Hello Class, today we're going to learn one of the most important procedures concerning your BlackBerry, but also one of the easiest. As CrackBerry Nation knows, RIM is constantly developing and testing new software for all of its devices. So as true CrackBerry addicts, we like to keep up with the latest and greatest. Today's lesson is another step-by-step guide on upgrading your device's Operating System(OS) using the Application Loader method. We already have a BlackBerry 101 that guides you through the upgrade process using RIM's BlackBerry Desktop Manager software, but for many new to BlackBerry owners the AppLoader method is a bit simpler with less chance for error. Let the lesson begin!
First you will need to download the new BlackBerry OS to your computer. You can check for Official Software updates on BlackBerry's Download Site.
Select your provider, fill out the forms and save the file to your computer's desktop. Now as most of CrackBerry Nation knows, there are unofficial versions (betas, leaks) of RIM software floating around the interwebs. If you decide to install one of these versions you do so at your own risk and cannot count on your service provider to help with tech support. Sometimes these versions are full of bugs and other problems so be cautious. Once the file is downloaded double click the icon from the download and select RUN. You can and should always click into the CrackBerry Beta OS and Storm OS forums to do your homework before giving an unofficial release a go.
This process of installing the software to your computer will take a few minutes and you will need to select your preferred language and accept a license agreement. If you're using unofficial software or a software version from a different service provider other than your own, after the installation wizard is done you will need go to the Apploader folder and delete the Vendor.xml file. It can be found following this path:
C:/ProgramFiles\CommonFiles\ResearchInMotion\Apploader.
Vista users is basically the same: C:\ProgramFiles(*86)/CommonFiles\ResearchInMotion\Apploader.
Now it is time to get the actual install process started. After the deletion of the Vendor.xml file (if needed) it's time to plug in your device to the computer via USB cable and then double click on the Loader.exe file.
The Application Loader Wizard will start up and you will need to select 'Next'.
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The next step is to identify which communication port the device is connected to. The Wizard should automatically detect the port and should display USB and your PIN number. Select 'Next'.
Next the Application Loader Wizard will read your devices system configuration. If for some reason you happen to be downgrading a box will pop up and ask if you want to change the systems applications(OS) or leave them. You need to select 'Replace Devices Applications with older version'. If you are not downgrading you will see the Device Application Selection screen. Here you need to make sure applications such as BlackBerry Attachment Service, BlackBerry Messenger, and 3rd Party Application boxes are ticked, and any other applications you want installed to the device and select 'Next'.
Now it is time to make sure the Application Loader Wizard backs up and restores all information on your device. Select 'Automatically Back Up' and make sure you have them emails box checked if you want those restored also. Then select 'Next'.
Completing the Application Loader Wizard screen will come up next and and show you exactly what Applications are being installed. Make sure everything you want installed is selected and select 'Finish'.Â
This process, depending on what model device you have can take anywhere from 20-45 minutes. DO NOT UNPLUG the device from the computer and DO NOT UNPLUG the USB cable from the device. This will cause you to have a bricked device and definitely give you a headache. Just be patient. When the Application Loader Wizard is finished the Wizard will say Loading Operation is Complete. Then you may unplug your device and enjoy the new Operating System.
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40 comments
...nicely done!
I updated my software but now the preloaded pictures are not there. Please HELP! Also, I'm not able to update me "email settings"
This is a great help to someone who is still learning how to download os's from other ppl.
Haha I just dove in last night and took the moderators instructions and did this to upgrade from .75 to .122 (wow should have did this a long time ago) sure wish I had these picture instructions as I wasn't 100% sure if I was doing it right or not but turns out its cake and everyone should upgrade if your on .75 and waiting on verizon.
Fabulous write up CX!!!!!! Gonna add it my my recommended noob reading list RIGHT next to your 3rd Party Apps backup thread. :)
I am sooooooooo glad to see these basic instructions. I have been trying to get .122 and was afraid. I can't wait to get home to do this. I will no longer wait on an official OS. For what??? Thanks Crackberry. You rock!!
worked perfectly!
thanks, this made installing my first OS a breeze
The path for vista isn't working for me! I tried the xp 1 as well and yet again it sets up disappointment. OMGGGG! Anyone wanna help me?
does this work on macs?
If you can run windows on your mac
I guess this is gravy for pc owners, but what about the MAC OWNERS!!!
I love Crackberry...
That is all... carry on people.
I've done this my last two upgrades as well as upgraded my friend's Storm and I have to say this works without a hitch! Love it!
@ exelant, the directions speak on this.
