OTA Links: A How To

trimax84 · Thread Author #1 10-01-2008, 08:44 PM

There are SO MANY repeat questions about how to install themes/programs via OTA links that I wanted to post a little walkthrough. I was surprised not to find anything like this already when I searched the forums.
So here it goes......

OTA = Over The Air

Because it's Over The Air, do not use Desktop Manager as it will not recognize .jad files (the filetype of OTA links). Do not download the file, do not try to run the file on your computer, and do not think about using a USB cable for these files!

Instead, you need to somehow access the file directly from your blackberry! There are multiple ways to do this:

1) Browse to the website using your blackberry browser, find the link, and click it.
-or-
2) Right click the link (from your computer), go to "Copy Shortcut." Now compose a new email on your computer, pasting the "shortcut" into the body of your message. Email your blackberry the link and click the link once it is on your blackberry.
-or-
3) Put your computer mouse over the OTA link. The web address to the .jad file will show up near the bottom left of internet explorer. Go to your blackberry and type this address into your blackberry browser's address bar. Press enter.

Once you do any of the above 3 steps, follow the prompts on your blackberry to Download and install the theme/program.

There you go! Easy and fast

Please add to this if you have other/better ways to describe the correct steps to take so that new users can figure this out.

DMD31842 · #2 10-02-2008, 04:33 AM

What is the difference between OTA, Zen and L ?

disciplecrazy · #3 10-02-2008, 05:44 AM

Plus there is a program called OTA Downloader or Loader. I'm not by my computer right now but I know its one of them. All u have to do is download the program and copy the .jad shortcut into the space allowed. Once u do that after its downloaded just move them to your bb using mass storage or u can use the application loader in DM.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

chrisy520 · #4 10-02-2008, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DMD31842

What is the difference between OTA, Zen and L ?

Zen and L are themes, OTA is not a theme.

If an app or such is avaibale for download right from the blackberry it is called OTA download (over the air).

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

wnm · #5 10-02-2008, 07:57 AM

Note that for those who have upgraded to OS 4.5, Blackberry Browser is now call Internet Browser.

gortza · #6 11-21-2008, 08:58 PM

...also!!! You do NOT need any 3rd party software like "OTA Downloader" or whatever it's called... you can transfer the *.JAD or *.JAR files over to your micro SD card in mass transfer mode. From there, go to multimedia manager, click explore in menu function, select media card, then select the *.JAD or *.JAR file... up pops a window with a download button at the bottom. This process "tricks" the bb into thinking it's about to download something when it's in fact direct installing via the media card.

GKang · #7 11-26-2008, 01:33 AM

i try and i received message error 907 Invalid COD, file not found ...

I send the attachement over my email to my blackberry it was ready to download until it said that message!!?

thepaintedpony · #8 11-26-2008, 08:13 AM

Hey TriMax,

You should send this to Kevin OR the Forum Moderators so they can add it to the BB 101 series.

If it isn't documented anywhere else, I'm sure they'd appreciate the include!

bricks973 · #9 11-29-2008, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GKang

i try and i received message error 907 Invalid COD, file not found ...

I send the attachement over my email to my blackberry it was ready to download until it said that message!!?

wussup everybody. i get the same message and i have the 8300. it says no cod file. could it be because i have no data plan?

ghostshell · #10 11-29-2008, 05:59 PM

i would like to also mention there is a OTA to DM app you can get off this forum, its a post, that allows you to download the OTA file and install it via DM.

tyler5 · #11 11-30-2008, 12:18 PM

Could someone please post a link to the thread with the OTA to DM app. I can't seem to find it.

SevereDeceit · #12 11-30-2008, 12:20 PM

Glad this was posted, i have been seeing this question being asked alot here lately...

NamweN000 · #13 11-30-2008, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bricks973

wussup everybody. i get the same message and i have the 8300. it says no cod file. could it be because i have no data plan?

why have BB and no data plan? seems pointless

gortza · #14 12-01-2008, 09:09 PM

allo? Step-by-step here:

1. if you're interested in the software - look first for BOTH .alx and .cod downloads (sometimes need both)

2. if you find .alx and .cod downloads, use desktop manager -->> apploader

3. else, look for .jad or .jar (prefer whichever one has more KBytes... more info for blackberry to utilize in the install)

4. download to PC (OTA downloads cost $$) - plus, you don't really need OTA downloader or whatever it's called. The error messages will likely occur regardless of whether you used OTA downloader or not.

5. hook up blackberry and enable mass storage mode (this is automatically asked of you if you have a microSD card installed... this only works if you have a microSD card). Open up folder.

6. transfer .jad and/or .jar file to open folder from PC

7. unplug.

8. open up media manager on bberry.

9. hit menu button -->> select "explore"

10. find the .jad or .jar file. select.

11. you will be presented with a "download" screen. select "download". This does NOT mean you are "downloading" (since the file itself resides on your microSD media card) ... it is "installing". Why? what we have done here is tricked the bberrry into thinking it is dl'ing this file. It automatically installs.

I want to note though, that every time you are presented with an error message, yadda yadda yadda... it is not the end of the world. Sometimes a hard reset is needed. Sometimes the software simply isn't compatible. Try another one.

Vortec 5.3 · #15 01-26-2009, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trimax84

There are SO MANY repeat questions about how to install themes/programs via OTA links that I wanted to post a little walkthrough. I was surprised not to find anything like this already when I searched the forums.
So here it goes......

OTA = Over The Air

Because it's Over The Air, do not use Desktop Manager as it will not recognize .jad files (the filetype of OTA links). Do not download the file, do not try to run the file on your computer, and do not think about using a USB cable for these files!

Instead, you need to somehow access the file directly from your blackberry! There are multiple ways to do this:

1) Browse to the website using your blackberry browser, find the link, and click it.
-or-
2) Right click the link (from your computer), go to "Copy Shortcut." Now compose a new email on your computer, pasting the "shortcut" into the body of your message. Email your blackberry the link and click the link once it is on your blackberry.
-or-
3) Put your computer mouse over the OTA link. The web address to the .jad file will show up near the bottom left of internet explorer. Go to your blackberry and type this address into your blackberry browser's address bar. Press enter.

Once you do any of the above 3 steps, follow the prompts on your blackberry to Download and install the theme/program.

There you go! Easy and fast

Please add to this if you have other/better ways to describe the correct steps to take so that new users can figure this out.

I'm using Firefox.. When I right click on it.. it says copy, copy link location, save link as, or send link? Which one?