Please help me install the Device OS

[Pilchard]

After years of loyal service my Bold 9000 overheard me looking at upgrading to a Bold 9900 and decided to give me a java error and make my contacts disappear. I'm not very techie but I think I need to reinstall the OS. And this is where the problem lies.

I have downloaded the latest T-Mobile OS onto my desktop, deleted the vendor XML file, and double clicked it to get me through to the point where it asks me if I want to open desktop manager, which I do. However, it doesn't then offer me an upgrade.

It seems to want to take me back to OS 4.6 when I look at the other updates button.

My Bold was a gift from a friend that he didn't need. It was on O2 (I think!) but I use it on Vodafone UK. This might be the issue, or it might be a red herring.

All suggestions gratefully received.

I did try restoring from a back up and managed to duplicate all my calendar entries. Advice about that also gratefully received!

Thanks in advance...

[DawgMan]

There is typically a number associated with a java error that identifies the specific type of error.

Once you have the correct the OS downloaded and drivers installed on your computer, you can install using AppLoader.

Make sure you have completely deleted all previous OS versions and close Desktop Manager before beginning. Now after the OS is on the computer go to My Computer>C Drive>Program Files>Common Files>Research In Motion>AppLoader.
Once inside the AppLoader file, locate and delete the Vendor.xml file. Next, connect your 9900 and select USB on the device. Now locate the Loader.exe file that also located in the AppLoader folder. With the 9900 connected, double click on the Loader.exe file and allow it to run. Follow the on screen instructions and do not disconnect the device until you have a message on the computer indicating the device software has been updated successfully.

Good luck.

[elite1]

A couple extra notes to throw in there...

If your PC is 64-bit, the path to the AppLoader folder is the same, except it's Program Files (x86) instead of Program Files. (64-bit's have both listed.)

@Pilchard: You should be able to restore your missing contacts from a previous backup. Just plug in to the PC, run DM, and choose to do a selective Restore. You can do that independent of any OS upgrade... Like now!

[Pilchard]

Originally Posted by DawgMan

Once you have the correct the OS downloaded and drivers installed on your computer, you can install using AppLoader.

Make sure you have completely deleted all previous OS versions

I have downloaded the OS onto my desktop. Is downloading drivers different?

How do I completely delete previous OS versions? I am using Windows XP on an old PC (did I mention I'm not very techie??)

Thanks again!

[Pilchard]

Originally Posted by elite1

@Pilchard: You should be able to restore your missing contacts from a previous backup. Just plug in to the PC, run DM, and choose to do a selective Restore. You can do that independent of any OS upgrade... Like now!

Sadly not: Address Book is greyed out so I can't selectively restore it

[Pilchard]

I should also mention I run the App Loader and it goes through the screens confirming what Apps I want (like BBM) and then when I click finish it says it was successfully installed after about 5 seconds (which can't be right).

Also my device has a password which Apploader asks for and I type in and it seems happy (maybe there is a bug relating to passwords?)

[elite1]

Originally Posted by Pilchard

Sadly not: Address Book is greyed out so I can't selectively restore it

Oh that's depressing…

Do you have more than one Backup? Start with the most recent then keep canceling and going back until you find one that works.

Have you set up BB Protect? It backs up Contacts too.

[elite1]

Originally Posted by Pilchard

How do I completely delete previous OS versions? I am using Windows XP on an old PC (did I mention I'm not very techie??)

On your PC, open the Start MENU (Windows logo in bottom left of screen) and select Control Panel.
The option you're looking for is call Programs and Features on Windows 7. Look for a similarly titled option in your Control Panel.
When you open it, a list of programs on your PC will populate. At the top is a button that says Uninstall.
Highlight items called BlackBerry Device Software and click Uninstall at the top. (Take care not to delete BlackBerry Desktop Software.) You have to do them one at a time unfortunately. Uninstall your currently desired new OS as well.

Lastly, delete the contents of the AppLoader folder. Go to:
Computer>C Drive>Program Files>Common Files>Research In Motion>AppLoader
Click any item in folder, then press CTRL+A to highlight all. Press SHIFT+DELETE to permanently delete the contents.

Restart your PC.

Go to your Downloads and double-click the new OS to re-install on your PC.
Return to AppLoader folder and SHIFT+DELETE the Vendor file.
Double-click the Loader file in that folder to start loading the new OS on your BB.

PS Don't despair: I started off here being "not very techie" too!

[Pilchard]

Thanks elite1 - all working fine now and I am very happy: I think it was the deletion of all the files in App Loader that made the difference.

