SE K750i PC Suite 1.7.7 - alternatives?

[Taz]

I'm having some really weird problems with PC Suite 1.7.7. Most times when I run it it invokes the Windows (MSI) installer which runs for a while and then eventually crashes the Windows desktop. I actually have to run 'explorer.exe' from task Manager to get the desktop back.

My PC does occasionally crash (with the infamous ati2dvag BSOD) so it may be related to this. However, PC Suite will never work after a normal Windows restart. I actually have to uninstall it via Control Panel and re-install it from scratch.

I only really want to sync my Outlook Contacts/Calendar/Tasks so are there any alternatives to PC Suite? I don't mind paying for good software that will sync Outlook 2003 with the SE K750i.

[autopilot]

Yes, if you have been reading my other threads you will know that SE's PC suite is a complete disaster. I have got it working on one machine, only to find it has hardly any usful functionality anyway so i removed it. The best alternative, as far as i am aware, is Floats Mobile Agent. http://fma.sourceforge.net/

[Funkstar]

i've not had a problem with the PC Suite, but i agree it is a bit useless. What can i uninstall and still be able to perform a software update on my K750?

Going to take a look at Float, looks really interesting from the screen shots..

[autopilot]

Originally Posted by Funkstar

What can i uninstall and still be able to perform a software update on my K750?

You don't need to install any of the SE PC suite in order to update your phone's firmwhere. Just the extra driver from SEUS.

[Taz]

I've done a bit more research into my problems with PC Suite 1.7.7. I regularly use a program called ZDelete Autocleaner. This removes temp files, cookies, history, etc., and then wipes the free space on your hard drives.

Now, it appears that if you remove three files from your temp directory (i.e. the local users' temp directory, *not* the Internet temprary files), PC Suite thinks it's broken and tries to repair itself by launching its MSI installer again but this just crashes the Windows XP desktop eventually.

If you look in your temp directory (C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp), you should see the following files:

- closedbgout.exe
- 34c69f.mst
- enableirsocketutil.exe

If you delete these files then PC Suite will think it is broken. It is extremely naughty of a company like Sony to write software that depends on files in a temporary directory. Hence, if you were to use any software that erases the contents of your temp directory then you will break PC Suite.

What i've done to save me having to uninstall/reinstall PC Suite every day is to copy these three files into another directory and then just restore them every time I want to run PC Suite. This allows me to use my disk cleaning software as normal.

[mr-nick]

Originally Posted by dangerous_dom

The best alternative, as far as i am aware, is Floats Mobile Agent. http://fma.sourceforge.net/

I always found the SE software to be bloated and pretty useless when pitched against FMA; I only wish someone would write something similar for the Samsung D500.

[Pdog]

Another vote for FMA. Been using it on my K750i ever since someone recommended it. Although its a bit buggy with the K750i (being as its a new SE Phone). IMO its a lot better than SE Pc Suite.

[LSmith4285]

I used FMA with my SE T610 and it was really good.

Far superior to SE's own software.

[Taz]

Tried FMA on my PC. Looks superb and read everything in my phone BUT caused 100% CPU usage so I had to uninstall it.

[Funkstar]

Originally Posted by Taz

I've done a bit more research into my problems with PC Suite 1.7.7. I regularly use a program called ZDelete Autocleaner. This removes temp files, cookies, history, etc., and then wipes the free space on your hard drives.

Now, it appears that if you remove three files from your temp directory (i.e. the local users' temp directory, *not* the Internet temprary files), PC Suite thinks it's broken and tries to repair itself by launching its MSI installer again but this just crashes the Windows XP desktop eventually.

If you look in your temp directory (C:\Documents and Settings\<username>\Local Settings\Temp), you should see the following files:

- closedbgout.exe
- 34c69f.mst
- enableirsocketutil.exe

If you delete these files then PC Suite will think it is broken. It is extremely naughty of a company like Sony to write software that depends on files in a temporary directory. Hence, if you were to use any software that erases the contents of your temp directory then you will break PC Suite.

What i've done to save me having to uninstall/reinstall PC Suite every day is to copy these three files into another directory and then just restore them every time I want to run PC Suite. This allows me to use my disk cleaning software as normal.

Bingo! that will be why PC Suite is now broken for me too

my only problem with FMA is i'm unable to sync my contacts. The phone says it is complete and chirps, but FMA has only recieved 9.6KB and just waits for more. Going to get the beta that is up on sourceforge to see if that helps. Guess i should also check the bug list etc. too....