Fix My Berry

I’ve been asked many times “What is this icon?”, and over the phone some of the descriptions people will tell me are amazingly hard to decipher. So I’ve put together a list of different icons as they are shown on different devices, now these icons are for the default theme for blackberry’s, and your provider may have different default theme, or yours may differ completely from what is shown, but this list should give you a pretty good idea of what an icon is for.

Notifacations:
-These icons appear at the top of your home screen where the time usually is. I’ve taking a picture of that area encase your not familiar with it:

Message Notifacations:

	New Message
	New High Importance message
	New SMS (Text) Message
	New MMS (Multimedia) Message
	New Browser Push Message (usually a text message with a link to a website)
	New Blackberry Messenger Message

These Icons will have a number beside them indicating how many messages are unread. The Icons will also have a red asterisk (*) on top if you have recieved any new messages since the last time you went in to your messages folder.

General Notifacations:

	Missed Call
	Text telephone (TTY) is enabled
	New Voicemail

General Information Icons
This icons are found in the same general area as the notifacations, yet are not notifying you of a “New phone event”. Once again heres picture of that area encase your not familiar with it:

Signal Indicator and Type:
These icons are in the top right corner of the above picture, heres a cropping of the area:

	Connected to RIM, this icon only appears when you have a full data connection to the RIM servers, as well it will only appear when you are using 3G.
	This indicates you are connected to 3G, and have access to voice and data functions.
	These indicate that you have a FULL data connection to the RIM severs, and access to both voice and data services.
	All of these icons mean you have voice services, but no data connection. Note that with the exception of GSM, its safe to say if its not capital letters, you have no data connection.
	This is your signal indicator, 5 bars is the best signal possable, and 1 bar is the worst possable, while still being able to operate.
	This indicator appears when you are out of a serviceable area, also known as “No Service”.
	This indicator usually appears when you don’t have an active SIM card in your phone, or your phone is not active on a cell network (for those networks that do not use SIM cards). SOS appears because you will still be able to call 911 in emergency situations, but thats all. (Please do not test this unless you have a real emergency.)
	You’ll see this if the radio (also know as the antenna), is turned off. you might see this if your battery is really really low.

Other:

	This icon indicates that the Bluetooth function of the phone is turned on. if a blue dot appears to the side, that means theres a Bluetooth connection present.
	This is the Wifi Icon in both of its states.
If its White and theres is a wifi network name beside the cell network name, than there is a full connection, via wifi, to the RIM servers If its Gray and theres is a wifi network name beside the cell network name, than that means while you have a conneciton to the internet, some data functions may not work, emails and pins for example. these functions will then resort to the cell network. If its Gray and no network is present beside the cell network name, than the wifi is on, but not connected to any wifi network.
	This icon appears when you are roaming on a network other then your own providers.

Sending and receiving information:

	This icon appears in the top right corner of your screen, and means your berry is sending information to the cell tower.
	This icon appears right beside the top icon, and means your berry is receiving information from the cell towers.

I’ve put these two last for a reason, I want to settle a common mis conception. I’ve heard many customer complain even call me a liar when i say that these icons do not mean you are being charged for data. These icons simply indicate when your phone is communicating with a local cellular tower, this can be an incoming phone call, a Text message, data(yes the chargeable kind), OR simply checking with the tower to make sure its still with in range. I’ve tested and confirm this many times myself, including with a berry whose data was turned off both on the phone and on the mobile network, so there was no possible way for it to be using internet data, and the arrows still appeared.

You can see a longer, more device specific list offered by AT&T, remember this is for their default theme, so it may not match up to yours exactly, AT&T’s list

To turn on Wi-Fi, perform the following steps:

• At the Home screen, press the Menu key.
• Scroll to the Manage Connections icon and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Wi-Fi and press the trackball to place a check mark in the box to turn on Wi-Fi.

Scanning for and connecting to available networks

To scan for and connect to available networks, perform the following steps:

• At the Home screen, press the Menu key.
• Scroll to Set Up Wi-Fi Network and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Next and press the trackball.
• Select Scan for Networks. The handheld scans and displays available networks.
• Scroll to the desired network and press the trackball to connect.

Adding a new network

To add a network from the available networks, perform the following steps:

• At the Home screen, press the Menu key.
• Scroll to Set Up Wi-Fi Network and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Next and press the trackball.
• Select Scan for Networks. The device scans and displays available networks.
• Scroll to the desired network and press the trackball.
• At the Save this Wi-Fi Network as a Profile anyway? field, ensure Yes is selected.

