by Kimberly Munsey-Carlton

Created on: July 04, 2010   Last Updated: July 05, 2010

HotSync is designed to work with a specific type of PDA known as a Palmtop, Palm, or Palm Pilot. Since 1996 Palm has created popular portable tools to originate, store, and process data. Palm also helped launch smart phone PDAs in to the electronic gadget market by combining cellular technology and organizational technology in to one device. Palms can download data from a computer or even from the Internet, then process it, and upload the new data back the other direction.

While synchronization software has been designed for most PDAs and cell phones, HotSync is a trademarked name for specifically linking Palm handheld devices. HotSync software securely shares calendar, contacts, tasks and memos with the information loaded in the Palm Desktop program installed on a computer. HotSync is a means to exchange data between your Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and your desktop computer. It is also a vehicle to securely create a back-up of all of your valuable information. The transmission of information is done using a serial port, USB connection known as a HotSync cable, Bluetooth, or beaming with Infrared.

HotSync automates the synchronization process, exchanging information and even updates that occur between the hand-held device and the desktop computer. Whenever there have been changes made to the handheld device, HotSync will save to the computer system and vice versa.

Successful synchronization can be effected by many outside factors. The very first time you sync your device always use your Palm device's user guide. HotSync software is provided by Palm for Palm products however third-party synchronization software is also available through IntelliSync, iSync, Missing Sync, etc. who provide their own support for their software.

If your HotSync software has been successfully installed but is failing to sync properly here are some tips:

1. Check for software updates on Palm’s website.

2. Remove and re-install the original software.

3. Are you using Microsoft Outlook 2007? You will need to update Outlook 2007.

4.. Turn on HotSync manager.

5. Perform a soft reset of your device.

6. Remove the USB HotSync cable, and connect it again then do the same with the other end that connects to your computer. Please, don't try to sync until the device is fully connected.

7. Clean the connector. Ensure there is no lint, etc. impairing connection.

8. Check your hub.

9. Inspect your cables and all points of contact for damage.

Palm offers support for HotSync via their website:

http://kb.palm.com/wps/portal/kb/common/article/2630 _en.html

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