Connecting a Psion and PC with PsiWin

For as long as I can remember, there seem to have been problems connecting with PsiWin "2". However, the latest version - 2.3.3 - does seem to be more reliable than earlier versions, particularly in conjunction with Windows 2000 and XP.

Do not attempt to install versions of PsiWin earlier than 2.3.3 in Windows XP. The "Install Shield" in these earlier versions was not written for XP and could cause problems with the PC's registry.

If you are having connection problems there are a few things to check:

• The Link (Ctrl-L) in the main screen should be set to 'Cable' and a low baud rate, until reliable connections are achieved when the speed can be increased.
   

• In 'PsiWin Properties', set the same speed as the Psion, again until reliable connections are achieved when the speed can be increased, eventually to 'Maximum Attainable'.
   

• In 'PsiWin Properties', select only the COM port the Psion is actually connected to, otherwise the program will continually try to locate a Psion on other COM ports.
   

• If you are using Windows 2000 or XP, it is essential to use version 2.3.3 of PsiWin and the English language version of this can be downloaded from the link below.
   

• If you are using Windows XP and PsiWin was installed while logged on as "Administrator", connection will only be possible from the "Administrator" account. If PsiWin was installed from a "User" account, connection will be possible from both that User account and the Administrator account. Additional "Users" will not be able to connect because multiple copies of PsiWin cannot be installed.
   

• When changing the version of PsiWin you have installed, you must uninstall the existing version, run the Registry Cleaner and then install the new version. There is also a link for the reg cleaner below.
   

• Closing down any unnecessary applications, including PsiWin's "Copy Anywhere", might help to establish a connection.
   

• If you run "seti@home", this is known to be a cause of PsiWin failing to connect and it should be closed down.
   

• The physical connection can be checked with the Psion's "Comms" application and the PC's Hyperterminal. [except the Revo, Revo Plus and Mako which don't have Comms] See the file on this topic in the "General Information" page [file]
   

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Connecting via Infrared
It is possible to run PsiWin over Infrared, but this must be done with IrCOMM protocol. This is reasonably straightforward with Windows 95, 98 & ME which support the protocol, but with Windows 2000 and XP, which use IrOBEX protocol, a patch is required to implement IrCOMM. This is covered in a file on the "Series 5(mx)" page [file]

    Download PsiWin 2.3.3 from Psion's website (approx 25 Megabytes)

    Download the PsiWin Registry Cleaner.

Mike McC
Updated Sep 2003