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WMDC - Make it Appear While Synchronizing
By Raj Pillai, Copyright 2007
Created 1/7/2007

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Introduction:

Amongst the many differences that stands out between Microsoft ActiveSync and Windows Mobile Device Center (WMDC) is that it takes several clicks or at least a short-cut click to be able to actually view the Windows Mobile Device Center window to access the synchronization settings and performing other operations like Add/Remove Programs. Unfortunately there is no option in WMDC to make the window appear automatically while synchronizing.

If you are a person who prefers the window shows up every time to know what's going on and be able to access the information quickly instead of finding your way clicking around then here are a few simple steps to make the WMDC window appear whenever you connect your Windows Mobile device to the computer.
 

Making WMDC Appear Upon Connection:

To make it appear, we will need to add a string in the registry.  Please note that modifications to registry is never supported by Microsoft or any of the OEM's.  You can add the strings as explained below manually in the registry to add the required strings into the registry or simply download the execute the .reg file given at the end of the explanation to add the entries discussed below.

  1. To open the registry in Windows Vista, Click the Start button and in the 'Start Search' section type

    regedit

    And press Enter. You might be prompted by "Windows needs your permission" dialog shown by Windows Vista. Click Ok to continue accessing the registry.
     

  2. Then browse to the following key in the registry -

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows CE Services\AutoStartOnConnect
     

  3. Now create a new String Value under this key. You can do this by either clicking View -> New -> String Value or simply right click inside the *right-pane* window and select New -> String Value.
     

  4. You can name this string as "WMDC Open" or any name that you wish.
     

  5. Next, double click the newly created key and paste the following line inside the Value data:

    "C:\Windows\WindowsMobile\wmdc.exe" /show

    Note: If you have installed WMDC in another location then the path of the string might vary. So ensure you enter the correct path that contains the wmdc.exe.

The AutoStartOnConnect registry key contains the listing of applications that are executed when your device is connected to the computer. So in this scenario, we are ensuring the WMDC window comes up with the command line entered in the string when the device is connected.

Once this is done, you may close the registry and connect your device to check if the WMDC Window comes up. However, if you have added the string then you might want to add another string to ensure the window closes (if open) when the device is disconnected.


Making WMDC Close Upon Disconnection:

  1. To do this, you will need to browse under your registry to another key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows CE Services\AutoStartOnDisconnect
     

  2. Next, repeat the earlier steps to add a string value key.
     

  3. You can name this string as "WMDC Close" or any other name. Then double click the newly created key and paste the following line inside the Value data:

    "C:\Windows\WindowsMobile\wmdc.exe" /quit

    Note: If you have installed WMDC in another location then the path of the string might vary. So ensure you enter the correct path that contains the wmdc.exe.

The AutoStartOnDisconnect registry key contains the listing of applications that are executed when your device is disconnected to the computer. So in this scenario, we are ensuring the WMDC window closes with the command line entered in the string when the device is disconnected.

If you are uncomfortable performing the steps explained above, then you can simply download and execute the registry file - WMDCpop.reg and it will add the required values.  However, you need to note that this download assumes the wmdc.exe to be under the default installation folder i.e. "C:\Windows\WindowsMobile\wmdc.exe". If its installed in another location, then you will need to modify the path in the .reg file by opening the same in a text editor application like Notepad or WordPad, save the changes and then execute it.
 

Conclusion:

Now you are all set to watch the WMDC window pop up when your device is attached for synchronizing and close when its disconnected.  It will definitely help save you some time and a few clicks!

 

Read other articles by Raj Pillai

Discuss your Handheld PC, Palm-size PC or Pocket PC needs at Pocket PC FAQ Forums.

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