Overview on upgrading and updating your Blackberry

Blackberry devices run operating system (OS) developed by RIM. Rim frequently updates OS for their handhelds, and these updates include anything, from minor bug fixes to addition of new features and functions. The best thing in my opinion, is the fact, that RIM also supports older models of Blackberry phones, and it is not suprisingly that new version of OS is also available for 3+ years old models. With this RIM offers added value and prolonged usability life of devices, along with one of the best after-purchase support on the market.

Upgrading OS on Blackberry is easy process, which involves downloading and installing upgrade pack on PC, connceting Blackberry phone to PC via USB cable, and running Desktop Manager. Whole process takes 30-60 minutes (with exception of Bold and newer models where whole process is done in less than 10 minutes), and includes complete backup and restore - so that all user's data, applications etc remain intact.

Why to update

1. PROBLEMS - The first reason for updating is if you have problems with your Blackberry. Since RIM does not disclose changes done between various OS versions, you do not really know whether update will fix your problem, but judigng from my past experiences it is a safe bet that it should.
2. NEW FEATURES - With OS 4.5 RIM introduced hot, and frequently requested feature of properly displaying HTML emails, and faster WEB browser. With big OS releases (like from 4.3 to 4.4 or 4.5) we usually get new features, while small number releases (like from 4.3.0.75 to 4.3.0.105) there are bug fixes.

Finding updates

First thing to do is determine your OS version. You can do that by going to Options and choosing About. Third line will show version number ie. v.4.5.0.52 (Platform 2.7.0.66). So your OS number in this case would be 4.5.0.52. Now you want to find larger number than yours (like 4.5.0.65 …)

Searching for upgrades is usually painfully slow, as official procedure requires you to do it via your mobile operator's blackberry support web page. Another obstacle is that not all mobile operators choose to offer their users latest OS.

Faster and easier way to find updates is by using our Blackberry Update Finder, which searches for updated OS files through all operator's sections on blackberry.com. All you have to do is enter your Blackberry's model number.

How to update

No matter on which operator new OS is found, you can safely upgrade your blackberry with it. But please do follow instructions on upgrading your blackberry phone here. Also BE SURE to DOWNLOAD OS FOR YOUR BLACKBERRY MODEL ONLY! (note that 8820's OS is not good for 8800, or vice versa!).

When you are upgrading with OS that is not from your mobile operator, you must also delete file vendox.xml from update's folder.

For easy reference, here is complete procedure:

1. Make sure you have latest Desktop Manager installed. If not, get it here: http://na.blackberry.com/eng/services/desktop/
2. Using our Blackberry Update Finder find and download the OS file for your Blackberry and install it on your PC by running (double clicking)
3. Locate the vendor.xml file and delete it. It's located in c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader
4. Plug in your Blackberry phone (to PC via USB) and Open Desktop Manager. You should be prompted to upgrade.

The process takes about 30-60 minutes depending on how much data and applications you have to backup and restore during update process. Once it's done loading the new OS your phone will reboot (it may do this twice during the entire process.) You will see a white screen with an hourglass for up to 15 minutes at a time while the Desktop Manager says "waiting for initialization." This is completely normal.

If you end up with a white screen with small icons and the number 507, simply connect to Desktop Manager again and run application loader again and it should load the OS to the device.