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Resolving the "Error 678" Message

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Introduction
The HP Jornada 720 Handheld PC displays the following error message while attempting to synchronize:
Communications Error - Cannot start communications with the desktop computer. Remote Networking could not start due to a critical error (Error 678). Please reconnect your device. If the problem persists, restart your device using the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
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Explanation
After connecting the handheld PC to the desktop PC, and starting the Get Connected Wizard by using ActiveSync, the COM ports are polled. The handheld PC polls the ports 6 times. After the sixth attempt to connect the device, the “Error 678” message displays on the handheld PC.
On the desktop, the Connection Wizard reports all the ports polled by ActiveSync and the status of each port. After the Connection Wizard completes the poll report, the device fails, and the “Error 678” message displays.
Error 678 is caused by a timing issue when both the handheld and the desktop try to send a message to connect at the same time. By following the resolutions below, you should be able to bypass this error and start exchanging information between the device and the PC. Once the device has established a partnership, you should not have to follow these steps again.
NOTE: Follow any one of the solutions below.
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Solution #1
  1. Connect the handheld PC to the desktop PC.
  2. Start ActiveSync from the computer desktop.
  3. Allow ActiveSync on the desktop to go through the port polling process.
  4. When ActiveSync fails to connect on the desktop, click the Next button to start the port poll process again. The handheld PC will report that it is still attempting to connect to the desktop.
  5. If the device does not connect and the error message is displayed on the device again, close the error message, restart the ActiveSync Connection Wizard, and then repeat steps three and four until the connection is successful.
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Solution #2
  1. Start Microsoft Active Sync on the desktop computer at the "Get Connected" window.
  2. With the Jornada disconnected from the cable, soft reset the device by pushing the red reset button next to the letter "Q" with your stylus.
  3. Now click Next on the desktop PC to get connected, and at the same time plug the sync cable into the Jornada.
  4. If the device does not connect and the error message is displayed on the device again, close the error message, restart the ActiveSync Connection Wizard, and then repeat steps two and three until the connection is successful.
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Solution #3
  1. On the desktop computer, open Microsoft Active Sync and select File , then Get Connected . (Do not select anything else yet.)
  2. On the Jornada, click Start , then Programs , then Communications . (Do not select anything else yet.)
  3. At the same time, click PCLINK on the handheld, at the same time that you click Next on the desktop to get connected.
  4. If the device does not connect and the error message is displayed on the device again, close the error message, restart the ActiveSync Connection Wizard, then repeat steps one through three until the connection is successful.
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