Help, How-To & Tips, BlackBerry 101

How to Reload the Operating System on a Nuked or Bricked BlackBerry

by Kevin Michaluk

on 18 Dec 2007 01:02 PM

874

CrackBerry explains how to restore a Nuked BlackBerry

Nuked BlackBerry

Good Afternoon Class! I’ve been a bit slack in my BlackBerry 101 lectures as of late – I blame the Smartphone Round Robin, all the Contests we’ve been running on the site and the busy Holiday Season. My apologies! This will be the last 101 lecture of the year… but we’ll be back in 2008 bigger and better than ever.

Today’s lecture isn’t really a “newbie” topic, but it’s one that I wanted to cover because in the past three weeks I’ve gone through it half a dozen times and that is Reloading the Operating System on a BlackBerry that’s totally “Nuked”. I’m not sure if nuked is the technically appropriate word for it (I also use one that starts with an F and ends in an ED and has a CK in the middle), but it is how I refer to a BlackBerry that is stuck in a permanent reboot cycle and is completely, completely unusable. With a Nuked Berry, essentially the device turns on (red LED comes on for a few seconds), then you see the white screen with the hourglass of death, and then the display shuts off, the device shuts off, a few seconds go by and then it starts up and does the same thing again and again and again (it’ll do it for hours if you let it).

Over the past year I have arrived at this Nuked Berry scenario a few different ways: from installing a BlackBerry theme that wasn’t appropriate for my device/OS version; from installing beta software that was majorily glitchy; and one time during an OS upgrade the installation failed (I think I had too many apps installed and the device ran out of memory when trying to reload the backed-up apps). And while a “battery pull” works for solving most of little glitches that may occur when using your BlackBerry from day to day, that’s not the case with a Nuked BlackBerry.

The GOOD NEWS is that this problem likely won't affect you unless you're out and about looking for trouble and you can always fix a Nuked Berry (at least from my experience!). You just need to know a couple of little tricks and have 45 minutes of free time…

The Nuked Berry Problem

The fundamental problem with the Nuked Berry scenario is that because the device is stuck in a permanent reboot sequence or loop, when you attach it your computer via USB cable it simply connects and disconnects over and over and over again (you’ll just keep hearing that USB detected/unplugged noise) as the BlackBerry turns on/off. This makes using the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software to reload your OS impossible as the device is only detected for a couple of seconds before the device shuts off (and is now undetected).

My Nuked Berry...just a second before the display shuts off
and the device reboots itself, again and again and again

With pulling your BlackBerry’s battery doing nothing to solve the problem and it being impossible to establish a link to your desktop, at this point if you called your carrier for support there’s a chance they’ll tell you your BlackBerry is broken and that it’s time for a new one. To me that’s not a bad thing (what’s better than getting a new BlackBerry?!), but it’s not the CrackBerry way! Let's fix it!

Requirements/Disclaimer

Before reloading the operating system on a Nuked BlackBerry, you need to make sure you have taken care of some basics:

you are using a Windows Computer
have BlackBerry Desktop Manager installed
have the BlackBerry Operating System you want to install/reload onto your Nuked BlackBerry installed

You can download the latest version of BlackBerry Desktop Manager from the BlackBerry.com website, and you can find the latest Operating System available for your device from our BlackBerry OS superpage.

Keep in mind that during this process you don’t necessarily have to reload the same version of the OS that’s currently running on your Nuked BlackBerry. With the example I’m going through today, I’m actually going to revert to a slightly older operating system. There was an OSv4.3.1 Beta for the Curve I got my hands on way back when. Well, it turns out it had a slight glitch that made it want to occasionally reboot the phone when I answered incoming calls (which I was living with ok), but after Nuking my Berry while testing some software a friend of mine was working on, I decided to take the opportunity to revert back to the very stable OSv4.2.2. To accomplish this, on my computer I first open Control Panel > Add/Remove Software and uninstalled the current Operating System for the 8300 Curve. From there I went to AT&T’s website and downloaded and installed OSv4.2.2.

