Posts
Hi guys,
Some of my friends that I usually help with their BlackBerry phones asked me to publish stuffs on BB for them to be able to access via the web and I was very very less busy today and that is why I have decided to go about it so, in this section, am gonna be talking much more about different and common BB problems that BB users can or may be facing.
Enjoy!
Note that, if at a certain point in time you want a particular question answer or a particular BB problem solved, just leave it here as a comment and I will reply it immediately.
So,
Topic 1:
How do I get or retreive my BlackBerry pin?
* Press menu (the key with blackberry logo), options, status. Thats is; press menu button, this gives or you can see the screen with all the icons on it, next, go to the options icon which is among all the other icons and click on it, next, a new window comes up, go in the new window to status, next, click on status, and then a new or another windows comes up, thats where the PIN is so, read and wrote the pin number down.
Topic 2:
* what does the PIN do or what is it for?
First, the PIN is a hexdecimal field, it can have any number or A-F in the PIN entry, and some are usually in mixture of letters and numbers, while some are just number and this depends and varries alot depending on the version of BB you have.
Lastly, the function of the PIN is for BB users to communicate even when you don't know each other before. Once you have the pin, you can chat with other BB users by the means of what its called "ping".
Yes. But this is in more than one ways.
First, you can do if you have recently backup your BlackBerry which included the messages in the backup option.
Another way is this; BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.1.x can log all SMS messgaes to/from the device. You'd need to consult your IT department to see if yours is set to log the messages, and how willing they would be to dig through the logs and provide you with your messages.
Though, there's no way they can be put back on your device.
Also, with certain file manager and file explorer, you can restore your deleted sms and such file i will share on here later because, am stil kinda occupied trying to update this blog. Thanks.
Another workaround on this is; Select the Search icon on your BB and do a search of your deleted messages if you can remember anything in the title or content of the message and if found, copy the message and forward it to another address that is, your own hotmail address and etc.
You cannot forward deleted messages directly from the search...
You have to open the message, copy the content, then switch to create a new email message, paste the content, enter your forwarding email address in the to: field, type a subject and then you can send... phew!
The most common "cure all" to all devices is the battery pull. Like chicken soup is to the soul, the battery pull can solve many of the problems users encounter, such as application errors, theme problems, data problems and more. Before you do anything else - always do a battery pull.
This will solve a great deal of problems - always do a battery pull before you seek help elsewhere. You can also perform a soft reset on your device by holding down the ALT+Right SHIFT+DEL keys for about 2 seconds. There is also a double soft reset which some users believe is equivalent to a battery pull. To perform this, do the standard soft reset - the screen will go black. When the screen is no longer black, press the keys again (perform another soft reset). You should then see another
blank screen followed by an hour glass
Some devices have what is known as a "memory leak". This is what the BlackBerry community has dubbed the loss of memory from any BlackBerry Device. The device will begin to "eat" call logs and messages and they will mysteriously disappear. This is due to the memory of the device being low, causing it to automatically free up more space by deleting these items. The first steps to identifying this issue is to check the File Free on your device. You can do this one of two ways.
Along with the memory loss issues, some users commonly refer to their memory cards. Keep in mind the memory cards do not effect these issues. No matter if you have a 1gb or 8gb memory card - it will not add to the installed memory on your device. An external memory card may be used for storing photos, music, movies etc. but cannot help with these types of memory issues.
I'm Not Receiving Email!
A very much common issue. The device is not receiving email at all. You can verify this by checking the inbox for your email accounts. If there are messages there that have not made it to the device, you may have an issue.
First of all, try a battery pull as described above (if this solves the issue you will know as your email will come flying in as soon as the device reboots). If that doesn't help, you may need to resend your service books.
You should receive confirmation messages on your device if you were successful.
This is a common error as well for existing GSM BIS users who attempt to activate a new device. After putting in your SIM card, your browser icon shows immediately, however there is no email. You need to login to your BIS as above and enter the Change Device menu and activate the new device PIN. From here resend the service books and you're set.
First, the PIN is a hexdecimal field, it can have any number or A-F in the PIN entry, and some are usually in mixture of letters and numbers, while some are just number and this depends and varries alot depending on the version of BB you have.
Lastly, the function of the PIN is for BB users to communicate even when you don't know each other before. Once you have the pin, you can chat with other BB users by the means of what its called "ping".
Topic 3:
Is there any way to recover deleted SMS/text messages off a BlackBerry?Yes. But this is in more than one ways.
First, you can do if you have recently backup your BlackBerry which included the messages in the backup option.
Another way is this; BlackBerry Enterprise Server version 4.1.x can log all SMS messgaes to/from the device. You'd need to consult your IT department to see if yours is set to log the messages, and how willing they would be to dig through the logs and provide you with your messages.
