Technically you ARE using a 3rd party solution already. HTC doesn't make the O/S. Google does. Like a Windows Mobile phone (before phone 7) used Activesync from Microsoft to sync. HTC didn't have to make their own sync software. I'm running a Vista 64-bit laptop and working fine. I installed HTC Sync first and made sure to reboot the computer. Then I plugged in the phone and the system found the phone after I changed mine from charge only to sync. As simple as that... chose what I wanted to sync and it went to it. I was about to get a Phone 7 phone until I found out that it doesn't allow local sync to Outlook. STUPID MS for cutting that off from customers. I then researched syncing with Android and found there were several available for free OR paid. I came across this website: Sync Droid. It is FULL of useful information.shouldnt have to use a third party solution. this should work. apparently htc hasnt upgraded any of their computer to win 7 or any 64 bit os.