So, you downloaded the newest, latest and greatest OS for your BlackBerry and have followed all the instructions found here.

1. Download and install the OS of your choice for your device.
2. Delete vendor.xml located in c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader.
3. Plug in BB and open Desktop Manager.

However, when you run Loader.exe found in c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader your update doesn't show. And when you open Application Loader in Desktop Manager your new OS is not listed and it doesn't prompt you to update!!

Important! Before continuing, please be aware that in order to upgrade to later versions of OS 5.0 you will need a BB data plan on your device.



The problem is two-fold and the first problem lies in the new Desktop Manager's automatic "Check for Updates" feature. This feature uses your internet connection to look for OS updates for your device from your carrier. When it does this it loads a second virtual vendor.xml file in the temp folder on your computer (Vista users look in C:\Users\Username\appdata\virtualstore.) So, even after you delete the normal one that is installed with the OS and Desktop Manager, the automatic "check for updates" feature loads another one based on the brand of device you've got plugged into the PC.

To prevent this from happening this you need to install Desktop Manager WITHOUT this Automatic Update service. Below are the steps to remove this service.

1. Go to Control Panel >Add/Remove Programs.
2. Click on "BlackBerry Desktop Software" and select "Change/Remove."
3. When prompted, hit "Next" and then you should get options for Modify, Repair, or Remove. Choose "Modify."
4. On DM 4.7 and higher, in the list of installed items, you should see "BlackBerry Automatic Update." Click the icon next to it and change it to "This feature will not be available." That should put an "X" next to "BlackBerry Automatic Update." If you are using DM 4.6 or lower and don't see this option in this list then just continue with the install and the installation will ask you a few screens later. A screen will be shown where you will be asked to check the boxes for:

A) "Start BlackBerry Desktop Manager automatically each time the computer starts."
B) "Create a shortcut for BlackBerry Desktop Manager on the Windows Desktop."
C) "Check for software updates."

Be sure number 3, "Check for software updates," is NOT checked.

5. Finish the installation.

(Note: If you're doing a fresh install of Desktop Manager, be sure and choose the "Custom" install button so that you get the prompt for what features you want installed. Otherwise all the features will be installed as normal and you'll likely run into this issue.)

Once that is complete, you'll need to go back and search your computer for vendor.xml. When you do the search, make sure you click on "Advanced Options" and make sure that you search Hidden files and folders. This is important as some operating systems create a virtual store in the temp folder that this vendor.xml file is located in. You will not find this particular vendor.xml if you don't have hidden files/folders selected for search. Once the hidden vendor.xml is deleted it won't come back if you've reinstalled Desktop Manager without the Automatic Update Feature enabled.

Now, make sure your OS is installed (you may need to install the OS again, if you actually remove Desktop Manager and then reinstall Desktop Manager again. Make sure that you delete the normal vendor.xml file LAST before updating the device.

Tip of the day: Desktop Manager is not even required for doing an OS upgrade. In the same folder as the vendor.xml file is a file called Loader.exe. Running that will run apploader without Desktop Manager. It still makes the full backup and restore, but without all the DM stuff running in the background. I use this for all my OS upgrades. Then later I connect to DM to start my BES activation.

Second tip of the day: Thanks to Stevew on this forum for this tip. For Vista and Win 7 users: In the apploader folder, simply click on "Compatibility files" to see the actual Vendor.xml file. Once you've got that - simply delete the vendor.xml file there (even if you've deleted or think you've deleted it in the folder previously) and voila, it will allow you to update to the newly installed OS!

Awesome find John! As always making life easier for us BB users!

As always, thanks JC!!

The Great JC strikes again!!!

Thanks John Clark!

This ought to be stuck!

...off to BlackBerryFAQ as well.

yes, put it on the FAQ please! I'll stick it, as well.

Nice JC. This will help a ton of people out.

stuck

Wirelessly posted (8100 Strike 2)

Very nice.

Nice tip and write up

BlackBerryFAQ-ed!!! Why won't my OS update? I deleted the vendor.xml file! - BlackBerryFAQ

Awesome!

Nice job with the FAQ, ricpac!

Thanks ma'am! Need to spend more time on it...

Wirelessly posted (troydbrown is Chad!)

Outstanding work


I had to do an update today and had this very issue. I will fix tomorrow

I can assure everyone this does work, I have not been able to update my OS on my Vista PC for over 6 months. I tried this and it worked right away. Thank you John Clark.

Hmm.. I wonder how long before RIM make this mandatory, to retrieve the vendor.xml file. Where we can not delete it.

"4. In the list of installed items, you should see "BlackBerry Automatic Update." Click the icon next to it and change it to "This feature will not be available." That should put an "X" next to "BlackBerry Automatic Update.""

I don't see this when I go to modify. I'll try and update the OS, but maybe I need to reinstall the Desktop Software and then follow the directions in this thread?

Wirelessly posted (BB 11020)

What version of Desktop Manager? Its only the newer versions with Automatic Update feature.

John

Many thanks this worked - you are genius.

Robin