Encountering a BlackBerry error can be the most frustrating experience. Many of us rely on our devices, and to have it down even for a day can be a catastrophe. When you see an error message, you know you’re in for some pain. They don’t just appear for no reason, and oftentimes it’s not something you can fix yourself. Take, for instance, JVM Error 102. The blackberry.com description claims that, “The only recovery method is to wipe the device and restore a new system.” Yikes. That means you have no chance to backup any of your information. Gone are your applications, your emails, your contacts — everything. Thankfully, it appears there is a workaround for this one. 
To perform this fix, you’ll need to download JL_Cmder. We discussed this PC application when we went over error code 552. You can find the app at blackberryfreaks.com. Once you have it installed, connect your device to your computer via USB. Now you’re ready to dig in. Once JL_Cmder is up and running, select option 2, the event log. This should reveal the source of the problem. Once you see JVM Error 201, look at the line above it. That should contain the file name of the offending application (if you need some guidance, it should look something like this). Write down this file name and have it ready for use in just a moment. On your PC, go to Start and select Run. Type cmd into the field and press Enter. Once you get your command prompt, you’ll have to change to the directory in which you loaded JL_Cmder by typing “cd C:Program FilesJL_Cmder” or whatever directory you installed it to. Once you’re there, type in the following string: javaloader.exe -u erase -f FILENAME Of course, you’ll replace FILENAME with the name of the file you wrote down earlier. This should take care of the problem. Disconnect from your PC and reboot. If this works, I strongly advise you to backup everything, wipe the handset, and do a fresh OS install. The last thing you want is to face the same situation again in a few days. Thanks to BlackBerry Support Forums contributor Shmoo for the tip. It’s an invaluable one.
86 comments… read them below or add one
Thanks for the fix but I think its better to get a new BB. That goes to show u to have ur phone backed up on regular basis.
tried the fix for JVM Error 102 but the events log stated “unable to open port”. What do I need to do ?
@mckm1823 Ok – first of all it sucks that the process is not working for you. Unfortunately now it gets a bit trickier to recover but all hope is not lost.
try this:
http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/What_to_do_next_if_Jl_Cmder_will_not_connect_and_wipe
YOU ROCK!! I panicked and then read your post.
You saved me BIG time! I just did what you advised and it worked. I just backed up my handheld device which I plan to do weekly NOW. And I will reinstall the OS system tomorrow. Its 3 a.m. and I need some sleep tonight. THANK YOU!!
@Andy – you are very welcome – glad it all worked out!
This fixed it my friends! Much appreciated for saving my favorite lifeline!
@BB Muffinman Cheers!
I was able to successfully install the jm_cmder and delete the corrupted file, but my phone rebooted and i’m back to where I started with the same 102 error. When I run the event log, the most recent logs are no longer listed. Any suggestions?
i was unable to install the jl_cmder.
each time i click on the run button,it flashes out but will not display anythin
Lekan,
You run the “JL_CMDR” from the folder, but you cannot run the command line give above from the folder, you need to go to the command prompt (in DOS) and go to the folder, and run the JL_CMDR from the DOS command line. It will look something like this if you saved the files to your desktop, once in the DOS command line.
c:documents and settingsjohn doedesktopJL_CMDR v1.9.0
You’ll enter the commands above. For me it was “javaloader.exe -u erase -f vlingoforBlackBerry_en-4
Replace the vlingoforBlackBerry_en-4 with the file that was last listed in your “eventlog” (from the JL_CMDR options), which would be the 3rd line from the bottom. The 2nd line from the bottom will say JVM Error 102, and the line above will say something like verifyhashfailed for (filename). The filename is the corrupt file that you need to erase. In my case, my corrupt filename was vlingoforBlackBerry_en-4, but yours will be different.
Now for my question…I could not get this to work for me because I have a password on my device. It tries to connect, but will not. I used the following command, but don’t understand quite what I’m doing wrong.
javaloader.exe -u -w 12345 -f vlingoforBlackBerry-en-4
The -w 12345 is for my password. I’ve tried with the (5953) at the end of the vlingo filename and without, but it won’t connect or clear the JVM 102 error. Any ideas besides wiping the device? I have a lot of passwords that I would like to recover.
Thank you in advance!
Scratch that. I don’t know what I was doing wrong because I retyped everything a couple times, but one time it went through, without the -w password command. My crackberry is working perfectly again. I’ll save my passwords, and the rest is expendable because I’m on an enterprise server.
Although it was not stated above, if you have a password on your device, it should ask you for the password after you run the command line of “javaloader.exe (etc)” if you have everything in place properly.
This part is confusing me! when you say “or what ever directory you instaled it to” im confused! I put it on my desktop??? HELP! On your PC, go to Start and select Run. Type cmd into the field and press Enter. Once you get your command prompt, you’ll have to change to the directory in which you loaded JL_Cmder by typing “cd C:Program FilesJL_Cmder” or whatever directory you installed it to. Once you’re there, type in the following string:
Can someone please send a screen shot or detailed walkthrough if possible to help a noob out. I been searching all day for answers although the search turned up useful info every post slightly differs in the DOS wording and being that I know nothing about DOS I cant open JL_commander from the command screen am i missing some kind of punctuation or something
I’m staring at C:UsersFitzpatrick> I cant get it to open JL_cmdr thats at C:UsersFitzpatrickDesktopJL_Cmder v1.9 do i need to change the directory or something help please i just paid my bill yesterday
@Ralphy Boy Here is a good guide http://mvzashuro.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/how-to-wipe-blackberry-using-jl_cmder/
and a video for you to check out as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g57K5YPc97A&feature=related
OK – I tried all of this but even executing the JL_Cmder file from dos the wondow just flashes and it still isn’t installed … ugh! Please help!!
thanks in advance!
Holy crap – it is there .. I’ll let you know how it goes .. pray!
thanks it’s help
Ok. I download JL_Cmdr v1.9.0 but nothing happens, can’t run it by clicking on it, or from the run box. Any ideas?
@mike What happens when you try and run it? Do you get some kind of an error message?
@Cooper, nope nothing.
@Mike Try right clicking the .exe file and choosing “Run as Administrator” – working now?
I have tried several times to download and install jl_commander. Each time it seems to stall but will not run. It tells me that the specified path for the program does not exist. I have tried searching for the exe but it does not seem to be on my computer
Okay, i successfully installed JL. However, now when I select event log it tells me that “JAVALOADER” is not a recognized command or program. Any help?
@Will I have no idea why you are having so much trouble with this software =(
Perhaps this will help:
http://www.blackberryforums.com/rim-software/76461-error-523-java-loader.html
What kind of computer and OS are you working with? ie 7, Vista, Xp etc.
okay, found a way to run it. but now when I run the erase command I get “Error invalid handle disconnected”
@Will I am not sure what that error is referring to – are you seeing it on the BlackBerry screen or on your computer screen?
I did a quick search for an alternative app or program that you could use since JL Commander is giving you all kinds of issues.
Looks like a program called BBSAK (BB Swiss Army Knife) might be your answer – read about it here and the download link is at the end of the post:
http://www.berryreview.com/2009/06/08/bbsak-blackberry-swiss-army-knife-free-gui-alternative-to-jl_cmder/
please help me!!!!!!!!
i want ti know the file name to erase it but i am stuck in step two every time when u run the jl_cmder i get this massage:
“JAVALOADER” is not a recognized command or program. Any help?
thank you
It doesn’t help when you get the message as you are trying to turn your phone on… ugh! :(
I try to install the program to fix my blackberry and the program dont open. I installed it several times and it does not work at all. I do not know what to do cause i have no phone.
am freaking out i only had this phone for three months and this is the second time my phone has done something like this. i already had to wipe it out once i dont want to do it again. the compture is not lettig me download this program to fix the jvm error 102 i need help, please.
@Ashley F What kind of error do you get when trying to download the software to fix the jvm error?
There may be other ways to solve the problem but I kind of need to know why your computer does not want you to load that software.
its saying that it cant be stored properly.i just need to know what website or what program in need to get so i can get this jvm error 102 off my blackberry curve 8330. if you can give me some step bye step to get this off i would greatly appreciate it.
@ashley f Check out this tutorial with pictures. It addresses a different problem but the process is the same.
http://www.blackberryos.com/forums/blackberry-how-guides/6175-how-recover-nuked-blackberry-pictures.html
Wow. Thanks. I had the “unable to open port” error and everything, and your directions couldn’t have been more clear. I had a bunch of lab data saved on this damned thing… last time I make that mistake.
Thank you all. Excellent tip! Was able to work and fix it!
As for the errors and such about not being able to detect a port, connect to the Blackberryto an older computer. When I first tried it on a Sony Vaio, no dice. Tried it on a an older Dell and it had no issues.
HI, I tried follow these steps, but when i push “2″ for the event log, the program goes through a bunch of things really quickly, then it brings up a blank notepad window……am i doing something wrong?
Hello,
I am encountering the same problem as FMURSALINE. My blackberry crashed on me today, I have tried the steps you have posted and get the blank notepad window. I read a comment posted by Nick on the 9th of October who said he had the “unable to open port” error. Once I closed the blank notepad window, I had the same error as Nick however this has not fixed the phone.
Desperate, please help!
Thank you
I ran per the instruction and recorded the DOS program and performed “something”. However, upon rebooting the BB Storm, the same JVM Error 102 appears. Any further suggestions?
Hi Hi there,
I’ve done all the steps but when erasing “net_rim_cldc-23″ I get “Error: module is in use”
My problem still exists on the Blackberry (Bold 9700).
Can anyone please please please HELP ME!!!!
Thanks!
Repairing the JVM error is simple. This procedure is for model 8310. This takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
1. Download the JL_Cmder to your desktop. (search for it in Yahoo)
2. Connect your BB 8310.
3. Click on JL-Cmder and perform system factory reset. Don’t bother looking for the file driving yourself crazy.
4. Now if you were smart you’d have a back up of your BB using your BB desktop manager. If not you might lose your data,but you just might be lucky and not lose it.
I do this all the time for 1 of my phones. The BB is is a poor product.
Now download the BB desktop manager and save a profile of your BB for the next time.
Cannot get the log to pull up, it’s empty and i’m getting JVM Error 102 ‘reset’
anyone that can email me the step by step
@sal Try using BBSAK instead http://bbsak.org/
blackberry curve
I have the JVM Error 102 on my blackberry. I have followed all of the steps and it did do something….but when I reboot, the error still shows on the screen….what do I do now? Any advice?
@MISST Backup everything on your phone you can and then wipe/reload your operating system files with Desktop manager.
Definitely try everything before wiping it. Better yet, regularly back up your data so you don’t get stuck like I did yesterday with an empty event log necessitating a wipe and reinstall of the OS. Luckily, my husband backs his up and I was able to restore contacts and other information for our company by importing his backup.
My blackberry bold has come up with the JVM error 102, how can I re set my blackberry wihout losing my contacts-step by step guide please!!
thanks
@lucy Simply plug your BlackBerry into your computer and launch Desktop Manager. If DM recognizes your device go ahead and make a full backup. Once the backup is complete you can reload the OS on your device using Desktop Manager as well.
If it does not recognize your device let me know.
Hello,
I dont understand how i select option 2 the event log? There is no option for that on the programme or if there is i cant see it!
Any help would be much appreciated.
i have the Bold 9700
x
@sarah Are you getting an error message or do you just not see an option for checking the Event Log?
i finally figured out how to download the JL thing…The screen appears and it asks for my bb passowrd and then i click 2 for the event log—an event log notepad appears, but it is blank.
My dm is not recognizing my phone so I have no idea what to do now.
@eryn This should help you
http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/What_to_do_next_if_Jl_Cmder_will_not_connect_and_wipe
Like the others, I got the JVM error 102. I installed JL Commander but it says “unable to open port”. The phone keeps rebooting on its own. I don’t see the answer on how to deal with “unable to open port.” Please help!
Thanks,
michael
@michael Try using the steps listed in this guide:
http://www.blackberryfaq.com/index.php/What_to_do_next_if_Jl_Cmder_will_not_connect_and_wipe
Well, I followed steps in this page but a few unforeseen consequences have appeared:
The file that was crashing at booting time was “net_rim_bb_medialibrary-1″, so I deleted it (at that moment I did not realize it was a module), and then the BB was able to load everything else.
But when it was done loading, I tried to open my notes or pictures and I got the following error:
Error starting net_rim_bb_file_explorer:
Module
‘net_rim_bb_medialibrary’ not found.
Makes sense since that is the file I deleted :(
So now I just want to know how I can re-install that module again to have my BB fully functional (9700). I have googled but no luck so far.
Also, if deleting this module causes all contacts, pictures, files, notes and any other info to be erased let me know to wipe it all.
So, if anyone has experience installing a module such as this “net_rim_bb_medialibrary” please let me know. Thanks.
Great help. It worked.
Hi, I need some help please.
I have my husbands bb and I’m trying to clear the error for him.
Once i open the JL CMDR program, I connect the usb into the computer and then this box comes up saying that I need to install bb software via a cd….
Does anyone know why this is coming up. I’m following the instructions and no where does it say that I need to install bb software to my computer before I can run the JL CMDR program.
any help would be great
thanks in advance
My fix was to replace my bb with an iphone. Haven’t encountered the jvm error since.
I am unable to download JL Commander at work. How do I wipe my BB? every thing was backed up on another memory card prior to this message. I cannot get past the JVM Error screen. I have tried a hard reset, and a soft reset. None of this has worked.
my bb torch says error 102 reload software, what will i do??
I have JVM Error 102 and have downloaded JL_Cmder, but my 9700 is not detected when connected via USB. The event log is empty. Any suggestions?
I could not run the downloaded zip file to repair my BB with JVM error 102. Is there any other way
i couldnt download JL_Cmder…how can i fix my phone??
I need help! I am new to this thing. On the weekend, my BB 7250 displayed the following message JVM Error 102. I really don’t want to wipe the device because I have alot of stuff on it. I downloaded JL_Cmder successfully. It works fine. I got the event Log. Here is the information from the file:
guid:0x97C9F5F641D25E5F time: Sun Jul 31 14:15:07 2011 severity:0 type:2 app:System data:module 2841 cannot reference net.rim.device.api.system.PersistentObject
guid:0x97C9F5F641D25E5F time: Sun Jul 31 14:15:07 2011 severity:0 type:2 app:System data:JVM Error 102
guid:0x97C9F5F641D25E5F time: Sun Jul 31 14:15:07 2011 severity:0 type:2 app:System data:Invalid code in filesystem
However, when I run the following command:
javaloader.exe -u erase -f net.rim.device.api.system.PersistentObject
I receive the following:
RIM Wireless Handheld Java Loader
Copyright 2001-2007 Research In Motion Limited
Connected
Erasing net.rim.device.api.system.PersistentObject Error: invalid handle
Disconnected
I also used JavaLoader to look at the file and the JavaLoader said Unable to open the file.
I do not have the Blackberry handheld and Desktop software installed on my computer.
Any suggestions would be good.
It Worked!!! It was a pain installing the netframe 3.5 and finding a lowder for 64bit windows but after that it all worked great. Thank you!!! Got all my stuff back….Best thing this week!
Hey I tried running the JL_Cmder and I get a message that says HRESULT error during Open: 80040154 Error: unable to open port.
I tried multiple ports on the computer to see if it was the USB port or something and did not have any success.
Any suggestions?
i tried the bbsak…. i got it to download but when its time to load tho os its nt coming up…HELP
Tried the trick and worked!!! yippee, took me a while to type the correct commands as I am not a geek, but once I had everything right just worked like the old cell again, all is backed up!!! Thank you.
when i try to press option 2 on JL_Cmder, it doesn’t do anything, nothing, no response, nada, zip. i have a BB 9700 OS 5, any ideas? i even tried the blackberry protect wipe, but it doesn’t work due to the JVM 102 error message.
thanks in advance
Just a note: JL_Cmder could not open a port until I disabled my antivirus. Once antivirus was disabled, I was able to follow the directions here.
Thanx Mate! It worked for my Storm 2. Keep the good work on!
Please help
I have a jvm 17 error on blackberry curve.
I need to get all the contacts… they aren’t backed up
Please I need help with my bb …. The problem is dat I cannot open my media( pictures,music,videos) and change my dp I can’t even take a picture with my phone anymore and it keeps sayin uncaught exception : java.lang.nullpointer exception ….. Please help
I have BlackBerry Bold 9700, the JVM Error 102 comes on the screen and also when i tried to connect my cellphone to my laptop via USB it not getting detect.
I have download the JL_cmder. It has been downloaded in .zip format. I tried to extract and run but the message for incompatibility what should i do now?
how I can solve my problem?
please help.
Hey COOPER ! I OWN A “BOLD 9930″. I FOLLOWED EVERYTHING THAT YOU LISTED. AFTER I TRIED RE-BOOTING IT, IT RETURNED TO THE “ERROR 102″ SCREEN.
OUT OF CURIOSITY, I WENT BACK TO JL_CMDER’s EVENT LOG TO SEE IF I MISSED ANY ‘FAILED.COD FILES’, FORTUNATELY I DID NOT. ALL I SEE ARE NET-RIM FILES/APPS THAT I HAVE DOWNLOADED.
IF YOU CAN HELP THAT WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED !
HERE’S AN EXAMPLE OF HOW THE MAJORITY OF THE FILES LOOK LIKE: data:CMM: net_rim_bb_facebook_resource_high_res-8(8044) no sig from 0×545252
hi , i followed all the steps , but when i press option 2# on the jL cymder the (event log)
the note pad comes up blank , HELPPP :( i dont want to whype my phone as i was stupid and did not back up my phone,pleeaseeee HEEELPPPPP
hey, i have a blackberry bold 9930 and it is turning on saying JVM error 517 with a white screen ! can anyone help please ?
I used to have the 102 error problem. I tried solving it with the java loader but still did not work so I tried wiping still to no avail. I now have an endless reboot blackberry it just goes off and after the boot load thing starts all over again… I need help.
I have a problem with my bb bold 9000 that displays jvm error 102 helped me please
For anyone having problems with a blank event log, I just took a screen shot (use your prtsc key on pc) right before the event log finished showing data, and managed to catch the name of the file causing the error. Also, if you’re running Windows 7 64 bit and stuck trying to switch to the JL_Cmder folder in the command line, try “Program Files (x86)” instead of just “Program Files”
I got JVM error 102 too. And hours to get my BB fixed but none it got fixed.
the javaloader is working, but when I type the javaloader.exe -u erase -f +BORK.cod
the annoying “Error: Invalid handle” keep comes up
any solution, please?
Thanks a lot
Thank God i got my bb back. Just a few hours ago.
Finally I got where the problem was. It wasn’t always right before the line JVM 102, but try to find the word verifyHash Failed, and just copy the words after that.
It really works on my bb :D
Thank God i got my bb back. Just a few hours ago.
Finally I got where the problem was. It wasn’t always right before the line JVM 102, but try to find the word verifyHash Failed, and just copy the words after that.
It really works on my bb :D
Nice one. It worked for me 100%. The only thing is that in your explanation you said ‘Once you see JVM Error 102, look at the line above it. That should contain the file name of the offending application’.
The offending file is not always immediately above the line. I think the best explanation should be, to look for (verifyHash failed) and copy the file name that started with (net_rim……..) without the bracketed numbers.
It took me sometime to figure it out though. But it was great. Guys take your time and go through his instructions. IT WORKED 100% FOR ME IN MY BOLD 5. The file that is right above the JVM 102 in my phone is +BORK. And that is not the exact one to delete.
Great work! Good luck peeps.