is there a way to completely delete everything on the pearl and do a new install of the new tmobile os?

go into the blackberryBAQ and look for jl cmdr

Yes, follow the instructions in this link but don't do a backup/restore during the process. That will wipe the device of the old OS, load the new OS but not restore any of your data.

http://www.blackberryforums.com/gene...2-1-107-a.html

thanks