And now for the disclaimer, aka Bad News. With the process I’m going through here, any 3rd party applications you have installed on your BlackBerry will be lost. This install gives you a clean slate, which is a heck of a lot better than a Nuked Berry. So once you’re up to speed, you will have to install all your favorite apps once again.

The following process doesn't just work for Nuked BlackBerrys. You can also use it to clean the slate/reload/update the OS on a BlackBerry that's in fine working order.

How to Reload the Operating System on a Nuked BlackBerry

[ youtube video link for mobile viewing ]

Step #1: Make sure your BlackBerry IS NOT connected to your computer. Locate and Open the App Loader application. You won't have a shortcut to this program on your start menu. You need to locate it manually. Open your file browser, go to your C Drive (operating system drive) and navigate your way through the folders to Program Files > Common Files >Research In Motion > AppLoader. Once you are in the AppLoader directory, double click on the Loader application shortcut. Once Loader opens, you can click Next and then proceed to Step #2. As you may have noticed, we skip Desktop Manager altogether.

Step 1: Browse your way into the AppLoader Directory, and Open the Loader Application

The Loader Homescreen. You can Click Next to Continue

Loader Screen - Com 1
After you click next, Loader Waits for you to Connect the Device.
Proceed to Step #2

Step #2: We need to connect the BlackBerry to the Computer via USB cable. But here's where the tricky part comes in with the Nuked BlackBerry. Do you see in the image above where it says COM1? What we want to do is plug in the BlackBerry, and when COM1 switches to say USB-PIN:UNKNOWN we immediately click Next. This catches the BlackBerry and takes it out of the constant reboot cycle and allows you to then reload the Operating System.

Tip: The USB-PIN:UNKNOWN option will display for a few seconds when the BlackBerry is first connected/flashing its LED in red. With a Nuked BlackBerry, That occurs when the device is in the initial start-up part of it's reboot sequence. The easiest way to get that to happen (vs. waiting for that step in the reboot sequence where you have a tenth of a second to hit Next before you lose your chance) is to simply pull the battery from the BlackBerry. With the battery pulled, connect the BlackBerry to the USB connector and as SOON as you see USB-PIN:UNKNOWN hit Next. You have to be quick still, but using this method you are in control of the timing. From there you can put the battery back in and battery cover back on (Make Sure you install the battery or else when the OS update is completing and the device disconnects from the computer to reboot, it will lose the power provided by the USB connection and you will get an error and have to do it all over again!).

** If you don't get it right the first time, try again (unplug from USB, pull battery, connect and hit Next while USB-PIN:Unknown is showing). You have to be fast and the timing is key, so it may take you three or four tries.

Connect Your BlackBerry via USB. Click NEXT as Soon as USB:UNKNOWN Appears

Tip: With Battery Out, Connect BlackBerry to USB.
This will give you more control in nailing the timing of
connecting Next while USB:UNKOWN displays

Step #3: With your BlackBerry now out of the permanent reboot sequence, you are essentially in the clear and well on your way to having your BlackBerry up and running again. Choose the options you want to install on your BlackBerry (BrickBreaker, BlackBerry Messenger, BlackBerry Maps, etc.), click next, then approve the installation by clicking "Finish." Sit back and relax while the BlackBerry does its thing. It'll take some time and go through a number of screens but eventually you will reach my favorite "The loading operation was successful" screen. Your BlackBerry will reboot itself at this point and it will take a LONG time to reboot (10 - 15 minutes or so). You can unplug it from the USB (it's not connected while rebooting) and just continue to sit back and wait. Get scared, but not too scared...it will eventually boot up.

OS Installation Options
Select the OS options you want to install

Approve OS install
Approve the Operating System Installalation Options

Sit back and relax and let the installer do its thing

Installation Complete! Just sit back and let your BlackBerry Reboot

Step #4: That's it! You are done. Brand New BlackBerry. With your BlackBerry no longer Nuked, you can run through the Set Up Wizard (set the date/time/fonts, etc.) and from there you WILL NOW BE ABLE TO connect to the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. Hopefully you occasionally back up your data and can now use Desktop Manager's restore function to load up your backed up data. If not, hopefully you have your contacts all synced to Outlook so you can reload your Address book from there. Once that's done, it's time to install all your favorite apps again! I'd recommend starting with the CrackBerry.com Launcher (visit http://wap.crackberry.com on your BlackBerry's browser to download it!). Happy BlackBerrying!

