I recently picked up a 8700v locked to the UK Vodafone network. I have sent off for an unlock code and hope i am able to unlock it. However, meanwhile i thought i'd update the firmware.
But the problem is the unit is not recognised by my computer (WinXP). My 7100 is recognised fine but not the 8700. I noticed on the unit that it had a IT policy on it (the old owner must have not removed it before). I bought the unit from what i believe is a reputable ebay seller (over 5700 feedback).
I even tried pairing it via BT but it doesnt seem to connect.

I have tried serching the net for answers but have come up empty. I would really appreciate assistance on the following:

- Is the IT Policy causing the unit not to be recognised by my computer or is my USB port fried somehow?
- Would the unlock code i'm waiting for remove the IT Policy?
- Can i upgrade the unit firmware using BT?
- Anyone (who has a BES) who can help me remove the IT Policy pls

thanks again

- Is the IT Policy causing the unit not to be recognised by my computer or is my USB port fried somehow?
Possible - but I've never heard of it - but possible.

- Would the unlock code i'm waiting for remove the IT Policy?
No. Unlocking has no impact on the IT Policy

- Can i upgrade the unit firmware using BT?
No; firmware can only be upgraded via the USB cable

- Anyone (who has a BES) who can help me remove the IT Policy pls
Search here for "remote IT Policy"; someone has put together a process for doing it.

NJBlackBerry - thanks for the tip on removing the IT Policy.

Now if only i can sort out the USB problem. I have a funny feeling that the USB port on the unit is somehow fried/not working. If the unit charges fine over the USB cable, could the syncing function be faulty?

If the seller sold you a BB which was defective (no USB) you should immediately contact them and Paypal for a refund.

I should - i have emailed the seller. But the logistics and cost of sending it back (I am now in another country) may be prohibitive.
Is there any way to repair a faulty mini-USB port?

Can't help there - sorry....

Just an update - all sorted out. Managed to remove the IT policy - thanks to everyone who helped.
Got the unlock code as well (from UnlockItnow.com - great quick service).

The USB cable was a little tricky - but i think it was just a little loose, so some jiggling managed to sort it out. Hopefully i dont have any more trouble with it.

Happily running the new 8707 OS on it too...sweet!!!

Thanks again all.

Ok - i thought I managed to remove the IT policy (because it doesnt show anymore on one of the screens in options)

But when i attempt to use bbSpell, i get this error :
"The application bbSpell has attempted to open a connection to a location inside the firewall and outside the firewall which is not allowed by your IT policy"

When I click on "enabled" in firewall, it doesnt give me an option to change it. I am assuming this is why i cant use bbSpell or Corrector (and a few other apps like Opera as well). But i cannot disable the firewall. Is that normal?

Could it also be because i'm running the 8707v software on my 8700v?

I am on BIS2 with a local telco provider. I am able to get connected to the internet (but i understand that just because i have access to the net doesnt mean the apps will work)

Any help is greatly appreciated.

It certainly sounds like the IT policy is still around. You can work around this error in bbSpell and other applications that allow both MDS and bb Web CXonnect based interent access.

You must be careful to never allow an appplication to access the network using MDS. Once it does, due to your IT Policy, the app gets marked as such, and wil lthen not allow a BB Web Connect based connection and will throw the error you saw. The only workaround is to fix the IT policy, or to reinstall the BB OS (yes the whole OS) to remove the flag on the application that says it has used MDS. In the case of bbSpell, after reinstalling the OS and bbSpell, be certain to check "Use BB Web connect" before ever using bbSpell.

jeff