CrackBerry.com's BlackBerry 101 Lecture Series

How to Install or Upgrade to a New RIM BlackBerry Operating System (OS) with AppLoader

By Crucial_Xtreme on 17 Apr 2009 10:56 am

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'.

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'.

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.

Related Articles:

Topics: BlackBerry 101

Crucial_Xtreme 1 (articles) 9119 (forum posts)

78 comments

naviwilliams Apr 17, 2009 at 11:18 am

...nicely done!

rae7 Apr 28, 2009 at 8:34 am

I updated my software but now the preloaded pictures are not there. Please HELP! Also, I'm not able to update me "email settings"

fbrdonr89#CB Apr 17, 2009 at 11:21 am

This is a great help to someone who is still learning how to download os's from other ppl.

DiggyLR Apr 17, 2009 at 11:48 am

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.

pkcable Apr 17, 2009 at 11:53 am

Fabulous write up CX!!!!!! Gonna add it my my recommended noob reading list RIGHT next to your 3rd Party Apps backup thread. :)

mrsFAB Apr 17, 2009 at 11:59 am

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!!

exelant Apr 17, 2009 at 3:37 pm

MrB123 Apr 17, 2009 at 12:33 pm

worked perfectly!

thanks, this made installing my first OS a breeze

Pee.Jay Apr 17, 2009 at 12:57 pm

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?

Anonymous1234 Apr 17, 2009 at 1:02 pm

does this work on macs?

Penumbra May 14, 2009 at 10:50 am

If you can run windows on your mac

seeds Apr 17, 2009 at 1:29 pm

I guess this is gravy for pc owners, but what about the MAC OWNERS!!!

crys9 Apr 17, 2009 at 1:53 pm

I love Crackberry...

That is all... carry on people.

melodeezee Apr 17, 2009 at 2:35 pm

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!

Crucial_Xtreme Apr 17, 2009 at 3:27 pm

@ exelant, the directions speak on this.

exelant Apr 17, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Sorry, I didnt catch that sentence.

bxrider Apr 17, 2009 at 4:25 pm

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.

jamisdiablo Apr 17, 2009 at 4:56 pm

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.

Will3 Apr 20, 2009 at 1:47 pm

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...!!!

gtstang462002 Apr 17, 2009 at 5:40 pm

Nice write up CX. Didn't take you for the blogging type though ;)

xmemolissax Apr 17, 2009 at 9:04 pm

Thank you sooo much!!! Im about to upload .122 and def gonna do it this way!

newtreouser1 Apr 19, 2009 at 1:12 pm

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)

jstarett May 16, 2010 at 11:03 am

I am having the exact same problem... does anybody know how I can get around this?

tjd2008 Apr 19, 2009 at 3:34 pm

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!

ryyln420 Apr 20, 2009 at 12:26 am

just got done I went from 75 to 122 and this made it so easy thanks

The Gift Apr 20, 2009 at 5:46 am

Sigh...

DPinMD Apr 20, 2009 at 12:43 pm

Another Mac user here, feeling very neglected. :(

Diam0ndBerry Apr 22, 2009 at 9:42 am

im love the crackberry.com site

kingslaw Apr 22, 2009 at 1:25 pm

Holy Smokes, this Blog took all the guess work out of upgrading my OS! Thank you!!!

superdave513 Apr 23, 2009 at 2:44 pm

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 !!!

gstar Apr 25, 2009 at 12:47 pm

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

gottaluvmyjays May 13, 2009 at 11:00 pm

thank you so much for this information....my first update went smoothly with ur help :)

tlcochran Jul 5, 2009 at 10:32 am

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.

katiebig Jul 19, 2009 at 7:09 pm

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]

silverfang77 Aug 4, 2009 at 11:41 am

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?

raziel0420 Sep 3, 2009 at 5:55 pm

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).

mintmint Oct 9, 2009 at 6:23 am

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

mintmint Oct 9, 2009 at 7:21 am

may be the file i download is corrupt

Benoone Oct 10, 2009 at 11:50 am

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.

