Just some guesses. How does the cradle connect? usb? serial port? I remember setting up my sister's palm with a usb cradle and didn't set it up for a usb connection- (I use a serial port connection). I was scratching my head for hrs. before I realized I had to select the proper connection type for the cradle. If you get an error message after a failed sync, maybe you can google it for possible solutions. Good luck.