FAQ REX 5001
Here is a list of frequently asked questions:

Q: How do I transfer information onto my REX?

A: If you own a notebook computer, you can plug the Rex into the Type II PC Card slot. You can also place the REX into the REX Docking Station which connects to the serial port on any desktop or notebook PC. Whether you use the PC Card method or the serial cable method, launch the StarFish TrueSync software on your PC and within seconds all of your data is transferred to your REX. The data transfer process (also called synchronization) is so easy, you can do it one or more times daily to ensure that you always have the latest information with you.


Q: What's the difference between the REX 5000 and the REX 5001?

A: The only difference between the REX 5000 and the REX 5001 is the serial docking cradle. If you buy the 5001, the docking station is included in the box.


Q: After I synchronize Outlook 97 contacts with the contents of the client, the e-mail address is no longer underlined. Is there a solution for this issue?

A: In Outlook 97, edit the e-mail field: add a space to the end, delete it, and thenpress Enter. The e-mail address underlines again. Outlook 98 resolves this issue.


Q: After installing TrueSync Desktop in Windows NT 4.0 successfully, why do I get the message 'This Application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000005)?'

A: There may be a conflict with a Lotus Notes file called QNC. If you are running Lotus Notes, close the QNC.EXE program, and TrueSync Desktop should successfully open.


Q: After upgrading to Outlook 98, why does TrueSync not synchronize?

A: You will need to remove Outlook 97 as one of the clients in TrueSync Plus, and then add Outlook 98. To do this, click Remove on the Client menu, and then select Outlook 97. Click Client Add, click Application, and then add Outlook 98.


Q: Can I Import a Text File Into a REX?

A: Yes. In the TrueSync software, go to Contacts. Click on File, and then click Import. Select the type of text file you would like to import. Valid text file types are comma delimited text (.csv), and tab delimited text (.txt). The text file will be imported to the memo section of your REX.


Q: Can I use the REX/REX PRO card in the PC Card slot on my NT system?

A: The REX/REX PRO card is not supported in the PC card slot on your computer when running Windows NT 4.0. However, CardWare 6.0 for Windows NT can be purchased, and it will normally allow the REX cards to work in the PC card slot. You can also check with your computer's manufacturer about the PC card slot support provided with your computer.


Q: Does TrueSync Plus support synchronizing data that is stored on an Exchange Server 5.5?

A: Yes, TrueSync Plus supports synchronizing data that is stored on an Exchange Server 5.5.


Q: Does TrueSync Plus support synchronizing data that is stored on an Outlook Exchange Server using version 5.5?

A: Yes, TrueSync Plus supports synchronizing data that is stored on an Outlook Exchange Server 5.5.


Q: Does the REX PRO work in the PC Card slot (PCMCIA) of a computer running Windows NT?

A: Yes it does, provided that you have the most current version of TrueSync Plus and the REX PRO accessor, and that you have the latest Cardware for NT installed as your PC Card manager. Or, you can buy a docking station and synchronize with the serial port.


Q: How Do I Import Contacts From Outlook 2000 Into Truesync Desktop? I tried to import my contacts folder from Outlook 2000 into Rex using TrueSync Desktop, but I do not see the contacts on my REX.

A: Future versions of TrueSync Desktop will support file imports from Outlook 2000. You can export from Outlook as a Comma Separated Value file (.csv), and then import the .csv file into TrueSync Desktop.


Q: How do I get my information onto the REX?

A: You have two options. First, you can transfer existing information from a notebook or desktop pc. Second, you can input information directly into the Rex.


Q: How do I resolve the Error Message - 'Cannot Access Device - Com Port 2 Is Already Open?'

A: Click OK to get rid of this error message. This error message is caused by a hot removal (removing REX before it has completed its task) of the Rex from the PC Card Slot. To prevent this error from occurring, wait for the REX to switch off before pulling it out of the PC Card slot. This takes approximately 60 seconds.


Q: How do I synchronize calls with my client?

A: Microsoft has not included any specific "Call" support for tasks in Outlook. Users can make them behave similarly. TrueSync, however, does not detect them. Until Microsoft adds "Call" support into the Outlook API, calls will not be supported. Currently, only ACT!, Sidekick, and the devices support this feature.


Q: How do I synchronize my REX with changes to my ACT! data??

A: To synchronize your REX with changes to your ACT! data, save the changes before you synchronize.


Q: How much data can the REX 5000 store?

A: The REX 5000 can store up to 6000 separate entries - plenty of space for all of your critical phone numbers, addresses, memo's, and To Do lists.


Q: I enter data in the File As of Full Name field. Why don't my contacts transfer to the service or device if there is no data in the First Name, Last Name, or Company Fields?

A: First, Last, and Company Name are required fields. If any of these fields are blank, you can map a field that does have data to one of these fields.


Q: I have given my secretary access to my Exchange Server Mailbox so that she can update it. She can see the folder and access the data from Outlook. However, even though TrueSync identifies the folder and allows me to select the folders during configuration, nothing transfers to the client. The TrueSync Log indicates "No actions performed." Why?