Mojary Oct 15, 2009 at 8:45 pm

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)?

nicoloco Jan 8, 2010 at 9:16 pm

only other service providers os`s vendor files need deleting

abjater Nov 6, 2009 at 6:16 pm

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!!

domcos Jan 1, 2010 at 3:51 pm

I have a Bell 9530 and want to upgrade to the MTS released 5.0 OS. When I go through the steps derscribed, the App Loader does not show the OS version on my Berry. I also noticed that it reads the Device Service Record everytime I run Apploader or DM. I did delete the vendor file before I ran the OS program. I found the vendor XML file again after and deleted it for a second time. Is there a way to install this OS on the 9530? Thanks for your help on this! BTW I am on BES.

russelb Jan 19, 2010 at 2:44 am

Try searching your computer for another vendor.xml file and if you find one, delete it. I am using Windows 7 x64 and had the same problem. I did a search of my C: drive and found a second vendor.xml file in a sub-folder of my user folder. I deleted it as well and then the upgrade worked no problem.

nicoloco Jan 8, 2010 at 9:09 pm

C'ant thank you enough.. just installed 5.0.0.328 from verizon on my telus storm...easy as cake.

thanks again,

people like you make the tech world a better place.

drummerdave1 Jan 21, 2010 at 8:49 pm

So...I am a 'computard' Computers (well technology in general) and I do not get along. These instructions were absolutely perfect! I was able to install the newest version of os (not offered by my carrier) because of them...MANY THANKS!!!

missleslie09 Jan 27, 2010 at 2:55 am

I've tried upgrading my os numerous times and can't figure it out =[ I've read this over and over and deleted the vendor file. oh well

Lesha Jan 29, 2010 at 11:25 am

I have worked for three days to get my tour os upgrade. Finally I found one that worked!! Your pictured helped so much!!

Nismo0216 Apr 6, 2010 at 11:18 pm

can any1 help me for some reason my apploader doesnt work...

Nismo0216 Apr 7, 2010 at 10:27 pm

can any1 help me ive tried this a million times but the loader doesnt run so i cant install it...

m.leonard247 Apr 8, 2010 at 3:32 pm

I am using a BB storm on att prepaid with out BIS and everytime i try to update my phone it says BIS is required is there any way to get around this. Thanks for the Replay

R8z Apr 17, 2010 at 2:26 pm

I've deleted the vendor.xml file but when i run the loader it doesn't give me any options to install the 5.0 os. All i can do is delete or add apps but there is nothing about the os. after going through the whole installation process it said "Update was succesfully done", but when turning on the blackberry the os was still 4.6. does anyone know what to do?

canadiansinusa May 17, 2010 at 4:04 pm

I only tried to upgrade about 4 times before I finally found this posting...awesome!!!!!! Thanks CB.

harry17in Jun 10, 2010 at 4:47 am

its a Tmobile one that is cracked.

will the update lock the sim or some thing ??

Chairman Plow Aug 2, 2010 at 12:29 pm

Just did the upgrade. Everything went fine........except: Visual Voice Mail is nonexistent. Any idea how to fix?

Thanks in advance.

dmt316 Aug 6, 2010 at 7:34 am

is it normal to take an hour to try and connect to the device? i gave up and unplugged while trying to downgrade, phone works fine.

abo0o0ody Sep 5, 2010 at 11:36 pm

تعذّر إنشاء اتصال بالجهاز. يرجى التأكد من توصيل الجهاز بشكل صحيح بالقاعدة أو بكبل USB، ومن توصيل القاعدة أو كبل USB بالكمبيوتر بشكل آمن. تأكد أيضاً من إكمال الجهاز لأي عمليات بدء تشغيل. ثم قم بتشغيل Application Loader Wizard.

mellowhaiti Oct 11, 2010 at 12:39 am

I am having the same problem as many users. I followed instructions but it wont give me an option to upgrade my OS only the option to delete or keep applications. however the os stays the same. I have an unlocked storm with 4.7.0.148 os. I have desktop software 6 if that makes a difference. Mine is running on ATT currently. Please help, I am not sure what to do next and i didn't notice any reply to the other users with the same problem as me. It keeps saying:

