What to do if WMDC breaks with Windows 10 version 1703

Microsoft has officially ended support for Windows Mobile Device Center (also known as WMDC, formerly ActiveSync), which is required for a direct connection between an Allegro and PCS. WMDC may not work correctly in newer Windows versions, particularly Windows 10 version 1703 (Creators Update) or newer.

Symptoms include the WMDC application not opening, an error when opening WMDC, or a RAPI error when attempting to connect to an Allegro from PCS. Occasionally, WMDC will still allow for a connection between the Allegro and PCS even if the WMDC application does not appear on the screen. Open PCS and attempt to communicate with a connected Allegro through Field Computer Send or Receive. If you can send or receive field computer data, no action is necessary at this time.

However, if you see a RAPI error when attempting to send or receive data, additional actions will be necessary to enable the connection. Allegro version 7.1.2 restores the connection between the Allegro and a Windows PC without relying on Windows Mobile Device Center. Contact AI Support at support@aiworldwide.com or 1-800-229-3404 to upgrade your Allegro MX to the latest version of the Allegro software.

If you are unable or unwilling to update your Allegro devices to the latest version, you may be able to restore the connection between an Allegro device and your Windows PC by performing the following actions using administrator level rights:

1. Change the “Log on as” account for the Windows Mobile-2003-based device connectivity and Windows Mobile-based device connectivity services to “Local System Account”.

   Complete the following steps to change the log on as account:

   1. Open Services. On Windows 10, you can do this by pressing the Start key and typing Services.

   2. Right-click on Windows Mobile-2003-based device connectivity and select Properties.

   3. Click the Log On tab and select the Local System account radio button.

   4. Click OK and click OK for any warning messages that appear.

   5. Right-click on Windows Mobile-based device connectivity and select Properties.

   6. Click the Log On tab and select the Local System account radio button.

   7. Click OK and click OK for any warning messages that appear.

   8. Right-click on Windows Mobile-based device connectivity and select Restart. Click OK to restart other services.

   Open WMDC to see if this corrected the problem. If WMDC opens successfully, you can stop here and resume using the Allegro and PCS. If not, continue to step 2.

2. Uninstall and reinstall Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1. The installation file for WMDC can be found in the Microsoft Download Center. Restart the computer after installation has completed.

   Open WMDC to see if this corrected the problem. If WMDC opens successfully, you can stop here and resume using the Allegro and PCS. If not, continue to step 3.

3. Run the utilities provided by Juniper Systems, the hardware manufacture of the Allegro. The helper applications, along with additional instructions and information, can be found at the following link: Juniper Systems’ knowledge base article.

If following these steps did not re-enable a connection between the Allegro and PCS, you may still be able to manually transfer files to the computer using File Explorer.

 

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