ActiveSync synchronization with Exchanger Server error 85020006

When I first started syncing my T-Mobile MDA directly with Exchange server (before Direct Push) via ActivySync on my PC, I found that more often than not I was unable to complete the synchronization. I would receive error code of 85020006. This never really bothered me since the MDA is a PPC phone and I synchronized with Exchange over GPRS or WIFI. Once I upgraded to the first AKU 2.3 ROM (2.24) I noticed that I was no longer receiving the error when syncing with my PC but never thought much of it.

When I purchased my T-Mobile MDA, I gave my wife my Dell X51v which was running the AKU 1.1 A06 ROM. A couple months ago I decided to sign her up for a hosted exchange account at 4smartphone.net, the provider I use. The major impetus for setting her up with Exchange was the ease of use of viewing each others calendars and contacts. I had tried MSN, Google and Yahoo, all of them partially worked with Outlook on the desktop but not had a seamless experience. You would have thought MSN would have gotten it right but I had all sorts of issues with my contacts "File As" field. Another advantage of using 4smartphone.net, It would allow her to easily sync her mail, calendar, contacts, and tasks onto the X51v.

The problem I encountered syncing the X51v via ActiveSync 4.1 on the PC was error 85020006. I could sync with Exchange using WIFI but that meant syncing twice, once with the desktop (for files, notes and mobile favorites) and once with Exchange. Not a very good situation for the casual user. Thinking that this might be an ActiveSync problem, I installed version 4.2. This did not resolve the problem. I did not have the error with my T-Mobile MDA and the only difference between the two environments was the AKU versions on the mobile devices, I decided to upgrade the X51v to Dell's A12 ROM which is based on AKU 2.3.

Once upgraded the settings/about displays the build number which correlates to AKU 2.3 (see my post).

The combination ActiveSync 4.2 and the AKU 2.3 based ROM has resolved the problem. Now syncing once via Bluetooth accesses both data on the PC and Exchange. Unfortunately the X51v is not a PPC phone and does not currently support Direct Push. Microsoft is looking at the possibility of implementing Direct Push via WIFI, however there is concern about the effect this would have on battery life.