How do I wipe the BlackBerry

BBSAK alternative

Many users have found success using the PC application called BBSAK (BlackBerry Swiss Army Knife) for wiping and controlled loading of the operating system.

Pre-Wipe Tasks

• Note: If you are connecting via a USB HUB then these instructions may not work. Try connecting via USB on a PC that is not using a HUB.

1. Download and install Jl_Cmder to your PC 

2. Make sure ALL your data (i.e. contacts, appointments, memos and etc) are backed up or synced before proceeding! This will wipe everything off of the device

3. Make sure you have the latest version of both Desktop Manager and the Handheld OS installed on your PC. If you need them then download them from here:

Desktop Manager and Handheld OS List

4. From the PC navigate to c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader and delete the file vendor.xml

If you have never installed the Handheld OS before then the vendor.xml file will not be on the PC and you can skip this step 

5. Plug the device into the PC using the USB cord and make sure Desktop Manager is closed

6. Remove the battery from the device

Wipe The Device

1. Wipe the device using Jl_Cmder

This may take several attempts to connect to the device, so keep trying until it connects and wipes

2. The device will reboot to a white screen with a '507' error

If the device will not connect and wipe after several attempts then please follow the instructions here: 
 
 What to do next if Jl_Cmder will not connect and wipe

Install OS and Restore

1. Open Desktop Manager

and select Application Loader

2. Install the OS by following the prompts and selections

3. The device will reboot. It can take up to 15 minutes for the 1st boot.

4. Restore the previously made backup or re-sync

5. Install the battery back into the device and unplug from the PC

Images:

How do I reset my BlackBerry?

From BlackBerryFAQ

Contents

Differences between hard, soft, and master resets

Thank you for BlackBerry.com, JSanders and Grimlin @ BlackBerryForums.com for contributing to this FAQ.

Resetting the BlackBerry device is a useful way to resolve issues and is usually the first step in troubleshooting the BlackBerry device. Knowing the differences between a hard, soft, double-soft, and master reset ensures that the correct troubleshooting method has been chosen.

Note: Backup all applications before resetting the BlackBerry device using the Backup and Restore tool on the BlackBerry Desktop Manager

.

Performing a SOFT reset on the BlackBerry device

Performing a soft reset stops all applications on the BlackBerry device by pressing the ALT+RIGHT SHIFT(CAP)+DELETE keys. A soft reset re-establishes communication between the BlackBerry device and the computer.

Note: This does not apply to the BlackBerry® Pearl™ smartphone.

Performing a DOUBLE-SOFT reset on the BlackBerry device

Performing a double-soft reset stops all applications on the BlackBerry device and is nearly the equivalent of a hard reset. Timing however is critical. Perform a soft reset by pressing the ALT+RIGHT SHIFT(CAP)+DELETE keys. The screen will go blank. When the screen is no longer black, press the ALT+RIGHT SHIFT(CAP)+DELETE keys again. You should then see another blank screen followed by an hour glass.

Note: This does not apply to the BlackBerry® Pearl™ smartphone.

Performing a HARD reset on the BlackBerry device

The first step in troubleshooting a network, software or hardware error is often to perform a hard reset. With Java® based devices, this is accomplished by removing the battery, while the BlackBerry device is powered on. Hold the battery out for about 30 seconds, and replace. The BlackBerry device will reboot.

Note: A hard reset on a C++ based device is accomplished by pressing the Reset button.

Note: To perform a hard reset on a RIM models 850, 857, 950, or 957 device, insert the end of a paperclip inside the small hole on the back of the handheld.

Reasons to perform a hard reset

The following shows the possible reasons for performing a hard reset on a BlackBerry device.

Network Issues

• Handheld displays an X beside the coverage indicator.
• Handheld displays GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) or lower case gprs (General Packet Radio Service) as the network status indicator.
• User is unable to send or receive messages on the handheld.

Software Issues

• User receives an error code on the handheld.
• Applications do not appear to be functioning correctly.
• Desktop Manager is stuck at “working” status when the handheld is connected.
• Bluetooth is not detected.

Hardware Issues

• Handheld display is hard to read. For example, the display shows lines obscuring text.
• Keypad is not functioning correctly. For example, keys do not work, the trackwheel is not functioning correctly, or the handheld does not turn on.

Performing a MASTER reset

The master reset feature is not available on the BlackBerry device and is only applicable to selected manufacturer devices. A master reset removes all user-installed applications and data, including BlackBerry Connect software. For more about master resets, contact your service provider.