This is a tutorial on how to install new themes on your Blackberry 7100 series. I am personally working on a way to create/modify exsisting themes. I am making good progress and will keep everyone updated.


Click Here For Full Size Screenshots

Step 1. Download the Themes.zip file Here
[Edit by Mark Rejhon: Or download newer Themes.zip with T-Mobile theme added]

Step 2. Unzip and extract files to a New seperate folder on the desktop. You can choose where to extract the files to, it makes no difference, but remember where you extract them to.(pictured below using WinRAR)



Step 3. Open Up and Connect to Blackberry Desktop Manager (make sure blackberry is connected).


Step 4. Select Application loader and click NEXT.


Step 5. On the Next Screen click ADD...
(NOTE: your screen may vary depending on what you have added in the past. Uncheck any previous programs you may have added)



Step 6. Search for the Themes folder you just extracted to earlier in step one. (If followed correctly it should be located on your desktop.) Select Themes.alx and click OPEN



Step 7. Click Next and sit back and enjoy. (wait til it is finished loading)


Step 8. OPTIONAL STEP Go to the "fridge" grab your self a nice cold one and reward yourself for the new themes on your new 7100 ! enjoy


Special Thanks to:
SmartPhoneDepot.com -- for providing the extracted themes
Chris @ TotalNutrition -- for hosting files.
Edit by Mark Rejhon: Inserted new theme screenshots at the top of this post.

very nice. i think there should be a separate FAQ sub-forum for this website...

Can themes be installed without the benefit of a desktop app? DL'ed from a website, or the like? (I ask as a Mac user, PocketMac doesn't have any function like that.)

Geof

abruzzi -

I am one step ahead of you... I am working on a Over The Air version. Which should be out later on this week. it will be posted on this thread.

Your .alx currently looks like this:
<loader version="1.0">
<application id="BB 7730 Theme">
<name>
BB 7730 Theme
</name>
<description >
</description>
<version >
0.1
</version>
<fileset Java="1.0">
<files >
net_rim_theme_blackberry.cod
net_rim_theme_vodafone_240x260.cod
</files>
</fileset>
</application>
</loader>

The one I made for mine looks like this:
<loader version="1.0">
<application id="Add-on Themes">
<name>Add-on Themes</name>
<description>7100 Themes</description>
<version>1.0.0.7</version>
<vendor>WebNet, Inc.</vendor>
<copyright>Copyright 2001-2004 Research In Motion</copyright>
<fileset Java="1.0">
<files>net_rim_theme_blackberry.cod</files>
<files>net_rim_theme_vodafone_240x260.cod&lt ;/files>
</fileset>
</application>
</loader>

It doesn't really matter except when you go to settings --> applications in mine I see "Add-on Themes" so I know it is the ones I added, whereas yours would say BB 7730 Theme which to me would be misleading. and then you can click properties and read the description and the other info which you have blank...

Again, not a big deal but since you created one and are distributing it might as well put in detailed info for the n00bs who install it they can tell what things are when looking in application list on their BB.

Consideration taken...

EDIT: Uploaded new Themes.zip with new ALX thanks. good point

Excellent. Thanks!

jaysen......what's up bro! it's me again, john!

you're getting into the whole BB developement thing, i like that! let me know what else you come out with!

keep it up!

john

Jaysen.... Nice touch putting them together with the alx file.

Yah bro I got 4 days off a week, need something to keep me busy and my mind off of work... Seem's like this and the girlfriend have been the only things to do that... ;)

yeah...as a mac user any program help is appreciated and as it stands, over the air download is the only way to get stuff for me...I'd really like to try the different themes...also- hey I'm a newbie here, nice to meet everyone...

This thread is now stickied!

yay my first sticky

Quick Update: OTA transfer at first seemed impossible due to limits on COD file download size's of 128K but... I think I may have stumbled upon something I am too tired to go on... but will keep everyone updated.

Hate to use this thread... but if anyone has any knowledge of java programming and the use of PNG files in them... please PM me... this info will go to good use... I was able to semi-successfully load my personal icon...

jaysen, get to it on the 7290 (to see if the theme is any different)

Package Version: 3.8.0.161
Consisting of:
Applications: 3.8.0.139
Software Platform: 1.8.0.99

You beat me too it !! I'm extracting themes as we speak.

BTW, if you pull the tmobile theme out, and just have the blackberry and vodafone theme in, this works on 72xx and 77xx running 3.7 too

I realize it's only been a day, but can you say a little more about that process you're working on to modify existing themes?

well quick update...

