[How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

A member recently asked:
Here's my basic answer: (my experience, though limited; my opinion, though not always educated)
No need to revert OS to load new OS. However, its cleaner (and can often avoid error messages) to run a full backup then wipe the device. Wiping the device means removing all OS software so you get a message reading "load software 552". Then there is no "overwriting" of COD files but nice clean load. It also makes "finding" the upgrade/downgrade a piece of cake!

In the next post I'll list my step by step method and why. Then we can gather other users' methods here in this thread to help new users out. Usually we learn from each others posts so don't be silent! Two cents adds up to millions!

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

OK Here is my method,

Preparation:

1. Download and Install current version of Desktop Manager.
2. Sync your phone to PC to be sure all drivers load and DM sees your phone.
3. Download OS exe of your choice. Be sure its specific to your phone model. Some OS have same number/version but are for different models.
4. 4. Check Add/Remove Programs for other OS installs and unisntall (on PC).
5. Reboot PC
6. Take SD card out of phone. SD card data has been known to become corrupt during OS install and the result is spontaneous reboots of your phone later. I make a backup of SD card on my PC, take card out of phone. When all updates/installs are complete I replace SD card in phone, format from phone and then move the data back from PC. May by overkill but it has stopped the spontaneous boots for me so I continue to do it.

Now you're ready to start:

1. Install OS exe by clicking on downloaded file.
2. Go to \Program Files(x86)\Common Files\Research in Motion\Loader Files and delete "vendor.xml" or rename to .old (IF running OS that is not from your carrier, IE leak or hybrid)
3. Backup Device: connect to DM go to Backup/Restore then do a backup.
4. Back up 3rd Party installs (optional as you can always reinstall from vendor) using BBSAK v1.7. To do this run BBSAK as admin (do not use the shortcut go directly to the bbsak.exe in folder). Click Backup/Restore then Backup Apps. Caution: watch your phone! you will see the give/take arrows transferring data, the program on PC will have a popup almost immediately saying success but do not disconnect until you see all the apps in a list window and phone is no longer transferring data, the popup is out of sequence.

OK the fun stuff....
Two ways to go, it doesn't matter which is first so you choose.
I like to keep BBSAK connected and then choose Wipe Device right after I backup. When this happens you get a warning "low level wipe" accept it.
Watch phone, you'll end up with a reboot and a white screen: you're ready!!

You can then load OS using BBSAK and directing to the OS folder (which sometimes loader finds and sometimes not). OR you can use ShrinkAOS to shrink then load your OS.

I use SAOS method because I have to manually direct to the OS folder so I know I'm loading the right one. So Run SAOS as admin, point to the program files(x86)\common files\Research in motion\shared\Loader files and pick the folder of the OS you just installed. Click on any standard app you want to remove or leave it alone your choice. then click "shrink my OS" then click Load OS. Be sure in the next box to check off those standard BB programs like notes, messenger, docs to go stuff or they won't load. And away you go.

Now, OS loads, phone reboots. I then pull battery for 30 seconds. When rebooted again, I begin restore. First use connect to BBSAK and then choose, Modify CODS then LOAD CODS (the restore method has never worked for me so I do it this way). Navigate to backup folder in the BBSAK program folder. Select all or those that you want to run on your new OS. (Be sure they are level compatible like 4.x or 5.x sometimes you need to load updated versions). load, reboot.

Last part: connect to PC one last time. open DM and then do backup/restore, click Advanced! then in the window that comes use the drop down to load the backup you made earlier, should be dated. Go through and highlight the calendar (if you have calendars synced via google/outlook you want to delete this part of the save and resync outwardly instead, if you don't then you can skip this step.) and delete. Then highlight all others and use the right arrow between teh windows to send the backup to the phone.

Reboot.
Check settings, put in reg codes. Pull battery 30 seconds.... get a good charge and you're ready to go.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

I was already looking for this first thing this morning lol.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Here it is!

A few extra points, If you use programs that have saves for settings be sure you've done this before wiping. I use QuickLaunch, BerryWeather, and BBM all three allow to save settings to SD card so you can reset all when you're done reloading apps.

Most programs will need their reg codes re-input. This shouldn't be a problem just log into your mobihand account and look it up. I have purchased from several sites but all have mobihand base, if I log in to one it shows all my purchases. This is where you can swap PINs if you get a new device and/or update to current version of programs. This is also why I don't bother reloading all my backup CODS (programs) just those that I know have no updates. Sometimes clean downloads prevent problems, sometimes there are no problems. :)

OH and a great thing, the backup puts your theme into ONE COD, most themes are 10 or more CODS on first load, but backup scrunches them together which doesn't save space but sure makes it easy to reinstall from time to time. :) I like to keep a bunch of themes but not all at once on my phone so I find a theme I like, load it then back it up into one COD. :)

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Go eenieMINI!!! ;) Looks great and I can tell you KNOW what you're talking about. :D

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Links to BBSAK and Shrink-A-OS would be nice but nice writeup.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

I know I got lazy.. .I'll fix it in a bit, gotta run now.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Is BBSAK still working for you all? It should be expired by now....hmmm Wide is making a newer version now that's super awesome and sexy. :D

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Works for me well last week it did. Please don't break it, I live on that program.

Wirelessly posted (HTC_Touch_Pro2_T7373 Opera/9.7 (Windows NT 5.1; U; en))

nice write up Brenn :)


edit: Thanks hit and Thank you again for everything you do for BBGeekers...

