Once your Palm folder is backed up, you can run the installer. When you run the installer from Palm, it will overwrite Handspring's HotSync manager. As I already mentioned, this prevents USB Visors from being able to HotSync.

Don't panic. We're all going to get out alive.

The solution
Now let's sort this thing out. First, go to http://www.handspring.com/support/ts_soft_download.jhtml. Here you'll need to enter your device's serial number and then download Handspring's version of Palm Desktop 3.1. If you don't want to download this 9MB file, you can also try the following steps using the version of Palm Desktop that comes on your Handspring installation CD-ROM. I used the downloaded version, so I can't guarantee your success with the latter method. At any rate, here's what you need to do.

First, make a backup of your Palm directory. Yes, I said that already, but it bears repeating. If you have the Handspring Backup Module (at http://www.handspring.com), you can use that as well. Trust me, you can never have too many backups. I know this from experience.

Next you're going to double click the PalmDesktop3.1.exe file that you downloaded (or start the install process from your CD-ROM). The installer may ask if it can close your HotSync Manager, as shown in Figure D. Tell it yes.

FIGURE D

The installer will want to close the HotSync Manager. Click picture for a larger image.

When the installer gets to the Setup Type screen, select Custom, choose the path to your Palm directory, and click Next, as shown in Figure E.

FIGURE E

Select the custom setup type. Click picture for a larger image.

This is the important part. On the Select Components screen, pictured in Figure F, uncheck everything but the HotSync Manager and click Next.

FIGURE F

Uncheck everything but the HotSync Manager. Click picture for a larger image.

On the Connect Cable screen, pictured in Figure G, select either "USB cradle" or "Both USB and serial cradle" depending on your configuration and click Next.

FIGURE G

Select either "USB cradle" or "Both USB and serial cradle." Click picture for a larger image.

On the Choose Default Desktop Application screen, shown in Figure H, you're probably going to want to choose "Synchronize with Palm Desktop." Then click Next.

FIGURE H

You're probably going to want to choose "Synchronize with Palm Desktop." Click picture for a larger image.

You may see a screen that says "Third Party Conduit(s) Detected" like the one in Figure I.

FIGURE I

You may see a screen like this one. Click picture for a larger image.

You'll be given a choice to use your existing conduits or go back to Palm conduits. I chose to use my existing conduits, but you might choose the opposite. Click Next after you decide.

Finally, select the folder where your Palm Desktop program resides and click Next. You'll have an option to register, but you've probably already done that once. Go ahead and click Finish.

If everything worked, your HotSync Manager will be back in the System Tray. Right-click on it and be sure Local USB is selected. All you have to do now is put your Visor back in its cradle and press the HotSync button. You're back in business!