Can I ask you another question? I have about 12MB spare application memory on my device. Is this why people shrink their OS to get more memory? Is it easy to do?

As I am soon going to buy a 9900 I might just let sleeping dogs lie, but I am curious.

[delfteo]

For the best memory and battery try this great Os for your device.
You can read this thread careful and enjoy the best Os ever.
http://forums.crackberry.com/hybrid-...-fixes-652577/

Enjoy DelftEo


Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[elite1]

↑ Self-promote much?

[delfteo]

Originally Posted by elite1

? Self-promote much?

No you see it wrong.
More an advice its free.
Try it its worth.

Enjoy DelftEo


Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[elite1]

Originally Posted by Pilchard

Thanks elite1 - all working fine now and I am very happy: I think it was the deletion of all the files in App Loader that made the difference.

Great to hear; you're very welcome!

Originally Posted by Pilchard

Can I ask you another question? I have about 12MB spare application memory on my device. Is this why people shrink their OS to get more memory? Is it easy to do?

As I am soon going to buy a 9900 I might just let sleeping dogs lie, but I am curious.

Yes this is the main reason why people shrink an OS, especially with a previous-gen device using a next-gen OS.

It's surprisingly easy for the most part. It only gets tricky when you get greedy and try to make even more room still.

Your OS is made up of Java files that you'll see being referred to as cod's, because .cod is their file extension. After you install your OS on your PC, you can find its Java folder here:
Computer/C: drive/Program Files (x86)/Common Files/Research in Motion/Shared/Loader Files/{insert the OS name here}/Java

RIM is very lazy (IMHO) when it comes to OS's. They include everything that every carrier of that device could possibly want. Some things, like 12-30 languages included, can be cut by the user while loading the OS to BB. Other files are included without any option for the user to exclude them: themes for a half-dozen carriers, AT&T contacts sync, T-Mobile error translator, asian IM apps like Fetion, and more. Cutting those out is the reason for shrinking.

This was more intimidating before some gracious designers made desktop programs to do the work for you. In the Leaked OS Forum you'll find threads with download links for BB Boss v2.2 and BBHTool. (BBHTool was formerly called Shrink-A-OS, which you'll see mentioned often.) BBHTool was designed by my buddy Lyricidal, but for whatever reason I've been using BB Boss lately. Both are great.

So shrinking is simple:

1. Download desktop app like BB Boss v2.2 or BBHTool to your PC.
2. Open shrinker app.
3. Select OS from dropdown list.
4. Check off all items that you do NOT want installed on your BB.
5. Select to remove those items on your PC (or "on disk").
6. Close shrinker program once completed. (Only takes a few seconds.)
7. Navigate to your Java folder and find new Removed folder created by shrinker app.
8. Rename Removed something more specific naming OS, like Removed 9000 - 1079.
9. Right-click on Removed folder and Cut.
10. Paste on Desktop, or wherever else you like. (Keeping it is only a precaution in case something goes wonky.)
11. Navigate back and open AppLoader folder.
12. If file named Vendor is present, single-click it to highlight, press SHIFT+DELETE to permanently delete. Leave AppLoader folder open.
13. Connect BB and make precautionary Backup with DM, then close DM.
14. Return to AppLoader and double-click Loader. Follow on-screen instructions.

Even though the same OS is already on your BB, still do same. It won't fully install the OS again. Loader is actually smart and will want to resolve any differences between the Java files on your PC and on your BB. Plain english: it will take any stuff off your BB that you just shrunk from the Java folder.
It won't wipe & restore your personal data and 3rd party apps like a full OS load would.

When it's done and Loader closes, disconnect your BB and do a battery pull.

I promise it's easy!

[delfteo]

What a lot of work for all this.
Nice you write it down for new users, but there are more easy ways they called "hybrids"
The hybrids are based with latest Os and improved with other higher Os files, also shrink to the minimum to improve maximum MB and less leaks.
If I read the DelftEo thread I read very positive reactions from Bold9000 users.
Give it a try it's worth and less work and maximum result.

Enjoy DelftEo


Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

[elite1]

It's not any less work. I just really spelled everything out step-by-step.

There's a lot of great hybrids out there; however, I wouldn't recommend hybrids to someone who hasn't shrunk an OS by themselves first. A person should have a good understanding of what they are (and aren't) loading on their phone.

PS As soon as you have the chance, please update your profile to include your device, carrier, and location. This makes it easier for others to help you, or for you to assist others too. People should know where you're coming from.