BlackBerry® Desktop Software

[#1]

hello, here is a little HOWTO.

I will explain :

• how to install the "USB drivers for Blackberry" on Windows
• how to activate "USB Mass Storage mode" on a blackberry device.

Why ?
Because you will get to a point in your life when you want to do interactions between your blackberry device and your Windows desktop. That can be :

• to transfer files (mp3, videos, pictures, ringtones) on your memory card (aka media card)
• to do a backup
• to synchronize some personal data like calendar/contacts/tasks
• to configure the reconciliation of emails
• to copy your iTunes playlists to your blackberry

Yes, but why ?
Because USB is not the eldorado everybody has advertised in 1997. Sometimes, you need to tell windows the thing you attached to it is a Blackberry. And on the device side, depending on your carrier, they may have set the default to not enable your Blackberry to act as a real USB device. The U in USB (Universal Serial Bus) is not universal at all. It's still all about the drivers.

Yes, but still, why ?
Because on contrary to what would be great, when you install the Desktop Manager or the Blackberry Media Sync, the USB drivers are not installed along. Sometimes, it just works, sometimes you get frustrated.

so, what now ?
I recommend you to install the USB drivers prior to installing the other applications, that are :

• Desktop Manager without Roxio Media Manager
• Desktop Manager with Roxio Media Manager
• Blackberry Media Sync

How ?
To install the USB drivers, you have to download them on the download section of Blackberry.com . Surprisingly enough, except if you are a European speaking person you won't find it in the "USB Drivers" but in the "Desktop Manager" section.

Here are the direct links for the USB drivers for Blackberry in english, I recommend the 4.5 version since it works for me.


Blackberry USB and Modem Drivers ENG (DM4.6 B13)

• File size: 16.988 MB
• Date posted: 15-August-08
• Download Software

BlackBerry USB and Modem Drivers ENG (DM4.5 B13)

• File size: 12.33545 MB
• Date posted: 24-June-07
• Download Software

then just double click on the installation file.


what now ?

Well, you have just taught your Windows how to recognize a Blackberry device. You still have to order your Blackberry device to not be shy and tell she's a real USB device.

How to activate the USB Mass Storage mode ?

it's pretty straightforward, just an option to activate. On your Blackberry device, from the Home screen, go to the Options and select the Media Card line. You will get to a page, please configure like this :

Media Card Support: On

Encryption Mode: None

Mass Storage Mode Support: On

Auto enable Mass Storage Mode When Connected: Prompt

Total Space: 999.9MB

Free Space: 999.9MB

How to verify everything is okay ?

Turn your Windows on. Turn your blackberry device on. Plug the USB cord.

On your Windows, a popup should appear near the system tray "RIM Blackberry device detected".

On your Blackberry device, you may or may not first see a message about insufficient current. It just means you can't charge your Blackberry with that PC USB port. Hit the escape key once (on your Blackberry device). You will be prompted a question : do you want to activate USB Mass Storage Mode. You can answer YES or NO. Answer YES.

Now, open a Windows Explorer : there should appear a new hard drive : it is the Blackberry that is recognized as a USB flash card reader. click on it. If you see four folders in it, everything is fine. If Windows says you must put something in the reader, it means you do not have a memory card installed inside your Blackberry. If you have a Blackberry that is not the blackberry Bold, you have to buy one in order to be able to use the multimedia features of your Blackberry. Either ways, the USB connection is okay.

Why did I do all that for ?

Well, with just the USB drivers, you can put music and videos and pictures on your blackberry. Just drag'n'drop the files in the proper folder (among the four). If you want more, you can install the Desktop Manager (with or withour the Roxio Media Manager)of the Blackberry Media Sync if you're an iTunes person.

[#2]

Excellent Post!

Although this isn't a USB driver, it is a device driver for the Blackberry from Microsoft.

Do  you think it necessary, or worth incorporating?

http://catalog.update.microsoft.com/v7/site/search.aspx?q=blackberry

Thanks

[#3]

I just did the above and the USB driver UNINSTALLED desktop 4.6.

I'm at my wits end. The blackberry desktop software has eaten entirely days of my life trying to get it to work. I've posted a number of videos on youtube under 'pleabargain' detailing this nightmare of installing blackberry desktop.

[#4]

my intuition says that USB drivers should be always installed before any application using them... you should have uninstalled properly Desktop Manager 4.6 (using the KB that Bifocals has given you) prior to installing the USB Drivers, before installing the Desktop Manager again.

I find it surprising that the USB drivers did uninstall the DM, but anyway that's the right way to do it.

[#5]

Hi DDaniels, and welcome to the forums,

Please open a thread on your problem, so we can help.

Also it will get more visibility from more users and get

resolved quicker. Please list all PC operating systems Outlook versions

phone and Device OS .

Thanks, Well be looking for it,

[#6]

Hi !

I did everythong yous sais, installed both 4.5 and 4.6 and my computer still doesn'T recognise my Blackberry !

Help !

[#7]

Hi FVia,

Please open a thread on your problem and we will work on it there.

Be sure to put all specific information in it.
Thanks.

This isn't the right post for your question.

Thanks

[#8]

thank you for this excellent post.

However, I want to use version 4.2.2 ( I interface with ACT).   The link you provide here will install 4.5.   Is there a way to get the USB functionality under 4.2.2 ??

I have just gotten a new desktop and have not loaded any blackberry software on it yet.   I have a 7130c

Please advise

Thanks!

Len

[#9]

---

reblen wrote:

However, I want to use version 4.2.2 ( I interface with ACT).   The link you provide here will install 4.5.   Is there a way to get the USB functionality under 4.2.2 ??

---

yes, for Desktop Manager 4.2 Service Pack 2 it's here :

BlackBerry USB and Modem Drivers (English)

• File name: BlackBerry USB and Modem Drivers (English).msi
• File size: 11 MB
• Date posted: 25-May-07
• Download Software

[#10]

Thank you so much for answering!

Just to be sure, first I install the USB drivers, and only then the desktop software.  Right?

Thanks again

Len