Desktop Manager Reload
At least in this case I KNEW I was putting some risky software onto my BlackBerry
so before installing did a backup of my data. Once I un-nuked my BlackBerry
I was able to relatively quickly get back to where I was before.

Until Next Time

That's all folks! This is one of those lessons that I hope you don't need to use, but if you ever do find yourself with a Nuked BlackBerry I hope this lesson gets you back up and running quickly. There are some alterantives to this method as well, including some third-party apps like BBSAK (see another tutorial here). And if you're still stuck, the CrackBerry Forums are only a click away!

Article Tags: blackberry hardware loop, blackberry reboot loop, hard reset, blackberry, pearl, curve, 8100, 8110, 8120, 8130, 8700, 8703, 8300, 8310, 8320, 8330, 8800, 8820, 8830, reload operating system

Filed Under: Help, How-To & Tips, BlackBerry 101; Tags: BlackBerry 101, bricked BlackBerry, nuked

874 Comments

Posted by Bla1ze Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 1508 days ago

Since I've killed my Curve about 5 times now this is an awesome guide to have handy the main thing to remember is to reinsert the battery or else you will have to repeat the steps over and that can be disheartning for some and then they move onto the next option of calling their carrier, which we all know can some times be a battle and a half...I know after the first time I did it, I did it 3 times then made the call and then while on hold it booted up, so i just hung up the phone lol.

And I wouldn't worry so much about the "lack of" BB 101's at this point Kevin, with all the other things going on around here theirs more then enough to keep us users occupied I'm sure everyone would agree with me on this one :)

Posted by darkreign3 Monday, Nov 24, 2008 1166 days ago

This is by far the best way to restore your BB ever!!!!

I was in the process of updating my OS to v4.5 and when DM deleted all the files off my BB i droped my BB of the arm of the chair and it got disconnected, so my BB wouldn't turn on or nothing just a black screen with a flashing Red light that is all...

So far it loooks like this is working (still in the process of installing the new os onto my BB) im pertty sure its going to work and i owe it all to this guide.

Thanks a Million!!!!!!

Posted by Brewstermax Monday, Feb 16, 2009 1082 days ago

I had the same problem. I tried to update to 4.5, and it fatally quit. I've gone without a Berry for over a month, and it's sucked. I'm attempting to fix it now. Hopefully all goes well. Thanks for the great guide Kevin.

Posted by WESSIDE Thursday, Apr 09, 2009 1030 days ago

I had the same prblem as you, i was trying to upload the latest system softwsre to my BlackBerry 8320 and my hand disconnect the cable accidently, the bb went off and the screen stays black and the red light flashes 3 times, i followed the steps KEVIN gave and it help me out very good, i was using Desktop Software 4.7 and it keep sticking on (LOADING JVM SYSTEM SOFTWARE)So i use a next pc with Desktop Manager 4.3 and it worked 100%

IF anyone need help contact me soldier3041@hotmail.com

Posted by michy is neato Monday, Apr 27, 2009 1012 days ago

My phone isn't even rebooting at all so the connection isn't showing ANYTHING at all and the light just keeps flashing. Its driving me crazy, I've already been without it for 24 hours. Can someone please help me figure out what is going on? Why isn't it letting me choose a connection?

Posted by WESSIDE Monday, May 04, 2009 1005 days ago

I killed my Curve 3 time and had it recovered, i also did a video on recovering it back to naormaal, Here is the link to anyone that want to take a look,

soldier3041@hotmail.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hZ3lwgpz_c

Posted by ebonie Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010 415 days ago

helpp mee please

Posted by bigreenpants Thursday, Nov 10, 2011 85 days ago

What happens if the loader recognises your phone and displays your PIN?