Sorry, I didnt catch that sentence.
I was running .113 and was very happy, but I wanted to try .122. I could not figure it out last night, but thanks CB.com. I have loaded .122 and so far so good. Thanks again.
Not right how RIM doesn't give two **&^%'s about us MAC users. While I really like my new curve 8900, it may be my first and last blackberry.
I went to the Apple Store over the weekend because I was having connectivity issues with my Storm... Their response to me: "Get an iPhone, problem solved." No one even "tried" to help me. Macs can be great machines, but they sometimes don't function in the "real world." If you you want to be exclusive to your own products only, move to Mars...!!!
Nice write up CX. Didn't take you for the blogging type though ;)
Thank you sooo much!!! Im about to upload .122 and def gonna do it this way!
has anyone run into the issue where after downloading, it takes me to device application selection, but it only gives me my third party apps, no option for the os that i am installing. I followed everything step by step up until this point. If anyone has any advice, I would love to get this new software on by storm!!!! (the .75 is completely bootleg)
Thank You SOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSOSO much for the GREAT instructions with screenshots!!! I just installed 4.7.0.113 on my unlocked 9530 and its GREAT!! much better than .75
THANKS AGAIN!
just got done I went from 75 to 122 and this made it so easy thanks
Sigh...
Another Mac user here, feeling very neglected. :(
im love the crackberry.com site
Holy Smokes, this Blog took all the guess work out of upgrading my OS! Thank you!!!
I just upgraded my BOLD to .247. It went flawlessly. I have to admit to being one of those noobs who were afraid to upgrade the OS...but no longer !!!
I have a Storm 9530 on Verizon and have installed 109, 113 and 132. In each case I have left the previous OS installed on my PC. Is it okay to leave multiple OS installed on my PC or should I delete some or all? I have each OS download saved in a separate directory on the PC.
Thanks
thank you so much for this information....my first update went smoothly with ur help :)
How do you transfer all of you games, pictures, settings and etc from your 8330 curve when you replace a 2GB mem card with an 8GB card? Tried the DM but couldnt figure out how that worked.
i got an error when trying to update my os from .77
How do i fix it...or how do i activate my device wirelessly..
pls help!
[IMG]http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv299/kayteebig/Capture.jpg[/IMG]
I ran the App Loader LOADER.EXE file that came with the 4.5.0.138 OS I downloaded and it told me the same thing DM told me: That there are no updates for my 8330m to upgrade to, even though it's running .127 OS.
What gives?
How about us LINUX users, at least RIM is coming out with compatibility with Mac (probably a few years too late). Want Linux compatibility, gotta wait till someone with enough knowledge gets sick of not having their blackberry work with their Linux, and hack open the desktop manager and create a working version from that (cause we all know RIM sure as hell won't bother to do it).
hi , i have downloaded and installed 5.0.0.216 on my pc but i am not able to install it to my mobile...everytime i try to do that my bb desktop manager shows me the already indtalld setup of 4. version , i desperately need this guys pls help what should i do...thanks
may be the file i download is corrupt
The v5 loader.exe routine would not see my Storm hanging on the USB - Had to un-install and then re-install my desktop manager [v5]. - Go figure?
I then ran the the loader.exe again and everything was good until it got to the very end... install hung without going to the "restore" function. After an hour I pulled the plug.
Turns out it did a restore of most everything but I still had to go back in and setup a lot of stuff for the GPS and ringtones, etc.
Mostly I would say it was all okay and v5 seems fast and nice.
Thanks for the tutor.
Im a newbie to the blackberry and i've been reading up a lot on this website/forum to absord as much information i can to get to know blackberry device(s). But in all my readings, i've come across a few forum posts regarding deleting the "Vendor.xml" file. Can I ask why you would do this? Because last night I upgraded my OS to the latest RIM release via DM. My device is working just fine as of post time. Is there only certain upgrades you need to delete this particular file?...or is it everytime you upgrade? But most importantly, why should the file be deleted (from the sounds of it before going through the process of upgrading)?
Guys, need some help here please.
Trying to install OS 5 (current on 4.6.1.168). Having read all the help I can get, I have installed latest Device Software Updater (5.0.1.24), installed the OS file (have 5.0.0.190 and 5.0.0.314. I made sure I delete the vendor.xml file prior to running the Updater.
I simply can not get Updater to "see" the version 5 files! I uninstalled the whole lot and re-installed it, deleting vendor.xml again. Still no joy. Did a battery pull out of desperation, still it eludes!
What am I doing wrong?
Some pointers will be appreciated at this point.
Thx in advance!!