A: Currently, TrueSync does not support using permissions in Outlook.


Q: I synchronize with Outlook a recurring all-day event in Schedule+. Then, I remove the event from Outlook. Why isn't the event updated when I synchronize again with Schedule+?

A: This is a known limitation.


Q: I use categories to group appointments and reminders in my Outlook calendar. During synchronization, all calendar entries that had categories were deleted and replaced with similar entries, except that the category information was missing. Can I map calendar fields to the Notes field on the client?

A: TrueSync does not support mapping calendar fields. TrueSync uses the date and time stamp at the record level to determine if changes have been made. If you change the category, the time stamp will update.


Q: If I mark a task in Outlook as completed, why doesn't the task appear on the REX?

A: TrueSync was designed so that if a task is completed, it doesn't need to appear on the client.


Q: If a contact has both a company name and first and last names in the "Full Name" field, it does not transfer to the service or device. We want the service or device to display the company name and then a sales representative name when one is entered. Is there a way to accomplish this?

A: To accomplish this, you can map the Outlook "File As" field to the Company field on the service or device.


Q: In Outlook, I created a note by using categories. I didn't close the note, so the window is still open. Why didn't the note synchronize?

A: Outlook requires that you close a note before you can assign a category to it, or the Note is listed as "Unfiled". If you haven't mapped "Unfiled" in Outlook to anything, the Note will not synchronize.


Q: In Outlook, what happens when a recurring timed appointment is scheduled on a leap year for February 29?

A: A recurring appointment scheduled on February 29 in Outlook 97 actually appears on March 1 in Outlook, so it also appears on March 1 on the service or device.


Q: In Sidekick 98, a special day with a year of 1997 is set to repeat annually. In Outlook, it has a start date of 1980. If you click the Remove Recurrence button in Outlook's Edit Recurring dialog, the event shows the correct year. Why does this occur?

A: This is a known limitation.


Q: In TrueSync Plus, why are no Outlook categories listed in Contacts Properties?

A: Click the Outlook icon in TrueSync Plus, and then select the Contacts tab. Click the Browse (or Configure button), and then select the folder you wish to synchronize. After closing this window, click the Data menu, click Contacts, and then click the Refresh List button. The categories are now available for mapping to another client.


Q: Is ACT! 2000 supported in TrueSync?

A: ACT! 2000 has not been thoroughly tested with TrueSync. Preliminary testing, however, indicated that TrueSync is compatible with ACT! 2000. In tests preformed by Starfish Tech Support, ACT! 2000 data was synchronized properly by TrueSync.


Q: Is ACT! 2000 supported in TrueSync?

A: ACT! 2000 has not been thoroughly tested with TrueSync. Preliminary testing, however, indicated that TrueSync is compatible with ACT! 2000. In tests preformed by Starfish Tech Support, ACT! 2000 data was synchronized properly by TrueSync.


Q: Is it possible to synchronize Outlook "Journal" entries?

A: Because this field is read-only, TrueSync does not support synchronizing Journal entries.


Q: Is there an easy way to synchronize my Outlook e-mail messages with my client?

A: Select all messages in the Outlook Inbox, and then drag them on top of the Notes icon in Outlook. All e-mail messages combine into one note. You can then synchronize your Outlook Notes folder with your client.


Q: Isn't the REX a Franklin product?

A: In the Fall of 1999, Xircom purchased the REX from Franklin Electronic Publishers. Franklin, based in Burlington, NJ also makes electronic reference products such as small electronic language translators, thesaurus', spell checkers and even electronic wine guides, restaurant guides and bibles. The REX is now fully owned, supported, marketed and developed by Xircom.


Q: My REX screen is damaged. Can it be repaired?

A: The damaged REX can be returned to Xircom, Inc. for replacement. A nominal replacement charge plus shipping and handling will be assessed. Please contact Xircom Customer Support by calling (805) 376-9200 for more information.


Q: My data is stored on an Exchange Server. When I delete a single day appointment in Outlook, the appointment remains on the client after synchronizing. What causes this?

A: Since TrueSync uses the date/time stamp at the record level to determine the most recently modified record, make sure the time on the server is the same as the time on the workstation.


Q: Outlook - How do I synchronize calls with my client?

A: Microsoft has not included any specific "Call" support for tasks in Outlook. Users can make them behave similarly. TrueSync, however, does not detect them. Until Microsoft adds "Call" support into the Outlook API, calls will not be supported. Currently, only ACT!, Sidekick, and the devices support this feature.


Q: Outlook - Why does TrueSync not list the "Full Name" field in Customize Mapping for Contacts?

A: The "Full Name" field is not included because Outlook treats this field in a way that can unpredictably affect other fields. The data, therefore, may appear mismatched after synchronization.


Q: REX has problems resetting after powering up. What is wrong?

A: 1. Ensure that you are not bending the REX device especially when pushing buttons. Bending causes data loss.
2. Check that the battery doors are tightly closed.


Q: REX prompts you for a password, however, you never set one up. How can you get into REX without knowing the password?

