We thought it would be prudent to go through the process of upgrading your handheld software, what with OS 4.5 and 4.6 having hit us in pretty quick succession over the last month or two. New operating systems usually have plenty of new bells and whistles that are worth getting in on, so if you haven’t yet, we’ve got instruction here on how to make the switch. The BlackBerry OS upgrade can be a daunting process if you’ve never done it before, but don’t fear - Big Papa BBCool is here to hold your hand through the whole thing.
What you’ll need…
Desktop Manager (free 200-300 MB download)
Handheld software (free 60-80 MB download)
Time (about two hours, counting download, device backup, and installation)
1. Download Desktop Manager
Desktop Manager is the computer software that lets your BlackBerry talk with it in aa ton of ways - sync contacts, music, calendar, load up software and pictures, back up your device, and all sorts of handy features. Even if you already have Desktop Manager, you’ll likely need the latest version in order to get the equally latest handheld software. You can grab BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.6 from Vodafone, which should work fine regardless of your carrier. Don’t mind the German, you can easily install it in English. To ensure that the carrier data doesn’t get carried along to your device, you’ll need to delete your vendor.xml file. This can be found in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader. If you’re using a Mac, you’re plum out of luck. The current equivalent, PocketMac, doesn’t support OS upgrades. Find yourself a PC, buddy.
2. Download handheld software
The only thing to really keep in mind when downloading the software proper for your device is that it needs to be for your model. As stated above, be sure to check Options>About in order to check your device model number. The source doesn’t matter so much, so go ahead and use the most recent versions of the software below, but we’ve included the download sites for plenty of other carriers your convenience. It’s generally recommended that you use your carrier’s software if they have the most recent version.
3. Install handset software
Now that you’ve installed the Desktop Manager and Handheld software on your PC, you’re good to go. Plug in your BlackBerry via USB, launch the desktop software and Desktop Manager should detect that your device is able to be upgraded. Just follow the wizard that pops up, and the Desktop Manager will back up all of your contact and e-mail, wipe your device, install the new operating system, and restore your data from backup. Keep in mind this process will reset many of your applications, so you might have to put in activation keys and the like back in once everything’s done.
Benefits
OS 4.5 has quite a few new features that make it worth the jump.
Over-the-air software upgrades, so if you’re on a BES you’ll never have to do this again.
Rich text e-mail viewing (when supported by your BES or BIS)
Native attachment downloading
Document viewing and editing through DataViz
Free/busy calendar lookup
Remotely search for e-mails even if they’ve been wiped from your device
Be warned, however, that not all developers are as quick to patch up their software as you are to upgrade yours. Any third-party apps that you had installed might not be designed for the new operating system, so you may need to pick up a newer copy if it’s available. By the same token, a new operating system could also open up some software designed to take advantage of the new features or layout.
Been having any problems with your install? Leave a comment here, and we’ll do our best to fix the issue. Also, we’ll be updating the guide as new operating systems come out, complete with the freshest download sites.
http://www.blackberrycool.com/2008/08/how-to-upgrade-your-blackberry-software/