To add a network manually, perform the following steps:

• At the Home screen, press the Menu key.
• Scroll to Set Up Wi-Fi Network and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Next and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Manually Add Network and press the trackball.
• Type the network name, and then select Add.
• At Security Type, press the trackball.
• Scroll to one of the following options and press the trackball:
  • No Security
  • WEP
  • Pre-Shared Key (PSK)
  • PEAP
  • LEAP
  • EAP-TLS
  • EAP-FAST
  • EAP-TTLS
  • EAP-SIM
• Scroll to Connect and press the trackball.
• At the Save this Wi-Fi Network as a Profile anyway? field, ensure Yes is selected.

To edit saved networks, perform the following steps:

• At the Home screen, press the Menu key.
• Scroll to the Manage Connections icon and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Wi-Fi Options and press the trackball.
• Scroll to a network and press the Menu key.
• Scroll to Edit and press the trackball.
• Edit the network name, SSID, security type, and any other information as desired.
• Press the Menu key, and then select Save.

To locate the MAC address, perform the following steps:

• At the Home screen, press the Menu key.
• Scroll to the Options icon and press the trackball.
• Scroll to Status and press the trackball to view the WLAN MAC address.

If you are a new BlackBerry owner, or an old owner experiencing low battery issues, read through these tips:

First of all, modern BlackBerrys come with Lithium-Ion batteries, or Li-Ion for short. Some older models used Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, or NiMH for short.

MYTH: You do NOT need to break in the Li-Ion BlackBerry battery. Lithium-Ion battery do not require conditioning as you might have experienced with other cell phones and batteries.

• Don’t get in the habit of fully discharging the battery every time. Lithium batteries can be damaged with excessive deep discharges.
• When breaking in the battery, make sure you keep it plugged in long after the battery says it is fully charged (i.e. overnight).
• Lithium batteries LOVE to be topped-off. Plug it in whenever you have the opportunity and keep the battery life maxed out for those days you really need long battery life.
• Consider purchasing a car charger, or an office charger/cable. That way, you have more opportunities to top-off your BlackBerry battery.
• Searching for a signal will drain a battery quite quickly. If you must conserve the battery, turn the wireless or radio off.
• Keep your Bluetooth turned OFF when not in use.
• Keep your Wi-Fi turned OFF when not in use.
• Keep the backlight turned low or off whenever possible (rather than bright mode). A backlight setting of 60%-80% is wise.
• If you use instant messaging software, leaving it running in the background is a battery-killer. Sign off  and log yourself out when not in use.
• Big suprise, making a phone call made on your BlackBerry is the biggest consumer of battery life. If you make lots of phone calls for hours, then expect your battery life can be extremely short.
• Making phone calls in areas of weak reception will use up even more battery power.

What is running in the background of your BB? There are commonly 4-5 applications that will ALWAYS be running i.e. Messages, Phone, BBMessenger, Homescreen, and the Browser.

• Make certain that the browser is NOT on an active webpage (say with animated radar or a live webpage such as a news website that is constantly updating to the current news. Close it on the bookmarks page, which is static).
• Close any other applications that do not need to be running (like the camera or a game).

Not sure what going on behind the screen?

• Press Alt + Escape (the key to the right of the trackball) to bring up the Application Switcher and scroll through that list to see what is running in the background.  Close whatever is not neccessary.

This article was originally posted on BlackBerryForums.com and edited for content.

If you have deleted a number in your Call Logs that is not associated with your Address Book:

On your BlackBerry homescreen:

• Hold down the ALT key and type LGLG
• Press Menu and then Options
• Scroll down into the event list
• Press Menu and “Hide all Types“
• Scroll down and Highlight PhoneApp
• Press Menu and press Toggle Filter
• Menu > Save

Now, you will see a lot of what appears to be gibberish. This shows all calls and numbers to the phone.

You need to dig through to find the deleted number. When you find it, select the entry and it will show the full number.

Thanks to Thatzmister2u @ BlackBerryForums.com for this FAQ content.

Okay, lets imagine the image to left is your blackberry…

Now that you’ve stopped crying; read on:

Do NOT attempt to turn on your BlackBerry.

Remove the battery immediately!!

Leave the plastic casing covering the back on the BlackBerry OFF.

Let the device dry in a warm place for 3 to 5 days, open and with the battery out.

