Configuring ActiveSync on Windows Mobile for Exchange Push

author Rik Hepworth calendar Aug 1, 2008 · 2 min read · Uncategorised  ·
Share on: linkedin copy

I'm not certain how many of you will find this useful, but I had a question about configuring the Touch Diamond to talk to Exchange which I regrettably failed to notice.

It's an interesting point of debate, now I come to think of it. When I got my Diamond the first thing I did was confgigure ActiveSync directly on the device. Whilst I do connect to my laptop from time to time, I don't actually have any real sync going on between the two, other than possible for OneNote and Notes. How many people out there still use Outlook to sync their phone information if Exchange Push is available?

Anyway, back to the plot. To get this all going without using Windows Mobile Device Center or ActiveSync, grab your phone and go to Programs via the Start menu.

  1. In Programs, find ActiveSync.
  2. In ActiveSync, select Menu and then choose Configure Server
  3. In Server address, enter the name of your Exchange server. This is the same as the hostname you use for OWA (e.g. mail.mycompany.com)
  4. If your server needs https rather than http, tick the option monikered 'this server requires an encrypted (SSL) connection)'
  5. Tap Next and you will be asked to provide login information - username, password and the name of your Active Directory domain. Make sure 'Save password' is ticked or the automatic sync won't work and you'll have to enter your password each time you trigger a manual sync.
  6. Tap Next once more and you will be able to select what gets synchronised. I have an unlimited data plan and I hate losing stuff, so I tick every box - Contacts, Calendar, E-mail and Tasks.
  7. If you're being clever at this point, tapping Menu will allow you to get to the advanced options, where you can configure how conflicts are handled and what connection to use (normally this should be 'Internet')
  8. Tap Finish and the phone should sync.

To make sure Push is enabled, where new items get sent to your device as they arrive you need to alter the Schedule,  which is an option on the main Menu in ActiveSync. Pick your options to suit your preferences. I would stongly suggest that you make sure 'use the above settings when roaming' is NOT ticked unless you have deep pockets!

As ever, I hope this helps somebody out there.