OK...So maybe I missed something by not backing up my Pearl before I switch firmware, or even did something wrong in the process...

But when I updated my firmware today:

My Address book was erased
All settings were reset to default
My e-mail no longer worked
The following programs were deleted (every program I had):
Opera Mini
BBWeather
Google Talk
Google Maps
KaGlom

I had to essentially start over with the phone.

Anyone know what the H*** happened and how NOT to do it next time??

P.S. Where Can I download google maps from?

Did you run JL_CMDER before updating? That would wipe everything out.

If you just updated via Application Loader, the first step should be a backup. Perhaps the restore step failed. Look for IPD files on your PC.

It sounds like the process was interrupted after the OS upgrade and before the data restore. The upgrade process will backup the phone, wipe the phone, install new OS, and then reload the backed up data. It got messed up somewhere.

In other words the process did create a backup. Go into the Desktop Manager, click on the backup/restore button, and you should find a backup file from the same day/time you did your upgrade, run that and you will have your info back.

The only thing I did notice, is that all programs installed OTA are not backed-up, so stuff like:
Opera Mini
BBWeather
Google Talk
Google Maps
KaGlom

will have to be downloaded again. I try to make every effort to install from the DM, because that is the only way it can easily be restored.

Allan

OTA programs SHOULD BE backed up during the backup phase of a system upgrade.

Ditto! I've never lost mine...

This was such a HUGE pain in A** that next time i might just forgo it all together and stick with the Firmware I have on their.

I mean is there ever really a HUGE advantage to upgrading? i.e....

i just switched phones and i didnt loose this much .. i think you missed a step somewhere

Really depends on what you call a HUGE advantage. Each firmware upgrade addresses some bug fix or other issue. There has been a HUGE advantage in my opinion going from the original T-Mobile v4.2.0.42 to the Cingular v4.2.0.71

Sometimes, in the case of bug fixes (memory leaks, device freezing, etc. ) then the answer is "yes". For many people, such as those upgrading in search of a different "theme" or other extra feature, probably not so much.

There can be a HUGE dis-advantage to some people when upgrading, particularly those are aren't experienced in upgrading software/firmware. Sometimes they become impatient during the upgrade, because it appears that nothing is "moving" and so it must be "locked up" and they unplug or otherwise reset the device. Other times (your case?) you may follow the directions perfectly and the upgrade ends badly through no fault of your own.
Such is I.T.

My advice to most folks attempting their own installations/repairs/modifications, is to go for it, if you are comfortable with the risks, otherwise don't. Also, If you didn't feel the need to take your toys apart as a kid, and successfully put them back together, then you might want to re-think taking out the trackball, etc.

Just as a real life example of the sentiments others stated, stock .42 T-Mobile firmware will only allow up to a 1gb microSD card; you have to upgrade to .64 (officially) to get 2gb microSD support working. I consider that a huge advantage, since I only had a 2gb microSD card to use.

I have upgraded/downgraded many times, at least 8, and not one of my OTA programs ever was restored. Each time I had to go get the 4 google apps, Opera, and a few games from Blackberry Help.

Not sure why this happened. But it did.

Allan

With the latest versions of Desktop Manager you even see the step where OTA programs are backed up. This only happens when you do an upgrade (after deleting vendor.xml) on the PC.

My OTA programs have always been restored. However, data in them is generally lost. I lose all my BBWeather profiles, etc. I don't mind fresh installs of the freeware apps like Google maps. It takes only a minute to reinstall them anyway.

Google Maps from BB Browser only: Google Maps

Pre-4.2 versions of the Desktop Manager software did not backup and restore OTA applications.