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

hi miss eenie....

i gots a question. was gonna try to do the flash tonight...but i just remembered that the guy i bought the tour from told me that my sim is unlocked for use with US GSM carriers (not sure if the phone came factory unlocked or if he unlocked it some other way). but if he did get it unlocked some other way, wouldnt me flashing to a leaked OS set lock the sim device back?

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Nope, your sim is fine. BB's are not quite the same as WinMO.. Flashing doesn't really mean the same thing. You can load any OS/hybrid compatible with your phone without even being sim unlocked. :) or anything unlocked. No worries.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

you're the best miss eenie! ok...since its friday night and i don't have anything planned after work, i'll get to loading up Mr. X's OS tonight.

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.57 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

What..!!! MrX has a blackberry OS.. Ill be running that shortly..loll

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

His girlfriend has a Tour, he doesn't use one himself lol

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That's kewl..!! Does he baked hybrid OSs for blackberries??

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

I think he just trimmed it and packed as exe for convenience of those not comfy with shrinking their own.

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (BlackBerry; Opera Mini/5.1.21052/19.872; U; en) Presto/2.5.25)

That's good to know B. Where can I find that .exe file at.?

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

I don't think he's done it for the 732 version. IMO, that's the best OS version and radio version so far on the Tour. Its a Verizon official too.

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (BlackBerry; Opera Mini/5.1.21052/19.872; U; en) Presto/2.5.25)

Thanks Frost, that OS should be easy to find. Ill. dl it, shrink it and then I be good to go. Plus I have to read, study and catch up on what's new in the BB world.

Ps. When I get to ppcg full site, Ill hit thanks for everyone helping me.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Noob question. What does shrinking the OS do? I think I got an idea but better to ask than keep thinking my guess is the right answer.

Wirelessly posted (Opera/9.80 (BlackBerry; Opera Mini/5.1.21052/19.886; U; en) Presto/2.5.25)

Shrink an OS allow you to trim away bloat items from a OS. Such as Nfl this Nfl that, extra languages and a ton of other stuff. I can shrink nearly half the OS and free up tons of device memory. In essence speed up and increase performance.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Some of that bloat is only links and will return (pushed by provider) but SAOS is great for languages, unused defaults, games etc.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Yeah, I usually use it to get rid of the languages and some default games that I don't use.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

see...i was only half correct! ok now...how do you know which language to pick for trimming? will it be pretty easy to determine? sorry for the questions.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

I delete all of them. American English is the default and I remove everything else.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

When you use SAOS you'll have a very easy to follow screen of check boxes... its pretty straightforward. :) No worries Moj you can do it, I'm close by if you end up with troubles.....there's alot of Starbucks between your place and mine!

I know its a few days late...but thanks miss eenie and mindfrost for the info. I'm dl'ing .732 now from dripther.com. Gonna load it up when its done.

Will hit thanks button for both next time I use the full site.

Posted from my BlackBerry using BerryBlab

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

man this sucks...waiting for DM update. gotten BBSAK installed and 3rd party apps backed up...found a link for the SAOS...got big red's 732 downloaded. i just wish DM updating itself wouldn't take as long. i mean i already have the previous version...why not just update the files that updated instead of dl'ing the whole damn thing again????????

oh well...it's not like i have anything planned for tonight anyways. but can't wait to get this thing installed. getting sick and tired of the constant signal jumps on this 624 stock.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

HELP!!!!! device is nuked. stuck in the bootload mode after doing OS update via SAOS. all i see is the blackscreen with the word Blackberry and the status bar stuck 2/3 of the way! and then if i leave it like that, after a while, it will start the whole process again.

edit...
nevermind...i was able to get it out of the reboot loop. gonna have to re-install.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Mojary, wipe with bbsAk first, then reload.

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

yup that's what i did. it's up and running. im trying to get the things i backed up loaded on the device. also...when i tried to reload...it said that it couldn't load the UK english because missing file for it. i just said f it and did not check it. i don't need that do i?

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

woohoo!!...im officially running big red's .732. i'll have to wait 24 hours before i give my review. but so far im likin' the signal strength on it. doesn't seem to be jumping when i move the phone i millimeter to any direction. gotta see how batter life is like. good thing i've got my phone fully charged.

thanks miss eenie for the reminder earlier and info for instructions if bb chat this afternoon. thanks given to both in this thread.

Weeha! Now you'll be swapping OS every other day like INFO does!


Posted from my BlackBerry using BerryBlab

LOL...i was thinking earlier today about trying out Mr X's. If I didn't have to be somewhere...I wouldve done it too.

Posted from my BlackBerry using BerryBlab

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Brenn I'm trying to break that habit loll. With that being said I'm also thinking about MrX repacked OS. Or driphter's 12.1 which by the way has some 6.0 files added. I'm interested in MrX cause of the different radio .643. Looking at driphter cause of the 6.0 files. Decisions.! I'm running a nice blend of .758 on top of vzw's .732. Yummy

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

OMG i miss you guys!!!!! i am gonna get another BB!

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

Weeha! We'd welcome you back with open arms!

Re: [How To] Load New OS --eenie version
 

i really do miss the berry... its like i feel guilty for cheating on it

Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry9630/5.0.0.732 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/104)

facemob we miss your energy and contributions also. Get a ? bold or tour and come back home.