A: 1. Reset the REX device by using the end of a small paper clip to gently press the recessed reset button on the back of the device.
2. If REX continues to prompt for a password, replace the batteries.


Q: What causes my REX device screen to flicker?

A: Viewing the REX under fluorescent lighting typically causes the screen to flicker.


Q: What do I do when I synchronize Outlook 97 and do not get certain card files, even after I set a new user?

A: These card files may have been imported into Outlook from another program. Retype the name in the card that does not synchronize.


Q: What is a Xircom REX 'Item'?

A: An 'Item' is considered to be any information that could be conveniently placed on a common business card. Items may contain up to approximately 150 characters.


Q: What is the REX 5000?

A: The Rex is the coolest way to stay organized on the go. The Rex is classified as a wearable information accessory because it's the smallest product of its kind on the market and can discretely be carried in a pocket or wallet. It allows you to enter and view names, phone numbers, appointments, to-do lists, and short memos. The Rex is small enough to fit in your shirt pocket, wallet or purse.


Q: What's a Wearable Information Accessory (WIA)?

A: Wearable Information Accessory is a new category of digital device that Xircom has defined with its introduction of the Rex. Wearable means - small enough to take with you wherever you go. Information means - It has to provide you with access to your most critical information. Accessory - We call it an accessory because it is not intended to be your primary computing platform, but an accessory to your notebook, your cell phone, your handheld computer, any device that you keep information on. A Wearable Information Accessory is the one device you'd carry with you on the job or on the weekend because it's unobtrusive, yet gives you instant access to all of your important information.


Q: When I change one occurrence of a recurring event in Outlook 97 (changing the time or day or deleting one occurrence), why is the change not reflected on the service or device?

A: TrueSync cannot access the information that stores exceptions to recurring events in Outlook 97. This has been changed in Outlook 98, so TrueSync can correctly read these changes in Outlook 98.


Q: When I configure the areas to synchronize, I have seen similar folders renamed by appending a numeral to them (for example, Contacts, Contacts2, and Contacts3). Why does this happen?

A: This behavior occurs if you have more than one folder named Contacts in a single folder group, such as your Personal Folders. This behavior may also occur if you are working offline and have not enabled all of your folder groups for working offline.


Q: When I try to install TrueSync Component Install, a message says that I must have administrative rights to install this product on an NT system. Is this true?

A: Yes, as described in the README.TXT file, Component Install requires that you have administrative rights to install this product. Please have your administrator install the product. You can then log in without administrative rights to run the program.


Q: When I'm mapping categories for my Outlook Contacts, Tasks and Notes, the categories in the folders on my PC appear in TrueSync. However, TrueSync does not see the categories in the folders on my Exchange server. Why?

A: This is a known issue that our developers are investigating. We apologize for any inconvenience.


Q: When installing the TrueSync Component Install on a Windows NT system, why do I get a message indicating that I must have administrative rights to install this product?

A: TrueSync Component Install requires that you have administrative rights to install this product, as stated in the README.TXT file. Please have your Systems Administrator install the product. You can then log on without administrative rights, and run the program.


Q: Which personal information organizer applications does the REX work with?

A: The REX 5000 works with the following organizer applications: Microsoft Outlook, Symantec ACT!, Lotus Organizer, Lotus Notes, Microsoft Schedule+, Starfish Sidekick, Yahoo! Calendar, Excite Planner (please refer to product specifications for details on specific versions)


Q: Why are my memos not sorted by title on the service or device?

A: Modify or reenter the first line of text in your Outlook memo, which is used as the title on the service or device, and then synchronize again.


Q: Why are the Outlook Notes 2-5 fields not included in the customized mapping list?

A: TrueSync does not support the Outlook Notes 2-5 fields. You need to use the User 1-4 fields instead.


Q: Why did Xircom purchase REX?

A: The purchase of the REX brand allows us to expand our product offerings - specifically in the information accessory market. Xircom is in the business of providing innovative mobile information access solutions. The REX allows Xircom to deliver information access as well as the capability to keep your information with you while on the go.


Q: Why do all future tasks appear on the REX, even though the Start setting is set to "Last Quarter" and the Through setting is set to "This Quarter"?

A: The REX is designed so that the Calendar Options only affect calendar events.


Q: Why do tasks deleted in Outlook remain on the service or device?

A: There may be duplicated 'To Do' items in Outlook that are not appearing in the current Outlook view. Select the Task folder that you are synchronizing in Outlook, and then select "View By Category." All of the tasks that are not marked as completed will be transferred to the client.


Q: Why does TrueSync not list the "Full Name" field in Customize Mapping for Contacts?

A: The "Full Name" field is not included because Outlook treats this field in a way that can unpredictably affect other fields. The data, therefore, may appear mismatched after synchronization.


Q: Will Xircom provide support for REX products?

A: REX customers will continue to receive telephone-based customer support. Initially, support will be provided from the vendor who has been providing support. Over time, customer support will be integrated into Xircom.


Q: Windows recognizes the REX card in my PC Card slot. Why can't it see TrueSync under Windows 2000?

A: Drivers for the REX for Windows 2000 are currently under development and are not yet available.