After hard reset -> wont sync contacts in AS 4.5

[sledgie]

I've attempted a combination of things in order to get my contact list synced backed to my phone after a hard reset - but even though I named my device both in owner and device info the same as prior to my hard reset, my computer refuses to recognize it as the same device and copy the contacts over.

I've tried searching and gave up after going through the 6th page of threads with no answer to what I'm looking for. anyone have any suggestions? thanks.
sledgie