activsync and XDA mini s

[falldown]

Hi guys, i'm using a O2 XDA mini S with the latest ROM from O2 and the O2 active software removed (courtesy of a previous post on here) and i have a wee problem.
just bought a new laptop and after installing all my other stuff i installed the activsync from the O2 disc. on connecting my device it tells me i need 4.1 not 4.0 so i go get 4.2 from microsoft (couldn't find 4.1 on there site) and try again. However now when i connect my device the computer recognises it's there but immediatly comes up with a info box saying "retrieving settings" and then does nothing else. I've let it run for upwards of 20 minutes at a time and have no idea why it is having a problem, the old laptop sync'd with it real easy first time out.
Excuse the long explaination and please provide any help you can.
thanks very much,
jeff

[QuantumUK]

Your new laptop isn't a Dell by any chance ?

[FurryNipples]

What firewall are you using?

[zim_zimmer]

Just google Activesync 4.1 download... there are loads of links on there, I got mine from FILEHIPPO. You can usually find loads of old version of downloads in there!