Installing BlackBerry Desktop Software

by on November 15, 2007

Welcome to the BlackBerry Desktop Software primer, a companion article to our Taking Screenshots of your BlackBerry series. Here you will find instructions to help you install all the system files required to connect your BlackBerry to the various screen capture applications presented by BBGeeks.

You will need to download four files before we can start.

  • BlackBerry Desktop Software V4.2
  • BlackBerry Desktop Software V4.2 Service Pack 1
  • BlackBerry Desktop Software V4.2 Service Pack 2
  • JavaLoader.exe

Installation Process

Upon initiation of the installation, you will be asked if you are hooking up to BES or a standard BlackBerry internet solution. If you do not know which of these you use, check with your service provider.

Select the appropriate option and click the next button.

The next prompt will allow you to decide which type of messaging system you are currently using.

The options are Microsoft Exchange, Lotus Domino and Novell Groupwise / BlackBerry Enterprise Server for MDS Applications.

Choose which option applies to your current message notification setup and then click the next button.

The next option you will be presented with is Message Redirection.

If you are running a BlackBerry Enterprise Server, you will select this from the two available options. In the event that you are not using a BES, you must use the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector. To choose this option, click the radio button beside “redirect messages using the BlackBerry Desktop Redirector”

Finally you will be given the option to start BlackBerry Desktop Software every time the computer starts, and to place a shortcut icon to the application on your desktop.

Check or uncheck these options as you prefer and click next.

The setup program is now ready to install your BlackBerry Desktop Software. Click the install button.

Installing Service Pack Upgrades

Once you have installed the standard BlackBerry Desktop Software, now you have to make it as safe and secure as possible. To do this, we need to install the Service Packs that have been issued after the initial release.

Double click on the downloaded BlackBerry Desktop Software Service Pack 2(SP2) icon and follow the instructions presented.

Verifying your current version of BlackBerry Desktop Software

How do I verify the version of desktop software that is installed?

  1. On the taskbar, click Start > Programs > BlackBerry > Desktop Manager.
  2. On the Help menu, click About Desktop Manager.
  3. Verify that the most current version number is displayed.

You may need to upgrade at some point in the future. For easy to follow upgrade instructions, head to the following URL.
Download the BlackBerry Desktop Software upgrade instructions.

Installing the JavaDeveloper Environment

Once you have installed the BlackBerry Desktop Software, it is time to install the Java Develpment Environment. To do this you must double click the jdk-1_5_0_13-windows-i586-p-iftw file that was previously downloaded.

You will be prompted to download file named JDK5 before you may continue. Your browser will open to a URL where the file is located. Choose the latest version from the list presented and click download. (At the time of writing, the latest version is JDK 5.0 Update 13.)

On the next screen, you must select the correct version of the file for your operating system. Since I am running windows, I will choose the Windows Online Installation option.

Choosing this option will download an executable file to the desktop which must be double clicked in order to begin the online installation. Follow the on screen instructions to continue.

Once the installation of the JDK has taken place, return to the JavaDeveloper Environment dialog box and click finish and follow the on screen instructions to complete the installation.
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NOTE: If you complete all the installations and are having a problem locating the JavaLoader.exe file, have no worries. The file can be downloaded directly from the following URL.
Download JavaLoader.exe from PinStack.com or as part of the JL_Cmder package here

Keep in mind that you will have to register as a member of the pinstack.com forums in order to download the file directly.
Once you have downloaded/located the JavaLoader file, simply copy it to the same folder that the BBScreenShooter and BBScreenStream executable files are located.

About the Author

Joe Pawlikowski is the Senior Editor at MobileMoo.com and has been covering the mobile industry full time since 2007. When he's not writing about the tech scene, he can be found discussing his personal love - baseball (and more specifically the New York Yankees) as well as writing on his personal blog.

49 comments… read them below or add one

Rae November 16, 2007 at 3:19 pm

Carmela – you can find the ScreenStream guide here.

Reply

Carmela Cosentino November 16, 2007 at 11:12 am

how do I download teh BBScreenStream? thanks.

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michale omode December 13, 2007 at 6:19 pm

link to download software is not working

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Cooper December 14, 2007 at 8:23 am

Hello Michale, the links have been updated. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.

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Karen January 15, 2008 at 7:09 am

When I try to open Desktop Manager, it starts to open then stops. Any suggestions?

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Schuyler July 6, 2008 at 4:43 pm

I have been trying to download opera mini for my pearl 8130 but everytime I try adding it through the application loader it brings up an error. Any ideas on how to help?

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Mike October 20, 2008 at 9:48 am

Error 2738. Could not access VBScript run time for custom action. I get this error when running the Version 4.2 Service Pack 1 after download.

