problems with microsoft activesync

I have an XDA mini and am currently unable to synchronise. I use a USB cable and the system is XP. The problem started recently when I tried to sync after a gap of 6 months. I am getting the sound from PDA and lap top that shows things are connected and the MIcrosoft Activesync window is coming up but then I get an error message

Synchronisation cannot be completed successfully. Reconnect your device and try again. if the problem persists see the Microsoft ActiveSync Troubleshooter etc

I have followed all the steps in "investigate an ActiveSync connection" from the Microsoft Activesync Help menu including allowing USB connections tick box and opening all the ports listed, however I am still getting the error message.



Help!

 

have you tried to reinstall active sync?
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobile/en-us/downloads/microsoft/activesync-download.mspx

 

Yup

I uninstalled and reinstalled. Also disabled Mcaffee security centre and no difference.
Could it be possible to send a some sort of system snapshot (can't remember the one Major Geeks uses) to give some some clue what might be the cause. I have had problems with spyware, viruses in the last few months which I have managed to solve but i am wondering if it's something to do with that...

M