This BlackBerry® Device Software upgrade includes new features and significant enhancements to the BlackBerry® solution and, as such, is only available to users with an active BlackBerry subscription. To learn more about BlackBerry® service, please visit www.blackberry.com/service.

nsantiago630 Dec 10, 2010 at 1:48 pm

will this work to upgrade my bold 9650 software to OS6? I have OS 6 on it already but if i didnt need to download the leak and could of just done it through downloading the latest DM 6.0 and walking through the same steps you did. could i just downgrade my software on my bold to 5.0 again then just upgrade it through apploader to 6.0 since i have the DM 6.0? If you know this will work or any other way i could of done os 6.0 on my 9650 let me know, please :) slicknick@crackberry.com

mostafagharib Dec 16, 2010 at 6:50 am

i just upgraded my own BB Curve9300 with OS 6.418. it is an amazing OS with new themes & faster.....
thanks a lot for your guidance and support

Binmallow Dec 29, 2010 at 10:49 am

if i run that loader in the screen where you need to push for the 5.0 software, well it doesn't show up. i can't select the software. Help pls
on my email: sander_meert@hotmail.com

jbernotas Jan 5, 2011 at 8:17 am

That was an excellent post if I were using a PC but I've changed to a MAC last year and I'm not as familiar with finding such files as the vendor.xml file. Does anyone know hoe yo install the Sprint OS6 upgrade to a VZW 9650 using a MAC? Any help will be GLADLY taken...

homeispalosverdes Jan 29, 2011 at 1:03 pm

I like many others am having the problem that the OS will not update. there is no option to check that allows me to go from 5.0.0.1030 to 6.0.0.415

I've followed the steps exactly (three times) and in each case, no phone OS update

newcollector Feb 15, 2011 at 2:44 pm

Thanks CX for a clear step by step upgrade procedure.

kariakoo Apr 21, 2011 at 12:19 pm

AFTER DOWNLOAD I CANT FIND APPLOADER FILES ON WINDOW 7, HELP!!!!!!! ( VODA UK)

kariakoo Apr 23, 2011 at 10:18 am

at last !!!!!

glyness_joy May 30, 2011 at 8:55 am

million of thanks from great help. now i know how to upgrade my blackberry bold...have a nice day guys...

ikarun Jun 1, 2011 at 2:45 pm

I have an unbranded 9700 running OS5.

I downloaded the OS6 file from the Blackberry site for my carrier (Rogers) and deleted the vendor.xml file...However, when I run the loader, there's no option to install the new OS.

nikdp24 Aug 8, 2011 at 7:48 am

I can't get it to work.. i'm upgrading my 8520 from 4.6 to 5.0.0.1067 and when it has read the system configuration all that shows up are the apps i got on my BB and when i click next it says that no actions are required. how can i get it to work? please help :)

amt1988 Dec 17, 2011 at 9:07 pm

i MUST be computerally retarded. i've tried this a bunch with the os 7.1 and nothing. deleting the os software right now to try again...xp is not liking me apparently

vinachaider Mar 30, 2012 at 5:01 am

HELP!!! I still cannot update my os from v4.6 to v5.0..the part where the Device Application Selection my Blackberry Core Application did not came out from the selection. :(

altecmicro Apr 21, 2012 at 1:00 pm

i'm having problem here. after i upgrade from OS 7.0 to 7.1, my 9900 still remain in 7.0. is that my country didn't support for the upgrade of error there?

travaz Jun 1, 2012 at 11:56 pm

OK need to update this shi$ for like windows 7 and dm 7.1 These instructions dont work

coaltowking Aug 20, 2012 at 1:19 pm

Here is where I found the second vendor.xml file: C:\Users\Owner\AppData\Roaming\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\Loader XML

After I deleted it, everything worked fine.

Hazza21 Nov 19, 2012 at 4:14 am

Mine isn't working it says:
"The Blackberry Desktop Software does not have Blackberry device software for the device that you have connected to your computer. Contact your wireless service or system administrator.
Help!!! D: