[John Clark]

Up until OS 4.2 the Blackberry Messenger application was an optional download. You simply went to the Blackberry website from your BB and downloaded it. However, beginning with OS 4.2, RIM decided to bundle the application in the standard OS package and preinstall it with each device. If for some reason that version gets removed the download from the Blackberry site will not work. The app will install but will not show up on the device. Here are complete instructions for successfully installing/reinstalling BBMessenger to your device if you have never used the Application Loader in Desktop Manager before.


Handheld OS 4.1 and below:
If your device is running OS 4.1 and older then simply download BBMessenger version 1.0.94 OTA from www.blackberry.com/messenger


Handheld OS 4.2 and above:

The above download from the Blackberry site is not compatible with handhelds running OS 4.2 and above. The Blackberry Messenger application is already installed with the OS and should already be on your device.

However, if the app gets removed for any reason and you need to reinstall BBMessenger on your 4.2 device, follow the instructions below. If you attempt to download and install the OTA version to a 4.2 handheld it will install ok but will not show an icon anywhere on the device. However, it will show up in the list of installed applications in Options >Advanced Options.

Note: Before beginning, if you've already downloaded the OTA version and can't find it on your 4.2 device then first remove that version by going to Options >Advanced Options >Applications and deleting Blackberry Messenger v1.0.94.


Installation of BBMessenger for 4.2:

1. Determine your specific OS version by looking in Options >About.

2. Download and install the latest Desktop Manager 4.2 from here.

3. Go to your carrier's OS upgrade site and download and install the matching version of the OS to your PC. OS upgrade sites can be found here. Note: If you've already installed the OS or another carrier's OS to your PC then you can obviously skip this step. If a newer OS is listed then continue with these instructions and you'll get a new upgraded OS at the same time. If you're just installing the BBMessenger and not doing an upgrade it only takes a few moments. However, the full upgrade process can take up to an hour and will show a spinning hourglass on the device for up to 20 minutes at a time during the process. Don't get impatient and unplug the device until it's done during an OS upgrade.

4. Plug in the device and open Desktop Manager. Run Application Loader. You should see a list of installed applications with checkboxes next to them. Check the box for "Blackberry Messenger." Then simply hit next, finish, etc. to load the application to the Blackberry.


When you are finished you should have successfully reinstalled Blackberry Messenger back to your device. It generally shows up on the home screen or in the Applications folder. Happy BBM'ing.

[fourstringfuror]

How will re-installing the OS affect any other aftermarket apps already installed?

[JSanders]

If you back up your third-party apps, through backup/restore, or the Swtich Device Manager, you can restore all of them.

--Backup Resotore from Desktop Manager
or
-- How do I backup my Third Party Applications on my BB? - BlackBerryFAQ

[fourstringfuror]

Thanks. I'm happy to say I backup my device almost daily. I should be in good shape.

[fourstringfuror]

That did the trick. Thanks to John for pointing this out and to JSanders for the backup tip.

[John Clark]

If you use Desktop Manager to do the OS upgrade it will backup and restore all your 3rd party apps during the process. However, if the load goes bad and you have to start over with a blank device then you won't get your 3rd party apps back. I use this method before every upgrade, just in case something goes wrong (which has happened!) This saves hours of downloading and installing your apps again..

[steakman]

Appreciate the good write up John. I did as per your instructions. Worked like a charm.!

Thank you,

Stk

[tdFMason12]

thx

[BeefyBeefo]

I couldn't get BB messenger before because my BB had an IT Policy when I got it. But, now that I have followed your instructions for getting rid of the IT Policy, this worked as well and I now have BB messenger. Thank you VERY much!

-Jeff-

[fetshokie]

what if you own a mac?

[kuiperk]

When I go into the application loader, nothing shows up for blackberry messenger.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by fetshokie

what if you own a mac?

You'll need to borrow a PC.

[John Clark]

Originally Posted by kuiperk

When I go into the application loader, nothing shows up for blackberry messenger.

What kind of device? What OS version? Have you installed the OS to your computer in addition to the Desktop Manager? We need a little more info to help you.

Welcome to BBF!

[shaaista]

im having this same problem!
i downloaded the desktop software, the blackberry i purchased is for Tmobile and i live in canada (it is unlocked) so i cannot get the upgrade software from the t mobile site. could somebody please help me out? it says i require a tmobile # to acess downloads which is impossible for me to get so if anyone has the files...could you please hook me up with them. thanx!

[lastofakind0]

Hi! I also have the problem....I have a Pearl (8100), v. 4.2.1.107...I downloaded the upgrade to my PC (even though I already have it on my phone). When I go to the BB website to try and download bb messenger, it says my device is unsupported. HELP!

[Annaberrybella]

I've recently bought a BB 8320 with v4.2.2.180. It didn't come with bb messenger so I downloaded the bb desktop software 4.3 so I could load it up on my application loader. There isn't a line for bb messenger and it isn't listed under my device applications (under Options/Advanced Options/Applications). What do I do??

[Thatzmister2u]

Originally Posted by Annaberrybella

I've recently bought a BB 8320 with v4.2.2.180. It didn't come with bb messenger so I downloaded the bb desktop software 4.3 so I could load it up on my application loader. There isn't a line for bb messenger and it isn't listed under my device applications (under Options/Advanced Options/Applications). What do I do??

Annabella,

you will need to download the OS to your PC and install. It will then allow you to add and remove programs.

To find your OS:

How do I downgrade the OS on my BlackBerry? - BlackBerryFAQ

Good luck!

E-

[John Clark]

Also, the 8320 comes with BBMessenger pre-installed. Did you look in the Intant Messaging folder on the home screen?

[abernatt]

Originally Posted by Thatzmister2u

Annabella,

you will need to download the OS to your PC and install. It will then allow you to add and remove programs.

To find your OS:

How do I downgrade the OS on my BlackBerry? - BlackBerryFAQ

Good luck!

E-

I'm also having the same problem. On my BB it says v4.2.0.64. I'm confused between the OS and the desktop manager. I have downloaded both, but it's still not showing BB Messenger in the application loader. When I go to the link you provided and select Rogers, it has handheld software v4.2.1.181. Is that much different then the one I already have? Which version of the desktop manager should I be downloading?

Software v4.3
Software v4.2 SP2
Software v4.2 SP1
Software v4.2
Software v4.1 SP1
Software v4.1
Software v4.0 SP1
Software v4.0

Sorry, I have tried a few different combinations and nothing is working. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[John Clark]

You can use any version you like. I recommend 4.2 sp2. However, DM version has no bearing on whether you see the BBMessenger (and other BB applications) in Application Loader. Make sure you've installed the OS along with whatever version of DM you install.