I have had a string of errors with my 8700c.
I use desktop redirector with Outlook 2002. The 8700c is running the latest 4.1 series from Cingular, and has the DST patch.

Sync yesterday yielded an error dialog 'Failed to connect to the device. Please make sure that the device is properly connected and try again.'

Then, the BB gave me the NullExceptionUncaughtPointer (paraphrased) error when attempting to compose an email. I assumed at this point that i had an issue with my address/service book and attempted the fix for installing a new service book.
This did not work, since the desktop director kept saying it couldn't find the device when attempting to sync. NOTE: it finds it on a connection/port search, and the status in the BB Desktop Manager shows 'connected' when the BB is plugged in.

I resorted to extreme tactics and wiped the BB (javaloader), followed shortly by a re-install of the Cingular OS. Now, I have (obviously) NO contacts on the BB, and it still gives me the same Desktop Manager symptoms.

Suggestions? (besides a large heavy object LOL)

Dread
I like it because it syncs every time!

Well you can always try the 4.2 os that came out of Venezuela today.

Or you can dump redirector and use BIS. I have heard the redirector isn't that good or that stable. Plus the PC has to be on all the time.

Once I found out that BIS 2 can pull mail from OWA, I dumped redirector.

Do either of those suggestions solve the issue with the Desktop Manager not synching with the BB?

I've used the redirector for years and never had an issue with stability. I also have several email accounts that forward to my BB and my understanding with BIS is that you can only forward one email account.

My aim right now is to get the BB back online without experimenting.