling done, I think I may need help....actually alot of people have said that in the past. Anyway, I just got myself the Samsung Omnia through Orange (PDA:XXHG5/MSHG1 & PHONE:XXHG5), after sending a HTC Touch Diamond back as it was just too slow, and already I'm having problems. I installed Windows Mobile 6 last night on the home PC (XP) with no probs but it wouldn't allow a connection as it came up with some mumbo-jumbo about Outlook not being my mail client, which it isnt. So I tried to install WM6 on my laptop today (Vista) and it comes up with another error message about something to do with cache blah blah :( I am not particularly techy minded but have a little experience of a Palm Tungsten in the past and an N95 and tbh all I want to do is transfer files from my home PC and laptop to the phone. Maybe a couple of programs later on down the line and even some of this flashing malarky I keep reading about, although last time I tried that I got in trouble with the Mrs :D

What am I doing wrong? What do I need to do? What numbers will win this weeks lottery and lastly Princess Leia...would you?

If someone does take a min to help please bear in mind I am a retard compared to what you guys know so please make it simple, like me. :wacko: Thanks in advance.

Ahh- some awkward problems here!

Did you install the Synchronisation software on the PC before trying to connect? If not, you may see problems. XP machines need Microsoft ActiveSync installed, and Vista machines need Windows Mobile Device Centre. Both of these are on the companion CD that comes with the phone, or both are downloadable from MS

Once the software is installed, you then need to create the Partnership. To sync stuff like Email, Calendar, Tasks etc you MUST have MS Outlook intalled on the PC, as it won't sync otherwise. If you don't have Outlook, then you need to disable syncing of this type of data in the PC ActiveSync options, or you should be able to connect as a Guest without any syncing being configured. In ActiveSync this is 'Connect as Guest' in the initial connection dialogue, and in WMDC is it 'Connect without setting up a partnership'; In guest mode, you can still use the file explorer to move files from PC to phone, and you can also add/remove programs this way.

Another option if you are having issues and you only want to copy/move files, is to do it using a MicroSD card, and shuttle it between the PC and Phone. Bear in mind though that some PC files are not compatible with the WM operating system, so may need converting, but that's a whole new story!

[Guest Loud]

Ahh- some awkward problems here!

Did you install the Synchronisation software on the PC before trying to connect? If not, you may see problems. XP machines need Microsoft ActiveSync installed, and Vista machines need Windows Mobile Device Centre. Both of these are on the companion CD that comes with the phone, or both are downloadable from MS

Once the software is installed, you then need to create the Partnership. To sync stuff like Email, Calendar, Tasks etc you MUST have MS Outlook intalled on the PC, as it won't sync otherwise. If you don't have Outlook, then you need to disable syncing of this type of data in the PC ActiveSync options, or you should be able to connect as a Guest without any syncing being configured. In ActiveSync this is 'Connect as Guest' in the initial connection dialogue, and in WMDC is it 'Connect without setting up a partnership'; In guest mode, you can still use the file explorer to move files from PC to phone, and you can also add/remove programs this way.

Another option if you are having issues and you only want to copy/move files, is to do it using a MicroSD card, and shuttle it between the PC and Phone. Bear in mind though that some PC files are not compatible with the WM operating system, so may need converting, but that's a whole new story!

Ok and thanks, I'll have a look later today. I did kinda get the Vista laptop set up to transfer files but god knows where I should be dragging them to :wacko: I will take a better look at the XP machine when I'm home. Goddamn there's a chunk of stuff to learn with these types of devices eh?!

Thanks again and I'll see what I can do. ;)

[Guest Neil5459]

Ok and thanks, I'll have a look later today. I did kinda get the Vista laptop set up to transfer files but god knows where I should be dragging them to :wacko: I will take a better look at the XP machine when I'm home. Goddamn there's a chunk of stuff to learn with these types of devices eh?!

Thanks again and I'll see what I can do. ;)

Good luck :(

If you have a 'failed' partnership somewhere on the system you may need to delete it before proceeding. In ActiveSync on the PC, go File/Remove Partnerships and delete everything (assuming you have no valid partnersghips with otehr devices!); In Vista, open Sync Centre, the right click the partnership to delete it.

[Guest Loud]

Good luck ;)

If you have a 'failed' partnership somewhere on the system you may need to delete it before proceeding. In ActiveSync on the PC, go File/Remove Partnerships and delete everything (assuming you have no valid partnersghips with otehr devices!); In Vista, open Sync Centre, the right click the partnership to delete it.

I have my device connected (usb) to the Vista laptop and am experimenting in trying to transfer downloaded themes (tsk) and programs (a game) and the support section tells me it will go straight to my device, but it's not. It says to "run" rather than save but I'm only getting 2 options of open or save. When I try to open the files it tells me windows (on laptop) cant open it.

I am used to just dragging and dropping to my past devices am I able to this with the WMDC? And if so where do I drag files to on the device, I am assuming I go into "file management" and browse my device and choose where to drag stuff to but I dunno where. :wacko: I know this is very basic stuff for you guys but I'm just starting and dont want to fall at the first hurdle lol

[Guest Neil5459]

Sounds like you are almost there!