Place the BB in a sealed container with UNcooked rice, and then leave it to dry in some of these suggested areas:

• If the device is warm, let it cool to room temperature.
• On top of a TV cabinet or CRT, LCD or plasma monitor.
• On top of a cable TV/Satellite converter box.
• On the dashboard of your car on a sunny day.

Getting a device like a Blackberry wet is always risky business. The are no guarantees that drying the device out will bring it back to life.

If the BlackBerry Pearl’s memory is at or near capacity the handheld will begin to delete the oldest Call Log and Text Message (SMS) entries in an effort to free up memory space.

In order to prevent this, free memory must be increased. NOTE: Saved messages will not be deleted.

Determine the Amount of Free Memory on the BlackBerry

On your BlackBerry, go to Options > Status. That will show your amount of free memory.

If the amount of free memory available on the handheld is 0 (zero), the amount of free memory must be increased to prevent the handheld from auto deleting call log entries and messages.

Suggested Ways to Increase Free Memory

Reduce Allocated Media Memory

• Scroll to and select the Media icon.
• Select the Pictures icon.
• Select the Device Memory icon.
• Press the Menu key, select Options.
• Change the Device Memory Limit to 12MB.
• Press the Menu key, select Save.
• Hard Reset the BlackBerry.
    

Reduce Calendar Keep Appointments to 60 days or less

• Scroll to and select the Calendar icon.
• Press the Menu key, select Options.
• Scroll to and select Keep Appointments.
•  Select the desired amount of time to keep appointments.
• Press the Menu key, select Save.
•  Hard Reset the BlackBerry.

Reduce the amount of time Messages are kept on the handheld.

• Scroll to and select the Messages icon.
• Press the Menu key, select Options.
• Select General Options.
• Scroll to and select Keep Messages.
• Select the desired amount of time to keep appointments.
• Press the Menu key, select Save.
• Hard Reset the BlackBerry.

Clear Cache and Cookies

• Scroll to and select the Browser or Media Net icon.
• Press the Menu key.
• Select Options.
• Select Cache Operations.
• Select Clear History.
• Note: Clear History will no longer appear once it has been selected.
• Hard Reset the BlackBerry.

Delete Unused Languages

• Note: If deleting both the unused languages and the sample video wait to restart the device until both processes have been completed
• Scroll to and select the Settings icon.
• Select the Options icon.
• Select Advanced Options.
• Select Applications.
• Scroll to and highlight each of the unused languages under the Input Support and Language and Input Support subheadings.
• Press the Menu key.
• Select Delete.
• Select Delete.
• When prompted to Restart select No until all unused languages are deleted.
• NOTE:Repeat steps 4-8 until all unused languages are deleted then select Yes when prompted to restart.
• Hard Reset the BlackBerry.

Delete Sample Video

• Note: If deleting both the unused languages and the sample video wait to restart the device until both processes have been completed. The sample video is the pre-installed video for the blackberry and is ~2.2MB in size.
• Scroll to and select the Settings icon.
• Select the Options icon.
• Select Advanced Options.
• Select Applications.
• Scroll to and highlight “Blackberry Sample Video”.
• Press the Menu key.
• Select Delete.
• When prompted to Restart select Yes.
• Hard Reset the BlackBerry.

Change Call Log Options

• Scroll to and select the Phone icon.
• Press the Menu key.
• Select Options.
• Select Call Logging.
• Select either Missed Calls or None.
• Hard Reset the BlackBerry.

Delete unused Languages

• Go to Options >> Advanced Options >> Applications
• Scroll to and highlight the unused languages
• Press the menu key and select Delete
  • Note: When prompted to restart select No until all of the unused languages are deleted.
• Once all languages are deleted, remove battery for 30 seconds and re-boot the device

 

 

Remove call logs

• Go into the Messages application and press the menu key
• Select View Folder, then select Phone Call Logs
• Scroll to the top date and highlight it
• Press the menu key and select Delete Prior

 

 

Delete sample video

• Go to Options >> Advanced Options >> Applications
• Highlight Blackberry Sample Video
• Press the menu key and select Delete

 

 

Clear Cache and Cookies in Browser

• Go into the Browser application and press the menu key
• Select Options >> Cache Operations
• Select Clear History
• You can also clear out Pushed Content and Cookie Cache from here

 

 

I’m going to attempt to consolidate into this one post as much basic troubleshooting tips as I possibly can. Some of these simple steps may save you much frustration and time on the phone waiting for your wireless service providers technical support department.

