Since the first OS upgrade for the Storm came out and OS 4.5 was formally announced by AT&T, a lot of people have been asking if there is a chance that they could lose all of their third-party applications in the upgrade process. While the answer is unfortunately yes, there is a simple back up that can be done to save yourself from going through a stress of losing and replacing all of your apps. Being the kind folks that we are, we thought we’d share it with you. Also, this method works if you want to transfer your applications to a new device as well.
Well, what are you waiting for? Hit up the break and get started!
Step One
To start the application back up process you’ll need to open up the BlackBerry Desktop Manager. Plug in your BlackBerry and enter any necessary passwords. Then click on Device Switch Wizard icon which is located on the top-right hand corner of the Desktop Manager home screen.
Step Two
Once in the Device Switch Wizard, click Start for Switch BlackBerry devices
Step Three
On the right-hand side you will see a check box for “Device and Data Options.” Ensure that it is unchecked and that “Third-party applications” is left checked. Now click “Next”.
Step Four
The Device Switch Wizard is will now backing up your third-party applications. Once it is finished do not click “Cancel” or “Next.”
Step Five
On your computer’s desktop go to Start > Search and search your hard-drive for your device’s PIN number. If you don’t know your PIN, it will be listed at the bottom of Desktop Manager as “Device connected (PIN). Alternatively, you can find it by going to Options > Status on your device. Ensure that you search hidden files and folders. You will find a folder with the same name as your PIN as well as a .alx file. Drag both of these files onto your desktop. On your desktop move the .alx file into the folder and store it somewhere safe. Go back into Desktop Manager and cancel the Device Switch Wizard.
That’s it! You’re done backing up your third-party apps. Should disaster strike and you end up losing all of your apps, restoring them is a simple three-step process.
Step One
Open Desktop Manager, plug in your BlackBerry, enter any necessary passwords and select the Application Loader icon on the top-left hand corner of the Desktop Manager home screen.
Step Two
In Application Loader, click “Start” under Add / Remove Applications.
Step Three
After the Application Loader scans your device, click on “Browse” and locate the folder named after your PIN that contains your application back-ups.
Highlight the .alx file and click “Open”. Then click “Next” and all of your applications will start to be loaded onto your BlackBerry.
