Most of the time when I am away from my home network I have easy access to free WIFI.  But I don't like being chained to locations that provide free WIFI.  I subscribe to an unlimited data plan through AT&T and decided to explore using the hw6925 as a modem for my new UMPC.

The hw6900 includes a Modem Link application in the Programs screen.  When you open up this application, you can choose to use a USB or IrCOMM connection to link the hw6900 to the computer.  Choosing the USB option disables your ActiveSync connection, so after you've used your hw6900 as a USB modem, be sure to remember to deactivate this connection before you attempt to sync.

Before you can use your hw6900 as a USB modem, you'll need to install a driver to your computer.  You should be able to find the driver for the hw6900 in the \Driver folder on the Getting Started CD that came with the pocket pc (it is called 6900USB.INF), but I have also attached a zip file of 6900USB.INF here.  To use your hw6900 as a modem, you need to setup the Modem Link connection, install the driver to your computer and create a modem connection on your computer.

Setup the the Modem Link connection:

1. On the Pocket PC, tap Start > Programs > Modem Link icon (see 1st screenshot above)
2. In the Connection: drop-down box, select USB and tap "Activate" found at the bottom left of the screen (see 2nd screenshot above)
3. The Modem Link connection disables your ActiveSync connection, so be sure to turn off the Modem Link connection when you are done using it or else you will not be able to sync your Pocket PC.

Install the driver to your computer

After you've activated the Modem Link software on your Pocket PC, attach the Pocket PC to the computer via a USB cable.  The FOUND NEW HARDWARE wizard will appear on your computer's screen

When prompted if "windows can connect to Windows Update to search for software", select "No, not this time," then select Next.

In the  next screen you will be prompted how you wish to proceed.  Select "Install from a list or specific location (Advanced)" and select "Next" to continue.

When prompted to choose your search and installation options, select "Search for the best driver in these locations," then place a checkmark in both boxes.  Select the "Browse" button and navigate to the specific location on your computer where the 6900UBS.INF file is (I copied the file from the "Getting Started CD" to an SD card). Tap the "Next" button

The Hardware Installation box will indicate that the software you are installing has not passed Windows Logo testing, select the "Continue Anyway" button.

A system restore point will be established and the driver will be installed to your computer.  When the driver has been installed, you will see a "Found New Hardware Wizard" box that indicates the software has been installed and is ready to use.  Click the "Finish" button to close the wizard.

Create a Modem Connection on the Computer

After you've installed the modem driver to your computer, you can create a modem connection on the computer and save it to your desktop as a shortcut.

1. Activate Modem Link on the Pocket PC and attach the Pocket PC to your computer with the USB cable (this will ensure that the correct modem is attached to the connection settings)
2. On the computer, select Start > Settings > Network Connections > New Connection Wizard
3. Select Connect to the Internet > Set up my connection manually > Next > Connect using a dial-up modem > Next
4. Input description in the ISP Name box (I entered hw6900 USB Modem ) > Next
5. Input *99# in the Phone Number box
6. Input the appropriate user name for your wireless provider in the User Name box. (Since AT&T is my wireless provider, I input WAP@CINGULARGPRS.COM here) 
7. Input the appropriate password for your wireless provider in the Password and Confirm password boxes (Since AT&T is my wireless provider, I input CINGULAR1 here)
8. Change the checkmarks next to "Use this account and password when anyone connects to the Internet from this computer" and "Make this the default Internet connection" as appropriate.   Select "Next"
9. Place a checkmark in the box next to "Add a shortcut to this connection to my desktop" if you wish, then select "Finish"

Using the Modem Connection

You can probably still use the hw6900 as a USB modem for your computer if you don't subscribe to a data plan with your wireless provider, but it will probably be very expensive.  If you plan to use the USB modem connection very often, you really should consider subscribing to a data plan.  Once you've installed the 6900USB driver and created a modem connection shortcut, all you need to do to use the modem connection is:

• Activate the Modem Link software on the Pocket PC
  
• tap Start > Programs > Modem Link 
• tap the down arrow to the right of the Connection box and  select USB
• tap Activate on the lower left edge of the screen);
• Attach your Pocket PC to your computer with the USB cable;
• Select the Modem Connection shortcut on your desktop and select the Dial button. 
• Once the computer is connected, you'll see a message on your computer that everything is connected and you can start surfing the internet.

If your computer has a problem connecting to your hw6900, review the Modem Properties to make sure the HP IPAQ hw6900 Modem is selected (select Properties button > General tab).

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