Deleting ActiveSync profiles

Sometimes after doing a hard reset of your device you will not be able to sync properly. You will get error messages telling you that the profile you're trying to set up already exists for another device.

Here's how to delete the profiles that are stored on your PC so that you can use the same profile name that you used before.

Firstly, detach your device from your PC by unplugging the connection cable or taking it out of its cradle. If you connect wirelessly, just turn the device off.

Next, in Windows 2000 or later go to the following directory:

<system drive>:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Application Data\Microsoft\ActiveSync\Profiles

Replace <system drive> with the drive letter that your system is installed on: this is usually C. <user name> is - guess what? - your user name.

In the Profiles directory there will be one or more sub-directories, one for each profile. The default profile name is PocketPC so there will probably be a sub-directory with this name.

Either delete the sub-directory that is giving you a problem (don't delete the Profiles directory itself!), rename it or move it elsewhere. Re-sync your device and everything should now work properly.