How to synchronize information on multiple mobile devices

This article describes how to configure your Windows XP desktop to communicate with your mobile devices. This article also describes how to synchronize all of your devices so that all of your files are current on all of your mobile devices and on your desktop.

Windows XP simplifies synchronizing information on multiple mobile devices. You can share files and information from your desktop to your various mobile devices, such as your Handheld PC or Pocket PC.

To Set Up Your Windows XP Desktop

You can transfer files to your mobile device by placing the files in the Partnership Name My Documents folder. ActiveSync uses this folder on the desktop computer to store files to transfer to a mobile device. Partnership Name is the name that you used to establish a partnership between the desktop PC and the Pocket PC.

To Synchronize Your Devices

Using ActiveSync simplifies the synchronization process between your desktop PC and mobile device. After you connect your mobile device to your desktop PC, ActiveSync begins to synchronize your files.

To Move and Copy Files on the Mobile Device

You can use Windows Explorer to move and copy files to and from your mobile device:

1. With ActiveSync running, click Explore. The Explorer folder appears.
2. Click the file that you want to move or copy.
3. On the Edit menu, click Copy or Cut.
4. Right-click the location where you want to place the file, and then click Paste.

You can also use Windows Explorer on your desktop PC to do this:

1. Start Windows Explorer.
2. In the folder list in the left pane, click Mobile Device. Your mobile device appears in the right pane.
3. Double-click the icon for the mobile device.
4. Click the file that you want to move or copy.
5. On the Edit menu, click Copy or Cut.
6. Right-click the location where you want to place the file, and then click Paste.

To Resolve Conflicts

Conflicts may occur in the files that require updating. You can resolve file conflicts by using the appropriate rule statement.

1. On the Tools menu in ActiveSync, click Options.
2. Click the Rules tab.
3. In the Conflict Resolution section, click the appropriate rule.
   
   NOTE: Click Leave the item unresolved if you change files on both your desktop PC and the mobile device.
4. Click OK.

Visit our Windows Phone Forums (http://social.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/category/windowsmobile/) for more helpful hints and ideas.