I have SUCCESSFULLY was able to modify a PNG icon but every time i run the scroll bar/cursor/mouse over it the simulator crashes... I am afraid as of this point with my little knowledge to load it on my actual 7100. I know nothing of java programming and I think this is where I am going to need some help... because if not were dead in the water with this... I thought it'd be simple -- an idea of simple would be making own skins for winamp... but its not that easy and requires programming knowledge. I am waiting on a response from a buddy of mine who has developed on a rim platform before so... until i hear from him... im stuck.

ok, i can install new themes no problem now.... only now i need some themes to install.

has no one figured out how to make them yet?

ahhhhh, i'm retarded....sorry for being so hasty. thanks so much for your work so far!

Any news on OTA versions?

Any word on or tips on how to change the themes when you ONLY have a Mac computer.
For any of you seasoned BB/Apple users... are mac users always on the outs with any additions/software for the BB?
:(

If we could have that list style theme (default) combined with the nice Alt-Tab interface that the Vodaphone theme has, I think we'd have a winner.

BTW, that T-Mobile theme is nasty. Who thought up that one?

i get this error when i install the themes on my 7280...on the 4.0 software from hong kong

"Uncaught exception: Unable to find parent"

any ideas why?

help!

I agree with anhloc, the T - Mobile default theme is not so great... The 7730 theme works really well with the 7100... It takes up less space with the default readings of time, date and signal at the top. Also it has a nice clean blue interface...

Thanks for making it possible to change the themes.

On BES 3.6
Not sure if this is related to the recent Themes download but now I am unable to view attachments.

I am currently using the Vodaphone theme?

Anyone??

PS Nice board here.

On BES 3.6
Not sure if this is related to the recent Themes download but now I am unable to view attachments.

I am currently using the Vodaphone theme?

Anyone??

PS Nice board here.

anyone know if there are themes for 7280?!?!

or any compatible downloads that will work?

Is there any way to move icons in either the vodafone or other list theme? I really like the vodafone one, but would like to have my browser icon on the main screen. Any thoughts on how I can do this?

Highlight the icon you want to move. Hold down the "alt" key and push the wheel key. You will see the "move applicaiton" menu.

I tried adding your themes to my BB 7520 and when I tried to remove it the only way I could was to use my desktop app loader to remove it. When I did this it took away my original theme was not under options anymore. My home screen was black and white except for a few things. when i reinstalled your add on themes I was able to put the original theme back in with it but now my bluetooth symbol is not in the right place and my pop up menu is missing the yellow color around the highlighted option your on is missing. I can remove the add on themes but it takes away the original default theme. Then when I reinstall the add on themes I can put on the original default theme but the bluetooth symbol is moved and there is some things not right. Does anybody know how to reinstall the original software or if a wipe will take care of this. I am a newbie and I could really use some help. Thanks!

The themes are for the 7100t. Loading them on the 7520, as you did, may corrupt the operating system.

Go to the Nextel web site and download the latest version of the handheld code. Execute the program.

Find and delete VENDOR.XML on your C: drive.

Start Desktop Manager (with the BB connected) and Application Loader. You should be able to click the Advanced button and tell it to reload the operating system.

If that does not work, get a copy of JAVALOADER, which will allow you to wipe out the BB. Or you can try the Wipe Handheld option.

I took the liberty of updating the zip file and .alx with the O2 theme. I'm hosting the file here http://thelloyds.matrixdancer.com/Themes.zip

thanks Conan!

No problem. I wanted to give something back.

The new calculator (much better) in 4.0 does not work for me under the 7700 Small Icon Theme (won't load - get error message - see below) or Vodafone Theme (loads but is unusable).

It works under Original T-mobile, List, and O2 themes.

Error message under 7700 Small Icon Theme as follows -

Uncaught exception:
Cannot find image:
highlight_calculator

Is this unique to me or do others have this problem as well?

Thanks

I tried to load your zip file, but it keeps telling me no programs for my model when I try to add the alx file? Is your zip for a 7100t?

Pscobee

Note - the "bluetooth" icon has been removed from view during the upgrade to handheld version 4 software.

I personally like to turn it off when not in use to save battery, so I had been using the UK Default/Small Icons theme because you could have a bluetooth on/off icon on the main menu page. However v4 takes away this ability. Now you have to do settings/options/bluetooth/on-off. Bummer.

Pscobee ~

Yes it is for a 7100t. I used it to add the themes to mine. I just modified an existing .alx file to add the O2 theme.

Thanks!

I am gonna try to delete the addon themes and then reinstall your new one?

I also searched for the vendor.xml file to delete, but couldn't find one on my pc? :P

I even used the search feature on the forums!!! (But it didn't help me )