I just recently got a Blackberry Pearl and had some issues syncing it with my Windows Vista system (ah, Vista, always trying to be difficult). Every time I plugged my device into my laptop I would get a message about "unable to fin device driver software for RIM Composite Device". I searched this forum, pinstack and google and mostly found discussions regarding this problem but with no definitive response as to what to do. Well after a grand total of 5.5 hours (2.5 one night, 3 the next night) on the phone with Blackberry and T-Mobile I finally figured out the problem and figured out how to get rid of the message. I thought I would post this for anyone experiencing the same problem I did.

DISCLAIMER: I am in no way a professional, in fact I'm a BB newbie, follow these procedures at your own risk. While following this procedure you are responsible for what happens to your computer, I'm simply putting this out there because it was the only way I could get it to work.

1. Plug device directly into your laptop/PC
2. When "found new hardware" message pops up choose the first option "Have windows automatically search for me"
3. After receiving the message that says "Windows was unable to find the software" it gives you the option of finding the software on your own or inserting the disc that came with your device (note: I tried the CD that came with my device but it did not work, I'm assuming since you're reading this, yours didn't work as well) - Hit "Cancel"
4. After you have been told by your computer that the driver software install failed right click on your "Computer" icon on your desktop.
5. From there click Properties
6. Go to Device Manager
7. In device manager you should see "RIM Composite Device" under ports with a Yellow exclamation point next to it - right click on it
8. Click "Properties" and go to the "Driver" tab.
9. Click the icon that says update driver.
10. A new window pops up that says "browse for driver software on your computer" at the bottom of this window there is an option that says "let me pick from a list of device drivers on my computer" Click on this link.
11. Scroll down the list on the left until you get to "Research in Motion" on the right you will see "Blackberry Device" highlight it and click next
12. You will see a message pop up that says something along the lines of "installing this device driver is not recommended b/c windows can't verify that it is compatible with your hardware, etc." Click "Yes"
13. the driver should install and you should get a message that states "Driver Software install successful"

The final test is to unplug your device and plug it back in and see if you get the message again.

I hope this helps some people who are struggling like I was. Feel free to contact me with any questions.

thanks for posting your solution. I am sure that others will have the same problem as Vista makes its way onto more and more computers.

Hi,
thanks for your information, as I was going Mad trying to fix this problem. Follow-ed your instructions and resolved the matter.

Thanks
Darryn

Thats weird, I have Vista and i had not have a problem, but my Computer would freeze with the 4.1 OS Software that gave me when i got the phone after i would disconnect it.