First step to take if device is having problems?

• The first step is to pull the battery out of the device and leave it out for about 30 seconds. This will clear the internal memory and will solve many, many issues.
  • Leave the BB powered ON.
  • Pull the battery
  • Leave it out for 30 seconds
  • Replace battery and let device boot
  • See if the problem has been resolved

How do I reset my BlackBerry?

Differences between hard, soft, and master resets

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.

How to wipe ALL personal data from a BlackBerry device?

NOTE: This does NOT delete the Operating System from your BlackBerry.

• This wipe will remove ALL personal data (contacts, memos, calendar appointments, settings, preferences, etc.) from the device.
• The device will still work for you or your next user.
• This wipe will NOT delete most Third Party Applications. (unless the option is selected when processing the wipe).

90xx series, 87xx series, 81xx series, 83xx series, and 88xx series:

Go to Options

 

 

 

 

Select Security Options

 

 

 

 

Select General Settings

 

 

 

 

Hit menu key and select Wipe Handheld

 

 

 

 

Click on Continue

(Optional: enable checkbox to remove all third party applications)

 

 

 

Type in the word “blackberry” to complete process

 

 

 

71xx series, 72xx series, 75xx series, and 77xx series: (sorry, no pics)

Option 1

• Go to Options
• Select Security Options
• Select Content Protection
• Hit menu key and select Wipe Handheld

Option 2

• Set a password under Options >> Security >> Password and save it
• Enter that password incorrectly 10 times….
• After you enter it wrong 10 times it will wipe out all the data.

How do I wipe the BlackBerry using Jl Cmder(JavaLoader Commander)?

Pre-Wipe Tasks

• Download and install Jl_Cmder to your PC ( Click here to download Jl_Cmder )
• Make sure ALL your data (contacts, appointments, memos, etc) are backed up or synced before proceeding! This will wipe everything off of the device.
• Make sure you have the latest version of both Desktop Manager and the Handheld OS installed on your PC.
• From the PC navigate to c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader and delete the file vendor.xml.
  • Note: 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.
• Plug the device into the PC using the USB cord and make sure Desktop Manager is closed.
• Remove the battery from the device

Wipe The Device

• Wipe the device using Jl_Cmder (JavaLoader Commander).
  • Note: This may take several attempts to connect to the device, so keep trying until it connects and wipes.
• The device will reboot to a white screen with a ‘507′ error. 

If the device will not connect and wipe after several attempts ,then follow next steps:

• Disconnect the device from the PC, begin Command Line Tasks process.
• Start a Command Prompt in DOS from the PC (Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >> Command Prompt)
• Change the directory to: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\AppLoader
  • To navigate to this directory follow instructions below:
    • From C:\ prompt type:
    • cd Program Files <hit enter>
    • cd Common Files <hit enter>
    • cd Research In Motion <hit enter>
    • cd AppLoader <hit enter>
• Make sure Desktop Manager is not running
• Connect BlackBerry to the PC
• Enter the following command in the Command Prompt window: loader.exe /nojvm

Installation

• The Application Loader Wizard window will open
• Click on Next
• You will get a drop down list with the COM ports and one USB port entry
• Select the one which says USB:UNKNOWN. If you do not see USB:UNKNOWN or USB:BBPIN, then follow instructions listed below:
  • Disconnect the device from the PC.
  • Keep the Application Loader Wizard window open
  • Remove the battery and put it back
  • While the red led is on, reconnect the device to the PC. The led will only stay on for a few seconds
  • When USB:UNKNOWN appears in the drop down list, you need to immediately select Next
  • The loader should now connect to your device and you will be able to reinstall the OS

Install OS and Restore

• Open Desktop Manager and select Application Loader
• Install the OS by following the prompts and selections
• The device will reboot. It can take up to 15 minutes for the 1st boot
• Restore the previously made backup or re-sync
• Install the battery back into the device and unplug from the PC.

 

 

Watching YouTube on BlackBerry handheld has been an issue of contention for BlackBerry users and for wireless service providers. Quite simply; it does not stream well and playing the videos are hit and miss.

Introducing Vision – an app specifically designed streaming YouTube videos on BlackBerry. Designed by Metova, Vision is a free application and there is no purchase or registration necessary. You can download Vision to your device by visiting http://vision.metova.com/download from your BlackBerry browser.