Posted by bigreenpants Thursday, Nov 10, 2011 85 days ago

What happens if the loader recognises your phone and displays your PIN?

Posted by macsauce13 Thursday, Dec 04, 2008 1156 days ago

when i get to PIN: UNKNOWN, i click it and it goes to COM3 and then says unable to connect the device...i got this phone yesterday....whats the deal???

Posted by Help Sunday, Dec 07, 2008 1153 days ago

Hello, love what you've done here and I've tried it several times but it doesn't seem to work for me.

I suppose I should mention that I haven't been able to by-pass the desktop manager in step one because there isn't a folder called Apploader. (But, I have been able to follow all the other steps. How important is it to by-pass it?)

I noticed in other install instructions that deleting the vendor.xml document is important but again I can't find it. Any chance you could update this for desktop manager v4.7 or explain why it has installed differently on my computer? (FYI also tried v4.3 & v4.5 both with and without media manager with no luck.)

Posted by Anonymous Friday, Dec 19, 2008 1141 days ago

<<>>

I agree with this statement. I, too, could not find Apploader and had to go through Desktop Manager. Having said that, I was still able to follow the rest of the steps, and everything worked out splendidly! Really saved my bacon!

Posted by Anonymous Monday, Dec 22, 2008 1137 days ago

Note that AppLoader isn't under c:\Program Files\Research in Motion, it is under c:\Program Files\Common Files\Research in Motion

Posted by DjxtcS Thursday, Feb 04, 2010 729 days ago

The xml document is @ the very bottom

Posted by DIANAMARIE70 Wednesday, Apr 29, 2009 1010 days ago

well reading this you sound like a pro.. lol i can't reload my curve i tried everything. please help...

my email or im is mommypeaches70@yahoo.com

Posted by WESSIDE Friday, May 01, 2009 1008 days ago

Hello if u need help on Repairing ur BlackBerry i can help you, I purposely NUKED my BB they made a video on how to fix it,

soldier3041@hotmail.com

Posted by Heather F Friday, May 08, 2009 1001 days ago

When I get to the part where you plug in your blackberry, it doesnt say COM1 it says COM3, and then when i hit next it says that the blackberry does not have device software for the connection. any ideas on what to do now?

Posted by VonFred54 Thursday, Nov 26, 2009 799 days ago

I've googled the shit out of this problem.

I don't know if you ever found a solution for that. I have OS 4.5 installed on my PC and when I go to re-install the OS through APPLOADER it says that I don't have the OS 4.5 Installed, although it clearly is (as I can see it in INSTALL/REMOVE PROGRAMS in control panel of my PC)

this is total crap, and my BB is rendered useless with a '507 ERROR'.

If you have any tips, hats off to you!

cheers

Posted by derekjp Tuesday, Mar 30, 2010 675 days ago

you need to download an os from your service provider, and you need to click next when you see the "usb-pin:unknown"

Posted by Jacdiapo Thursday, Feb 03, 2011 365 days ago

I did it till step #3 but once I´m there I could not find any program to install, what can i do, so I could not install anything

Where I could find this programas, if they don't appear by default?

Regards

Posted by karist Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 1508 days ago

so can you use this method as a way to switch from an At&T locked pearl to T-mobile, if you have the t-Mobile version of the Blackberry OS. or do you have to have the phone unlocked frist

Posted by Bla1ze Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 1508 days ago

This would be used when things go wrong, a typical instal of an OS goes fine, no matter if it's an AT&T os to T-Mobile or vice versa, typically you will not have this trouble in upgrading OS'es not even if th device is locked/unlocked it makes no difference, this is a guide for installs that have gone "bad" in hopes to correct the bad install, this method will normally work.

Posted by MiniBB Tuesday, Dec 18, 2007 1508 days ago

I hope I don't have to do this anytime soon, but it is nice to know that clear and concise indstructions are available.
Thanks!

Posted by longchaco Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 1507 days ago

Greats. Thanks alot for interesting and helpful lecture.

