No, The redirector and Desktop Manager was recognizing the phone. I was able to do a backup, and was able to set up sync through Outlook Express, Yahoo or an ASCII file once I installed the earlier version. But I still couldn't get the Outlook conduit recognized until I upgraded the phone's software. If I tried, the applications manager would tell me there was no applicable installer app on the phone (or some such message). I like the little phone (well, except for the default text entry method which after some time I figured out how to circumvent). It's just the desktop manager application that I think leaves a lot to be desired. Are you using newer versions of Outlook? I understand Outlook 2003/2007 sync well with the newer versions of desktop manager. It's just the older versions that are a problem unless the registry is changed (no big deal on that...)
That is probably the difference, I have 2003.