Help upgrading computer

[macdummy]

I am somewhat technologically challenged, so bear with me. My problem is not updating my X5, but updating my computer to be compatible with the X5. I am running Win XP Media Center edition 2005.
I obtained my X5 without a companion CD. My X5 is a refurb, 400 MHz, upgraded to OS PPC 2003 Premium, version 4.20.1081 (build 13100), Rom version A05 (07170300EN). I subsequently purchased a Companion CD, but it is for PPC 2002. Then I tried to install this software into my computer, starting with Outlook 2000, I got an Error: 1919 message, indicating that MS Access Database file was not found. It seems as though this file has something to do with MS Office ?, which I don't have.
I got another CD which is supposedly to update the X5 to PPC 2003 (which is already in my X5). It also contains driver installations.
I did download ActiveSync 3.7 from the internet which seems to sync with my X5, but I can't seem to find Outlook 2000 or 2002.
Do I need to have Outlook in my computer? If so, what version and where do I get it? Do I have to have MS Office in my computer? Is there a Companion CD for the PPC 2003 version?
Any help will be appreciated.

[philpugh]

You don't need MS Office on your computer to use your AXIM with ActiveSync. Forget about the companion CD for present.

Install ActiveSync (youv'e already done this by the sounds of it)

What you need to do is prevent AS from trying to synchronise with some of the items that are only present after you install MS OFFICE on a PC.

So..

Get ActiveSync up on your PC.

Go to Tools/Options and uncheck all the boxes.

Without MS Office on the PC you are limited to what you can synchronize but you should be able to sync Files.

However you will still need to use ActiveSync to install apps to your PDA and (most importantly) to do full backups of your PDA.

If you don't want to use the sync function then you can connect your PDA up as a GUEST and use it for backups/ installations/manual file copies.

As I have MS Office and Outlook I have never explored the possibility of using other mail apps/office apps with ActiveSync - others on this forum should be able to help here.

[macdummy]

Thanx PhilPugh, I'll follow your suggestion. Another question--Do I need Outlook in my computer? If so, how do I get it if I don't have MS Office?

[Mahstah]

The X5 shipped with Outlook which is required to sync mail, calendar, and contacts. You don't need Office installed otherwise. ActiveSync cannot sync with any other mail applications than Outlook. If it didn't come with your Axim and you don't already have it installed, you may be out of luck in that department.

[macdummy]

Mahstah: Am I correct in assuming that if I don't plan to use the X5 for email, etc, I can get along without Outlook? My primary reason for getting the X5 is for entering genealogical information when traveling. Outlook 2003 is available on eBay for around $35. Would that suffice rather than spending big $$ for MS Office, if I wanted to sync mail, calendar, contacts, etc.?
Thanx for your help in this matter.

[Pedah]

Originally Posted by macdummy

Mahstah: Am I correct in assuming that if I don't plan to use the X5 for email, etc, I can get along without Outlook? My primary reason for getting the X5 is for entering genealogical information when traveling. Outlook 2003 is available on eBay for around $35. Would that suffice rather than spending big $$ for MS Office, if I wanted to sync mail, calendar, contacts, etc.?
Thanx for your help in this matter.

That would be yes, and yes

[macdummy]

Mahstah, Philpugh, and Pedah: Thanx for you help. This is a marvelous site. At age 71, I am thrilled at being referred to as a "Junior Member"!! Would it be advisable to upgrade AS to 4.5?

[Mahstah]

Another yes.