Posted by bbsadaj Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 1507 days ago

I love the lectures here. Such a wide range of topics and as usual very well done!

Posted by Janet Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 1507 days ago

I have about 500 BB's that I support and there are different ways to get the devices back up and running. The way described here is one of the best ways. Another way is to wipe everything off the computer as well, not recommended but it does work. Delete all Desktop Manager Software (through Add/Remove Programs) which includes the OS as well as the Handheld software. Next, go into C:\Program Files and delete the Research in Motion folder. Next, go into the Registry and find the Research in Motion keys in HKEY_CURRENT_USER_SOFTWARE and HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE_SOFTWARE, (do make sure to make a copy of your Registry first though), delete from both areas. Reboot the computer. Reinstall the OS and Handheld software from either your service provider or from Blackberry.com. If you are able, BACKUP THE DEVICE!!! From my experience, this works great.

Posted by pirellidon Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009 829 days ago

i understand that the delete part but how does the bb get rebooted.... doe's it just do it automatically??

Posted by artman71 Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 1507 days ago

Thanks for posting this, I just brought my 8700c back from the dead and it works perfect again. My lesson learned was not to mess around with it too much.Thanks

Posted by maggie_may Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 1507 days ago

So....let me get this straight...besides the term "nuked" another word for a dead Blackberry is freckled?????LOL/JK Happy Holidays, thanks for all you do. Maggie

Posted by Kevin Michaluk Wednesday, Dec 19, 2007 1507 days ago

You got it... Freckled it is! :)

Posted by mo_75 Tuesday, Oct 26, 2010 465 days ago

I have watched your video, read a lot of forums and still can't seem to get anywhere with my Bold.

I've tried to wipe it out completely, no 507 error msg. I've tried how to reboot a nuked berry, no success.

I so don't want to give up. The 5.0 update froze it up. It will show the bb loading bar and go to AT&T World Phone orange screen, then I'll get a solid white screen... but no error msg, no hour glass, no computer connection icons.

I have uninstalled and re-installed the software on my computer and rebooted my computer.

If you have time, please help. I really don't want to give up.

Posted by prxraw Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 1506 days ago

I was experimenting with my Berry last month and well you know what experimenting means, it crashed and the device went dead.

I restored the berry with same method described by Kevin
This method is the best, and works.

Posted by shill79 Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 1506 days ago

Argh... Woke up yesterday and my Pearl was nuked.. I'm pointing the bony finger of blame at the Google Sync software... My Pearl was out of warranty, so I ordered a Curve. Then I found this "how-to"... I swear I've tried this procedure a dozen times, it just doesn't want to work for me... The BB refuses to get out of the reboot cycle when I get to the "Wait for device initialization" phase in the App Loader... Any more tips? I'm assuming I'm messing up during the USB Unknown part.

Posted by JohnTST Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 1506 days ago

> Blackberry Not Connected to Computer, Battery Removed
> Open App Loader, Click Next
> On Communication Port Selection Page, it'll say COM1 when your Berry is not plugged in. Plug in your Berry, as SOON as it switches to USB:UNKNOWN click next. It has to say that - if it changes to saying your PIN or something else it's too late.
> As long as you click while it's on that USB:UNKOWN..you should be good to go.

Posted by shill79 Thursday, Dec 20, 2007 1506 days ago

It actually says USB-PIN:UNKNOWN on my end, I never see a USB:UNKNOWN connection option...

Posted by JohnTST Friday, Dec 21, 2007 1505 days ago

yeah, that's right. USB-PIN:UNKNOWN. same thing, my mistake.

if you click next while that appears you should be good to go on taking the phone out of the loop. has it worked for you yet? may take a few tries to get the timing right, but thats it. should work.

Posted by Anonymous Friday, May 30, 2008 1343 days ago

That's as far as I get and nothing happens. Still the same hourgalss. I followed all the instructions, please help.

Posted by drummingpariah Tuesday, Mar 17, 2009 1053 days ago

My 8820 goes back into the reboot cycle after the first time it's supposed to reboot (the looooooooooong reboot).