If you have WMDC connected and can open a Browser window from it, you should see the tree view with My Device at the top.

System file like tsk files should be copied to the My Device/Windows folder. Once there, opeing Start/Settings/Today should show a list of installed themes from which to choose.

Application files come in 3 formats- EXE files that need to be run on the PC, and which then copy the necessary files to the device, from where they install locally (keep an eye on the mobile screen as you need to make the selection there); CAB files which are device installation files: these need to be copied to somewhere on the device (I use Internal Storage as I then keep the CAB files for future use); once on the device, you must then use the local File Explorer on the device to locate and run the CAB file (by tapping its name with the stylus); a third, much less common format is an EXE file that is already a WM file. These have to be copied to the device, and then the EXE file is run locally by finding in File Explorer on the device, and tapping it. If it is a file you may need often, you can create a Programs shortcut to the file.

[Guest Loud]

I just installed a theme :wacko: Ok its a bit crap but it got to where it was supposed to. I installed a game too but that went a bit wrong as once installed it wouldnt open past the initial logo screen so got rid.

Neil, thanks for your patience and for replying. As far as I can see its a matter of being totally overwhelmed by the damn thing but as soon as you get moving in the right direction other things seem to fall into place. Now I know where most stuff goes to it has helped alot. Don't go on your hols just yet matey, I have a feeling I'll be calling on you again before too long ;) Flashing a ROM.....yeah right, think I'll leave that for.....well a week at least :(

Thanks bud

[Guest Neil5459]

I just installed a theme :( Ok its a bit crap but it got to where it was supposed to. I installed a game too but that went a bit wrong as once installed it wouldnt open past the initial logo screen so got rid.

Neil, thanks for your patience and for replying. As far as I can see its a matter of being totally overwhelmed by the damn thing but as soon as you get moving in the right direction other things seem to fall into place. Now I know where most stuff goes to it has helped alot. Don't go on your hols just yet matey, I have a feeling I'll be calling on you again before too long ;) Flashing a ROM.....yeah right, think I'll leave that for.....well a week at least :D

Thanks bud

You're welcome- we were all there once :wacko:

Don't worry about seemingly simple questions- there's usually someone with an answer!

[Guest Loud]

You're welcome- we were all there once :(

Don't worry about seemingly simple questions- there's usually someone with an answer!

;) Neil, old buddy, old pal.....me again. Mate installed the themes correctly but it now seems that every time I try to use one the basic "screen frame" is there but the main screen is simply filled with a kinda blue screen, from one of the pre-set themes. Now I'm guessing I've clicked something somewhere that tells the device to override my choice of image/theme, but for the life of me I can't figure out where to change it back.

Any ideas fella? And you are so on the christmas card list :wacko:

[Guest Neil5459]

;) Neil, old buddy, old pal.....me again. Mate installed the themes correctly but it now seems that every time I try to use one the basic "screen frame" is there but the main screen is simply filled with a kinda blue screen, from one of the pre-set themes. Now I'm guessing I've clicked something somewhere that tells the device to override my choice of image/theme, but for the life of me I can't figure out where to change it back.

Any ideas fella? And you are so on the christmas card list :wacko:

I think you've got me there :( I don't use themes much, I just stick to the standard ones, so don't really know what goes where. Its possible that the Theme file was incomplete, so is missing elements. Are you able to revert to a standard theme using the Settings/Today control?

If not, you may need to consider a full factory reset, and start again, or download one of the 'unified' themes that are available.

As you use an Omnia, I don't know whether Samsung have any added 'theme' features? I know there are a couple of today layouts, so they may be trying to override your custom theme? Thats just guesswork though.

An option would be to go to the SpBClub site an register (free); registered users can download some of SpB's Unithemes; these download as full CAB files and change a lot of the visual appearances.

You may find it more productive to repost this query in the Omnia dedicated forum here on MoDaCo ?

[Guest Loud]

I think you've got me there :wacko: I don't use themes much, I just stick to the standard ones, so don't really know what goes where. Its possible that the Theme file was incomplete, so is missing elements. Are you able to revert to a standard theme using the Settings/Today control?

If not, you may need to consider a full factory reset, and start again, or download one of the 'unified' themes that are available.

As you use an Omnia, I don't know whether Samsung have any added 'theme' features? I know there are a couple of today layouts, so they may be trying to override your custom theme? Thats just guesswork though.

An option would be to go to the SpBClub site an register (free); registered users can download some of SpB's Unithemes; these download as full CAB files and change a lot of the visual appearances.

You may find it more productive to repost this query in the Omnia dedicated forum here on MoDaCo ?

Thanks mate, guess I'm just being a tart ;)

Again thanks for your help with the basics, roll on that ROM flash eh..... <_<

**EDIT** Just mooched around SpBClub and got a theme which has gone on fine and has overidden the weird default stuff it got stuck on. Dowloaded the spb full size keyboard too, but it just doesn't work on the Omnia. Starting to get this stuff figured out a bit now. No pestering from me for a while, until that ROM thing lol

Edited September 18, 2008 by Loud