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Cooper October 21, 2008 at 7:51 am

@Mike check out this post for a step by step guide on how to get around Error 2738.

http://www.somelifeblog.com/2008/10/blackberry-desktop-install-error-2738.html

and be sure to install SP2 as well.

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Ed October 25, 2008 at 12:19 pm

Help – get Error 1720 when installing BB desktop software

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Cooper October 27, 2008 at 8:19 am

@Ed your problem is likely one of the following 3 issues:

1. Windows Installer error
2. Your anti virus program is blocking the install script
3. Your InstallShiled folder is corrupted in some way.

Read the following link to find out how to fix each of these issues:
http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/articles/786/KB03646_f.SAL_Public.html

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JerryD January 7, 2009 at 11:23 am

The link for Javaloader is broken due to site changes. The corrected URL above is:
http://forums.pinstack.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=1087&d=1149738115

An updated JavaLoader.exe (v1.9.1) is available in the JL_Cmder package at:
http://forums.pinstack.com/local_links.php?catid=5&linkid=1880

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Cooper January 8, 2009 at 12:31 pm

@JerryD Thanks for pointing that out – the links in the article have been updated.

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richards February 11, 2009 at 11:31 pm

can i ask , do u need to load the SP1 before loading the SP2

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Cooper February 12, 2009 at 10:28 am

@richards no just get the lates service pack available – it will contain all previous upgrades.

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Lindsey February 25, 2009 at 11:08 pm

I downloaded destop manager from the CD that came with my new Blackberry storm. I have tried to download to videos from Videos4blackberry. I opened the destop manager and click on Media…it only gives me the options of VCast Music and Media Sync when my phone is connected…it never allows me to click start on the media manager…what am I doing wrong and how can I fix it…it is driving me crazy. Thanks.

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Cooper February 26, 2009 at 9:14 am

@Lindsey Don’t use the software that came on the cd, download the latest version of the Desktop Manager from RIM and try that – if it still does not work leave another comment here.

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Julie March 1, 2009 at 5:08 pm

haha ^^ nice, is there a section to follow the RSS feed

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Dana April 2, 2009 at 4:08 pm

I can’t seem to do anything with my pictures. Attempts at emailing them or saving them to my desktop have been unsuccessful. I’ve loaded my User tools CD…but no luck it seems.

Dana

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Cooper April 3, 2009 at 12:10 pm

download the latest desktop manager software from the RIM website instead of using the older version from your cd.

When you plug in your BlackBerry via USB, be sure to select enable mass storage mode – that way you can navigate the folders on your blackberry just like any other windows folder.

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Ismael Scruton April 27, 2009 at 5:31 am

Keep working ,great job!

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Angelena May 7, 2009 at 4:24 pm

I downloaded the latest version of bb desktop mgr 4.7. Is it just me? i can’t find redirector on there!?

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vaid May 21, 2009 at 11:51 pm

I just purchas black berry from T mobile ,i have lab top hp pavilion ,and moc 2003 but not working

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raja shaker July 25, 2009 at 12:07 pm

where can i install plazmic_theme_reader.alc

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Cooper July 27, 2009 at 6:53 am

@raja shaker Do a Google search for that exact term and you will find many download links.

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Mubarak September 4, 2009 at 7:32 pm

I need to install ARABIC support for my blackberry bold 9000.

Please advice.
Best regards,

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ally February 11, 2010 at 11:24 pm

we jsut downloaded the 5.0 from the new 8530 BB and can not get the “Handheld Mgr” to open. we are trying to tether the bb for a PC modem, Help!!

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sarara September 9, 2010 at 7:02 pm

I don’t have my bbm contacts backed up! Is there any way I can get them back ??

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gustavo January 11, 2011 at 1:32 pm

hola

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Cooper January 12, 2011 at 11:29 am

@gustavo Hola

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Candi February 26, 2011 at 10:19 pm

I need help! I was just given a new bb 8530 from Sprint (cuz my other one was having issues) & I backed up my old phone & set up my new phone. The desktop manager will not restore, sync whatever the calendar ony. When I go to the organizer &click on configure, all other options are avaialble but the calendar which it states is not installed! Please help! My lifeline for my family of 6 is thru this phone! Without it, no appointment will ever be kept!!!!

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Cooper February 28, 2011 at 9:47 am

@Candi Try:

1. On the handheld, open Options.

2. Select Advanced Options.

3. Select Default Services.

4. Change the Calendar (CICAL) setting to the proper calendar.

5. Press Menu > Save.

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Gloria March 6, 2011 at 10:12 pm

Hello, I have a BB Curve 8310. I am having trouble installing the new Blackberry Desktop software I am getting error 1324, it says that the installer doesn’t have sufficient access to a file. I have checked the folder location which is supposed to be C:Documents And SettingsAll UsersApplication Data Research in MotionBlackberryip_modem_configuration.xml

I dont even have the ApplicationData folder. Please help!