Though, there's no way they can be put back on your device.
Also, with certain file manager and file explorer, you can restore your deleted sms and such file i will share on here later because, am stil kinda occupied trying to update this blog. Thanks.
Another workaround on this is; Select the Search icon on your BB and do a search of your deleted messages if you can remember anything in the title or content of the message and if found, copy the message and forward it to another address that is, your own hotmail address and etc.
You cannot forward deleted messages directly from the search...
You have to open the message, copy the content, then switch to create a new email message, paste the content, enter your forwarding email address in the to: field, type a subject and then you can send... phew!
Topic 4:
*The Battery Pull.The most common "cure all" to all devices is the battery pull. Like chicken soup is to the soul, the battery pull can solve many of the problems users encounter, such as application errors, theme problems, data problems and more. Before you do anything else - always do a battery pull.
- With the device powered on, remove the battery
- Leave the battery out for about 30 seconds
- Replace the battery and let the device reboot
This will solve a great deal of problems - always do a battery pull before you seek help elsewhere. You can also perform a soft reset on your device by holding down the ALT+Right SHIFT+DEL keys for about 2 seconds. There is also a double soft reset which some users believe is equivalent to a battery pull. To perform this, do the standard soft reset - the screen will go black. When the screen is no longer black, press the keys again (perform another soft reset). You should then see another
blank screen followed by an hour glass
Topic 5:
*Memory Leak" - Losing Call Logs and Messages?Some devices have what is known as a "memory leak". This is what the BlackBerry community has dubbed the loss of memory from any BlackBerry Device. The device will begin to "eat" call logs and messages and they will mysteriously disappear. This is due to the memory of the device being low, causing it to automatically free up more space by deleting these items. The first steps to identifying this issue is to check the File Free on your device. You can do this one of two ways.
- Options > Status
- Hold ALT+SHIFT+H
Along with the memory loss issues, some users commonly refer to their memory cards. Keep in mind the memory cards do not effect these issues. No matter if you have a 1gb or 8gb memory card - it will not add to the installed memory on your device. An external memory card may be used for storing photos, music, movies etc. but cannot help with these types of memory issues.
Topic 6:
I'm Not Receiving Email!
A very much common issue. The device is not receiving email at all. You can verify this by checking the inbox for your email accounts. If there are messages there that have not made it to the device, you may have an issue.
First of all, try a battery pull as described above (if this solves the issue you will know as your email will come flying in as soon as the device reboots). If that doesn't help, you may need to resend your service books.
You should receive confirmation messages on your device if you were successful.
This is a common error as well for existing GSM BIS users who attempt to activate a new device. After putting in your SIM card, your browser icon shows immediately, however there is no email. You need to login to your BIS as above and enter the Change Device menu and activate the new device PIN. From here resend the service books and you're set.
My Browser Is Missing.
A common issue that shows up more often than you would think. Commonly after activating a new device or upgrading the OS. There is a simple fix, but most users don't know where to start.
- Insure you have a BlackBerry data plan
- Make sure the icon is not hidden - press the Menu key and select Show All - see if the icon is on the screen at all
- Go to Options > Advanced Options > Host Routing Table. Press the Menu key and select Register Now.
Topic 8:
*How To Separate SMS & Email Messages.No so much an error as a common question, but some users prefer to have separate inboxes for SMS/MMS messages & emails, while some prefer to have them all in one place. To change this option is simple - In your Message go to Options > General Options and change SMS and Email Inboxes to separate. This will give you individual folders for your SMS/MMS and Email messages. Keep in mind this setting can be affected by some custom themes.
Topic 9:
I Use Gmail and Receive A Copy Of My Emails.
A common problem when using Gmail. To resolve it you must login to your Carrier's BIS site and simply add a filter to your current Gmail address. Take these steps:
- Login to BIS account
- Next to your Gmail address, click Edit
- Click Add Filter
- For Filter Name type "Sent"
- For Apply Filter When select "From"
- For Contains enter your Gmail address "xxx@gmail.com"
Topic 10:
Keeping Your Device Up To Date and the Handheld Wipe.Another good tip to prevent errors is to keep your Operating System (OS) up to date. This is especially good for users with older devices. Many bugs can be found over time, so RIM issues updates to the operating system to make things more stable. You should always have the latest official OS installed on your device. You can find links to all the current OS versions here.
Check out Al Sacco's 101 on How to Install or Upgrade your BlackBerry Operating System (OS) to get the job done!
If your OS is up to date and you are still experiencing bugs or glitches and you can't figure out why, performing a Handheld Wipe will help reset your BlackBerry's operating system to the OS defaults (you have the option to leave 3rd party apps installed or remove them).
