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Using ActiveSync and Windows 2000 or Windows XP to download, transfer, and install files

Downloading files from the Internet to your PC, transferring the files from your PC to your phone, and then installing those files on your phone are three aspects of synchronizing. Often, the file you'll be synching between your PC and phone will be a CAB file (a CAB is a kind of compressed file that's used to transfer large amounts of information—games and programs, for example).

Download a file from the Internet to your PC

  • First, within your browser (Internet Explorer, for example), select the appropriate file for your phone. On the page that then appears, review the license agreement, and then click Accept and Download.

    Note: Although MSNBC is used as an example here, these instructions apply to all CAB files.

    Download, transfer, and install Step 1
  • In the File Download window that appears on your computer, click Save.
    Download, transfer, and install Step 2
  • In the next window, select Desktop, then Save. The file should now download to your computer desktop.
    Download, transfer, and install Step 3

Transfer the file from your PC to your phone

  • To transfer the file to your phone, connect your phone to your computer. Once connected, ActiveSync will open automatically on your computer.
  • Click Explore.
    Download, transfer, and install Step 4
  • Drag the downloaded file from your desktop to the Mobile Phone screen. The file is now on your phone.
    Download, transfer, and install Step 5

Install the file on your phone

Now that the file is on your phone, you can install it as follows:
  • On a non-touch screen Windows Mobile phone, press Start.
    Install Step 1
    • On a touch screen phone, press Start > Programs from the drop-down menu.
      Install Step 1
  • Find and choose File Manager (or File Explorer in Windows Mobile 5.0).
    Install Step 2
  • Open My Documents, then choose your new file from the list. (In this case, MSNBC Mobile.)
    Install Step 3
  • You can choose to install on either your phone or a storage card.
    Install Step 4
  • Now press Install, and the file will automatically begin installing.
    Install Step 5
  • Press Done.
    Install Step 6
  • Congratulations! Your file is now installed and ready to use.
    Congratulations!
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