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Cooper March 7, 2011 at 9:32 am

@Gloria Ok so first you have to download and install BlackBerry desktop Manager. Once you have that installed you need to get your Operating System Files (OS).

When the OS files are downloaded you will have to double click the OS file and install it on your computer.

At that point you will have all the files in the right folders and any device updates should go smooth from then on.

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edward March 31, 2011 at 8:21 am

I when I connect my BB to the PC it comes up with a msg saying device not recognised. and then on my BB it says I cannot connect or charge my BB with this connection.

Please help

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Cooper March 31, 2011 at 8:55 am

@Edward It sounds like you may not have the correct drivers installed on your computer. Try grabbing the drivers from here
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads/contactFormPreload.do?code=A8BAA56554F96369AB93E4F3BB068C22&dl=5C58DB71D687DE61752AB278371FEBF6

Instal them on your computer and your Blackberry should be recognized.

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Kithure April 14, 2011 at 12:55 pm

Hi Cooper?
I have a bb 8100 which has been unlocked,previusly has been sim locked to
T-mobile of Usa.
Now all the functions are ok except that no network!no coverage! when the radio is on after searching for networks none is found .What do I need to do ? please help
Kithure .
East africa-Kenya

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dare April 18, 2011 at 1:16 am

reload software:552 my blackberry curve2 does not boot again and it keeps showing this message…what do i do

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lhoi April 21, 2011 at 11:43 am

sir..i install already device manager on my desktop but when i upload or add an application it said tha “THE DEVICE DOES NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT STORAGE SPACE TO ACCOMODATE YOUR SELECTION”PLESE SELECT FEWER APPLICATION..pls help me

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Pedro Escajadillo June 14, 2011 at 2:42 pm

I am planning on buying a blackberry storm but it doesnt come with the disk to instal bb desktop manager. I already have it installed from my last blackberry. Will BB desktop manager work with any bb device?

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Von July 3, 2011 at 1:41 pm

Hey Cooper, I recently purchased a Blackberry Storm 2 9550 offof Ebay, i was wondering, do i have to install the desktop manager CD that came in the box, or can i just use the current up-to-date one i already have on my pc? And do i need to connect my old blackberry in order to do a transfer or can i just locate the backup files and go from there? Thanks!

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lee July 9, 2011 at 5:54 pm

hi cooper i am just wondering where to get a usb driver so that i can download blackberry messenger :) thanks lee

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browneyedblondie5819 July 10, 2011 at 8:18 am

I just recently got a BB curve 8530 off ebay. It didn’t come with a cd in the box to download to my laptop. What files do I need to download onto my computer and laptop to use my BB as a modem for internet away from home via USB? Also, what features on my phone do I need to change or make sure are downloaded to my BB? Thank you

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Anac August 3, 2011 at 4:11 pm

I upgraded to bbm 6.0 but I want to downgrade back to 5.0. Pls help. I also deleted my blackberry map and word to go, pls how do I reinstall them. I used d blackberry link but it only installed map loader and I can’t even find the loader

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MSGOPALA September 8, 2011 at 2:33 pm

Hi,

Had an older version of BB desktop mgr 4.5. User did not uninstall the old version but rather when she upgraded to another bb re-installed bb desktop mgr 6 and then was not able to sync her device. The message reads internal error. I have uninstalled vx 6 and 4.5 and cleaned out the registry but cannot get a good install on her desktop. I have since then installed vx 6 on another desktop successfully. In the control panel I can still see the bb mgr 4.5 but trying to remove it I get the message program is not installed. Any suggestions on how to get the older version off her desktop and successfully get to the newer version.

Thanks

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M. Hanif September 25, 2011 at 11:16 pm

NEED HELP. I have a BB 8520 curve, i use Waridtel and Ufone in Pakistan, but using any of the WSP’s i could not be able to send an SMS while i receive SMS properly, i can make calls easily. Please someone help me. Thanks

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Bongi November 10, 2011 at 9:23 am

Hello guys.
I jus need to know if I can download the desktop software on my curve and then install it onto my pc? Iv misplaced my cd

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Joe November 10, 2011 at 10:52 am

Bongi, you have to download it right to your PC.

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Tembo Kelvin March 26, 2012 at 3:37 pm

I have a bb touch 9800 I want to use it as a modem to my compaq laptop. Please help I don’t know to go about It.Computer Technowledge is new to me

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eugen August 17, 2012 at 7:15 am

ihave blackbrry 8100, and iwant to connect it in my computer!! wht device can i download? is it PC-suit for blackberry or desktop software?

Reply

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