No software or connection to a computer is required to perform a HandHeld Wipe. On your BlackBerry, simply go to Options > Security Options > General Settings > hit the menu key > Wipe Handheld and follow the instructions on the display. It takes a few minutes, but the Handheld Wipe will conveniently take you back to the starting line and hopefully fix your problems. Keep in mind you'll have to re-add your PIM info and add back all your BlackBerry Messenger contacts and apps (if you chose to delete the apps).
Topic 11:
How can I accept items like mp3, picture and so on from another phone?First of all. you have to power on your own BB bluetooth and that of the other device which you wish to collect files from and next is for you to peer the device and this will give you the opportunity to accept and share files from the other devices and when else you will like to accept any kind of items from another similar device ot coputers, just first peer and then send the items of your chice.
Topic 12:
What is BlackBerry Messenger?BlackBerry Messenger is simply an instant messaging program for BlackBerry-to-BlackBerry communication. It allows two people with BlackBerrys to chat in real time anywhere in the world so long as they have data service. With BlackBerry Messenger there is no per message charge like there is with SMS; messages are sent through RIM servers similar to email messages.
Topic 13:
Where can I find BlackBerry Messenger?
BlackBerry Messenger comes preloaded on most new devices. If your device does not have the program preloaded, you can download it at http://www.blackberry.com/messenger. To install BlackBerry Messenger, connect your device to your PC and install it using Application Loader in Desktop Manger.
Topic 14: (modified)
How do I add contacts in BlackBerry Messenger?
There are two methods of adding contacts in BlackBerry Messenger. One is via PIN and the other is via email. A PIN is an eight digit alpha-numeric code that is assigned to every BlackBerry device. You can find your own PIN code by going to Options>Status>PIN on your BlackBerry device. If you are requesting a contact by email, you simply need an email address associated with their device.
Method 1—Requesting by PIN
First, you will have to open up BlackBerry Messenger. In the drop down menu, select ‘Add a Contact.’ You will be asked to enter an Email or PIN. Enter the PIN of the person you are requesting. Older devices may bring you to the address book to add a contact. You may either choose the contact from your list, or highlight [Use Once], press menu and select either Email or PIN.You will be prompted to enter a personal message if you choose and press ok. At this point the contact will be added to the Pending group in BlackBerry Messenger until they accept you.
Method 2—Requesting by Email
Requesting a contact by email is the almost same process as requesting by PIN. The only difference is instead of clicking ‘Request by PIN’ you click ‘Request by Email.’
Topic 15:
Can I create groups to organize my contacts?
Yes, BlackBerry Messenger will allow you to create groups of contacts. For example, perhaps you would like to have a group for family members and a group for work contacts. With BlackBerry Messenger open, click the trackball and select ‘Add Group.’ Here you can enter the name for your new group. Now that you have created your groups, you need to organize your contacts. Highlight a contact’s name in BlackBerry Messenger and click the trackball; select move. A menu will allow you to select the group where the contact should go. Select the group and press enter. The contact will now be listed under that group.
Topic 16:
How do I change my screen name in BlackBerry Messenger?Similar to other instant messaging programs, BlackBerry Messenger allows you to customize the way you appear in other people’s contact lists. With BlackBerry Messenger open, click the trackball and select ‘Edit My Info.’ Here you can select a name for yourself.
Topic 17:
How to I change my status?
Most people are not available to talk all the time. You can let your contacts know when you are available by changing your status is BlackBerry Messenger. With BlackBerry Messenger open, click the track ball and select ‘Available.’ Here you can set your status to available or away and type a custom message.
Topic 18:
How do I send a message?
To send a message within BlackBerry Messenger, click on a contacts name and select ‘Start Conversation.’ You may start typing your message. To send it simply press enter. Pressing escape will exit you from the conversation but will not end it. This is helpful if you have multiple conversations at once. When you are finished chatting, click the trackball and select ‘End Conversation.’
Topic 19:
New BlackBerry Messenger Features
All of the screenshots in this lecture are coming from the installation of BlackBerry Messenger I have running on my BlackBerry 7250. With newer versions of BlackBerry Messenger running on the latest generation of BlackBerry devices, during a conversation you also have the ability to Send a File and Send a Voice Note. Sending a File makes for a handy way to share pictures instantly, while the Send a Voice Note utility allows you to quickly record a message from within the BlackBerry Messenger application and easily send it. It's like leaving a voicemail for the other person but with the benefit that neither party has to use airtime (and it's much quicker than having to dial in to listen to voicemail!)
More to come guys, just keep coming in and requesting if not updated ASAP.
Have fun!
Richguy, USA