Shortcuts

• Shortcuts can be used through the keyboard for switching between pages and reloading a standard feed. The available shortcuts are:

Video list and details

• N = next page
• P = previous page
• R = reload feed (not searches)
• (space) = watch a video
• (enter) = view video details
• Media player
• F = enable/disable fullscreen
• (space) pause/play video

Requirements

• Current device restrictions: Vision is restricted to devices running a 4.3.0 or newer operating system. While Vision may install and run correctly, the device must support RTSP video streaming in order to play the YouTube media.

FAQ

Where is the search function?

• The search function slides into view from the top when you scroll up on the main navigation screen.

Can I stream videos over the BIS network?

• Short answer is no. The BIS network is limited in bandwidth, and streaming content like videos through it would affect the BlackBerry experience for other users. Instead Vision will first try to stream over WiFi if it is available, otherwise it will use WAP/TCP. The correct WAP service books or carrier APN settings will be required.

Why did the application ask to use the native media player?

• If Vision encounters an error during video playback that it cannot recover from, it will provide the option of viewing the video in the native media player instead. This may happen if there is a server error or a problem streaming the specified format type.
• If the application crashes or displays the error a lot during video playback, the first thing to do is reduce the video format through the preferences. Some older versions of a given operating system may contain defects that will affect some video formats over others. An example of this is the 9000 (Bold) 4.6.0.167 operating system where the more stable format is the lowest.
• The lower quality format available is “H.263 Video and AMR Audio.”
• The preferred solution would be to upgrade your operating system to the newest publicly available version.

Why did the application crash during video playback?

• If you are running an older version of your operating system, there may be defects that will affect some video formats over others. These defects can cause the application to crash unexpectedly. While Vision cannot prevent these unexpected crashes, it will try to predict a crash and display the option of viewing through the native media player (as of version 1.0.24).

Can I switch screen orientations on the Storm?

• Currently there are some layout issues when switching orientations on the Storm, so for now the screen will lock into whichever one is in use when the application starts up. Exiting and restarting the application will allow you to switch orientations. This will be fixed eventually, however it is not a high priority right now.

FAQ dated 05/26/2009

Call Client is a phone call manager for your BlackBerry which allows you to create and maintain numerous call lists as well as allowing you to indicate the status of a call and add call notes.

Call Client is available for those running OS 4.2.2 or higher and will nestle insignificantly into your memory, taking up 27.6KB.

The main screen will show, once created, your various call lists. Below the name of each call list, the number of records.

The records actually pertain to the number of calls listed in a particular call list. When you open a call list, you can see the list of related calls you have to make. The application offers a couple different entry methods when creating your call lists.

Manually enter the information:

 

• First you would select New Call List from the menu and then create the call list’s name in the next screen.
• Once saved, you then open the call list and select New Call.
• The next screen allows you to input call information including Name, Company and Call Title. You can also store up to seven different numbers to choose from.
• Call notes can also be made, so you can refer to them quickly before calling.

Create a .csv file to import using the form found at this link:

• Fill out the appropriate information make sure you save the file in .csv format.
• In Call Client, select Import Call List from the menu and select the appropriate .csv file. You should see an ‘Import Successful” pop up. Your lists can be exported as well, again in .csv format, ready to email. This may help you with reporting your sales calls. No matter which method you choose to work with, any call information can be added, modified or deleted. Please note that a Call Title is required. Once everything has been entered you are now ready to dial out.
• Open a call list and highlight a call entry.
• Press the trackball /menu button to call or, if more than one number is listed, choose the appropriate number to call.
• If there is a follow up call to make, you can edit the call notes.
• If done, you can mark the call complete. Doing so will not remove the call from the list in case you want to report the call, as previously mentioned.

Now let’s look at, what I like to call, the SimpleLeap Solution. TalkLater can be used to create call alerts, call notes and to call from the alert popup. Call Client adds the ability to list more detailed contact information, without adding the call to your Address Book.  A call can be marked completed or updated for follow up (while you add a new alert in TalkLater). Then, you can also import/export csv files of call lists. Now, you can see how this is especially great for sales calls on the road.

Call Client also offers easy keyboard shortcuts:

n = New call
c = Makes the call
e = Edit call record
d = Delete call record
t = Toggle (switch between the call being complete or incomplete)Conclusion

Pros

* manage multiple lists and calls
* import/export call lists
* quick and easy to use

Cons

* Cannot access native address book
* Similar features found in TalkLater

Data-mined from Crackberry.com