How do you guys typically update the OS?

[Kevstra]

Hi guys,

I've a bit new to the concept of changing OSes on phones, and since I'm a bit of a computer enthusiast, I immediately wanted to load a leaked OS. My motivation was mobile hotspot on my 9900.

My understanding is that there are 4 main ways to load an OS.

1) Official update over the air. That's how I updated the factory 9900 OS to 7.0.0.585 (obviously can't be used to install leaks or other carriers latest official)

2) Download and install, then load onto phone via DM

3) Download and install, then load onto phone via AppLoader

4) Download and install, then load onto phone via BBSAK. BBSAK also gives you the option to be able to completely wipe your phone.

My question is, what is the generally accepted "proper" way of doing it. Is wiping the OS before loading an updated one really necessary? How recommended is it?

[MaxPayne79]

#3 is the simplest i find.
just delete the vendor file and you're good to go.

and there's no need to wipe a phone prior to updating it. As a matter of fact, apploader and DM do it anyway at the time of the loading so i don't understand why some of these guys here are so religious about wiping the phone. i've been using blackberies since 2007 and i have yet to do it.

[kevinnugent]

Oh, and make sure you are NOT using a Mac. You can't upgrade with leaked OS's on the Mac unless you are running a Windows partition.

[rrrebo]

No need to wipe. I shrink the bejeebers out of my OS to save memory space with BBHT, then launch loader.exe (from within BBHT, not that it makes a difference, but it's convenient) and Bob's your uncle.

[cntrydncr223]

2 and 3 are the same. It's just a matter of whether you locate and find loader.exe or DM does. The answer to your question is, it's a matter of preference. All of them will do the job, and it'll be exactly the same. There is no "proper" way, and wiping is included in the install (so not necessary and/or not your choice, however you want to view that.).

BACK UP ALL DATA (I use DM AND BBSAK)
dowload and install desired OS
if downgrading, uninstall more current OS, reboot PC
delete any vendor files (could be 2)
install using loader.exe or DM (or BBHtools, BBSAK)
restore backup
side load necessary apps (DM won't load any previously sideloaded apps)
input any reg codes

And you're good to go!!

[Kevstra]

Thanks guys.

Originally Posted by MaxPayne79

#3 is the simplest i find.
just delete the vendor file and you're good to go.

and there's no need to wipe a phone prior to updating it. As a matter of fact, apploader and DM do it anyway at the time of the loading so i don't understand why some of these guys here are so religious about wiping the phone. i've been using blackberies since 2007 and i have yet to do it.

This is great news, because I didn't really like the idea of having an intermediate step where my phone is rendered completely useless.

Originally Posted by cntrydncr223

2 and 3 are the same. It's just a matter of whether you locate and find loader.exe or DM does. The answer to your question is, it's a matter of preference. All of them will do the job, and it'll be exactly the same. There is no "proper" way, and wiping is included in the install (so not necessary and/or not your choice, however you want to view that.).

I had a feeling, but I wasn't really sure.

Originally Posted by cntrydncr223

delete any vendor files (could be 2)
install using loader.exe or DM (or BBHtools, BBSAK)
restore backup
side load necessary apps (DM won't load any previously sideloaded apps)
input any reg codes

And you're good to go!!

Where does the potential second vendor.xml file exist? I tried to reload the OS on my sister's Torch 9800 once, but it refused to let me even after I deleted the "first" vendor.xml file.

[cntrydncr223]

Originally Posted by Kevstra

Where does the potential second vendor.xml file exist? I tried to reload the OS on my sister's Torch 9800 once, but it refused to let me even after I deleted the "first" vendor.xml file.

The first one:
(32 bit)
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader\loader.exe

(64 bit)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader\loader.exe

The second vendor file, if it exists, can be found here:

C:\Users\<Your username>\AppData\Roaming\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\Loader XML

(you may have to show hidden files to find this one)

[woodzybcfc]

Originally Posted by cntrydncr223

The first one:
(32 bit)
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader\loader.exe

(64 bit)
C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader\loader.exe

The second vendor file, if it exists, can be found here:

C:\Users\<Your username>\AppData\Roaming\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\Loader XML

(you may have to show hidden files to find this one)

This should have been update to the "How to Install or Upgrade to a New RIM BlackBerry Operating System (OS) with AppLoader" by now http://crackberry.com/blackberry-101...age=1#comments

C:\Documents and Settings\Chris\Application Data\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\Loader XML

This is where on Window XP the second vendor files exists.

Like Blackberry itself the forums around here are getting old and out of date!

[pcgizmo]

#3 is the best method, imo

wiping with BBSAK is a waste of time

Originally Posted by cntrydncr223

...if downgrading, uninstall more current OS, reboot PC...

rebooting the PC isn't necessary either

[mss-ca]

I use the #3 method and I never ran in to any issues as a result of using the AppLoader. I also shrink all my OS loads including official releases.

I think the last time I used the DM to load an OS was long time ago when I was using 9700.

[wu-wei]

I'm going to drop in with my standard install procedure, just for grins.

1. Turn off all radio, including WiFi.
2. Back up all on-device apps like QuickLaunch, Advance OS and LED, MaraTick, etc.
3. Connect USB and take a backup with Desktop Manager.
4. Run loader.exe and let it do it's thing. It will also create a backup file, but I've had a few experiences where there were problems with that backup and I needed the one I created with Desktop Manager.
5. After OS is installed (and all messages, data, and third party apps are restored by loader), I check that certain databases are restored. In my experience, MMS Messages and MMS Options are very often NOT restored. No clue why. Up until my last install, all of my BBM Groups would restore too which meant I didn't have to cause lag for other group members every time I loaded a new OS. Last install didn't work that way - again, no clue.
6. With radio still off, I enter license keys for apps that don't need server-side authentication.
7. Turn on radio and open up Setup Wizard to move all my email accounts. I then wait a few minutes and make sure my BIS synchronization is set up and working.
8. Enter license keys for apps that do need server-side authentication.
9. I also run all my apps once to go through any permission changes, EULA acceptance dialogs, etc.

That's my basic install procedure. I probably forgot something in there, but those are the main points.