Posted by mcblack29 Friday, Feb 11, 2011 357 days ago

What do i do when i get to the communication port selection page and it doesnt have com1 in the box? also when i do connect my phone it shows my pin#.

Posted by Anonymous Saturday, Dec 20, 2008 1140 days ago

Download device software from blackberry , reinstall it in your PC and start new process as described in the lesson . It will work .. i had the same problem and it is fixed now .

Posted by Mathew Juarez Sunday, May 17, 2009 992 days ago

Where you able to get it to work past the wait for initilization part, because im trying to do that on my blackberry right now and it is doing what yours did? Thanks!

Posted by MJL Friday, Dec 21, 2007 1505 days ago

I owned my BB 8830 for about 3 hours and nuked it. I knew there had to be a solution other than calling Sprint but was worried had to short it like the Linksys WRT54g router I bricked and revived. THANKS for the lecture!

Posted by Ricochet Monday, Dec 24, 2007 1502 days ago

Kevin,
As always thank you. This lecture is particularly helpful. I've had my 8820 for a few months. No problems, but I like the idea of being prepared. AT&T actually bundles the App Loader with the current OS for download. I don't know if this is true for other carriers. Of course the Desktop Software is then needed in order to restore a previous back up. Very helpful!

Happy Holidays

Posted by nerissa Tuesday, Dec 25, 2007 1501 days ago

I don't know how I can thank you- I thought I had to get a new phone all over again and you know how freaking expensive blackberry's are (even on ebay)

thank you so much! merry christmas!

Posted by Anonymous Tuesday, Dec 25, 2007 1501 days ago

My 8310 is nuked and I was just about to start the procedure above, when I realised I can't download the device software from the BB page because my IP address is from China.

Does anyone know of an alternative way of getting the device software for the 8310 Curve?

Posted by bobbyshelton Wednesday, Dec 26, 2007 1500 days ago

Boy, am I glad I didn't see this fix soon enough! Then I wouldn't have upgraded to the Pearl that I now have. Now that I have, with your help, fixed my other BB, I can't tell my wife that I now have two working BB's! Sell it? or give it to my wife? Which one would sustain less damage...to me?

Posted by artie Friday, Dec 28, 2007 1498 days ago

Wednesday night I was downloading "In Hand" from Handango when all of a sudden it went on "infinite reboot". I pulled the battery and put it back in, but continued. I went to Blackberry forums and posted a HELP advice. Then went to Sprint and emailed support, then went to bed. Early in the morning the Forum had the same solution you have and examples of other people with the same problem downloading the same app. form Handango. I then decided to have Sprint fix it since it was new. Walked out with a New Berry. I'm going to save this info just in case it happens again after the warranty expires. Thank you so much. When I got home I checked my emails before I restored my Berry and Sprint Support suggested to go to a Sprint store, since my phone was still under warranty. Thank you again.

Posted by Vladimir Dobrovolsky Tuesday, Jan 01, 2008 1494 days ago

Thanks for the lecture. Luckily i read it before my BB "nuked". I am from Ukraine and I got my bb 8700r this monday from my uncle from Canada. It was a bit difficult to start using the device normally, 'cos I was able to use only mobile phones (siemens, samsung, nokia 6230i). Another problem was that in Ukraine the BB appeared recently and is really expensive. Nokia smartphones are the most popular here, so i didn't have any information about BB. Today my experiments paused 'cos my blackberry nuked when i tried to download the soft (smth like dictaphone) from your site. Hope I'll find a service center in Kiev to repair it.
It's a pity that there is very little FREE software 'cos i don't want to pay for smth that i can find free or cheaper (i bougt my Vista Ultimate in a market for 5$ (25grn). Why?
But for sure i'm already a Blackberry Fan!

Posted by ferritt Wednesday, Jan 02, 2008 1493 days ago

This just aint working for me. I've tried so many times. I click when it says unknown and go thru the install options. I get past the "load JVM and system software" bit but after the "wait for device initialization" the loop starts again and after a while i just get an error msg. maybe my 8800 is really bricked?

so whats the problem?