I'm not trying to upgrade or downgrade my device. Just wanting some clarification, please.

AFAICT doing a search on this site it seems I need to:

- Install the OS from my provider (to my PC)
- Zap the device using JavaLoader
- Resinstall my original OS using the BB Desktop Manager

Point me to the specific thread please that answers this if there is one (there are just so many now that almost answer it, it seems):

- Should the Desktop Manager recognise my zapped BB ok?
- Is this the most robust *and most stable way* of doing the factory reset?
- Has anyone actually irrecoverably trashed a BB that was working before, by following this process, requiring return as a 'broken' device?

Query: Why is JavaLoader a necessary part of this process? I would think that a full wipe with Applications Loader as part of a reinstall of your OS should get you back to the factory defaults.

Ah. Raising that query, and (hopefully) the answer that will follow is exactly why I thought it worth asking in the first place Thanks cooperpwc.

All a question of *exactly* what's required for a factory reset. I'm in another thread discussing the differences (if any) between the effects of a 'wipe handheld' and a 10 bad passwords attempts. On an 4.1 8700g, for example, a "wipe handheld" seems to leave the apps, and config data, in-tact. Pictures and ringtones too, IIRC. Just purges user data...

Well, Wipe Handheld as activated under Security Options on the 8700 is different than what I am talking about. I am talking about installing your desired OS to Desktop Manager, and then when you go to install it with Applications Loader you choose the Advanced Option to wipe the handheld's applications. (In fact, unless it's an upgrade, you often have to choose that option to force the OS to install).
That leaves your password in place but I think that it otherwise returns you to the factory defaults. I'm not sure what more Javaloader would add to the equation.
EDIT: And obviously you tell Applications Loader not to do an automatic Back-up and Restore.

Yes - we're on the same page. "Wipe handheld" doesn't restore factory defaults.

If I wipe the BB's apps in the App Loader, and then reload them, presumably the user data is also purged 'automagically' along the way?

Definitely. You couldn't keep your user data even if you wanted to. It has to erase everything in order to reinstall the OS.