Vista-64 Active sync WMDC Dell AXIM Cluster fart

Sorry to do this huge post, but I am flummoxed and this is a last gasp for help from beyond.

I am an experienced user and builder with a Auto engineering/Calibration background. I have been using and Building PC's for over ten years now and seem to always have problems integrating any PDA's.

Not usually a problem 'cause I just don't use them any more. The "package" always seems to lag way behind PC development so I just scrapped 'em all to avoid the headaches.

Now comes my problem as an avid chess-player in club and Tournaments I needed a way to quickly and accurately record games - Legally - from Tournaments etc.

Now my need for a PDA is evident as the only acceptable tool for FIDE and USCF a program is now sold to convert 620 mhz PDA's to game recorders! At $70.00 a shot refurbed it beats the stand alone units on sale for $350.00 by, well you get the idea... ... ... ... ... ...

Now to the meat of the matter. About 6mos ago, I purchased an HP hx2700 for this task and after a bit of setup nastiness, It now works as well as can be expected, and plays music surfs Wi-Fi web and plays movies etc!

Always seeking a better experience I took a recommendation (by the S/W vendor) to use a Dell AXIM X50R (no such animal); so I popped for an X50v model instead with a "Windows Mobile 6.5" upgrade installed - no trades no give take-back-sies you bought it you own it.

The Dell seems to work awesomely indeed! Great screen excellent size on and on except one slight problem. It will not sync!

It is recognized in WMDC and often in "Control panels" Sync setup as the named PDA with it's sync tied to Windows Media Player(!?) Ver. 10?
And when I try in WMDC to "Set up Device" An ERROR message appears: There is a problem with your connection. Please disconnect and reconnect your device and try again.

Interestingly when this happens I can find the device in "Explorer" as a removable device and can pass files to and from the PDA with drag and drop. This however greatly limits my ability to install with sync any .Cab files, for a proper installation.

I have tried updating drivers and WMDC with the latest Vista-64 product from Microsoft, and tried updating active sync from installation disks and MS.

The system specs FWIW are
ASUS P5wDH deluxe - intel Q6600 (no clock) - Zalman 9000 cpu cooler- 8GB OCZ DDR - Antec TruePower 800w ps - ASUS Nvidia GTX 260 - ThermalTake Mozart case on air w 10 fans - Logitech mx 5500 bluetooth wireless mouse and KB - HP 2207 display - Cable modem and numerous USB 2.0 Connections into ten ports on-board.

I know this is a shot in the dark but any help or advice would be taken seriously; well, short of sending along complete error report histories for a general perusal.

I hope that covers it.
Thanks in advance

Tim