[gforce8]

My BB Curve started acting whacky this afternoon and now isn't working at all. Here's the story. I got a text message today from "5000." It said something to the effect that the person got my number from a friend and I should guess who he is or visit a Web site that he listed. I replied that I wouldn't play unless I knew who he was. Then I looked up the Web address on my computer NOT on my phone. It was some site for singles or hookups. After seeing that, I realized I had been duped and wondered if I should have replied to that text.

I was able to make several calls after that, but suddenly tonight every time I push a button -- any button -- the phonebook search comes up, but I can't navigate it. The track ball doesn't do anything. Typing a letter or any key brings up different combinations of letters and not what I typed. What have I done?? I've had this phone a month!

I've removed the battery and replaced it several times to reset the phone. Nothing changes. Did I somehow get a virus from the mystery text message or is my phone broken? Am I a complete idiot? I wasn't crazy before, but I'm going there now. HELP!!

[John Clark]

There is no known virus for a BlackBerry. Did the device get any moisture by chance?

[gforce8]

Actually, I had a conversation while my hair was wet and I noticed the skin (case) was damp. It wasn't soaked at all. Just damp!

[John Clark]

That could definitely do it. Your keyboard most likely got moisture in it and that is what's causing your problems. You need to let it dry out.

[gforce8]

YIKES! I didn't even think about that! Should I take the back off and let the whole thing dry or is it just the keyboard? (Right now this is my only phone. I'm not sure the ambulance will come as quickly if I e-mail 911. :~})

[John Clark]

It's just going to take a few days to dry out. Personally, I'd remove the battery and not use it until it dries out. The reason is that one drop of that moisture in the wrong place and the phone could be zapped. Dropping it in a bag of uncooked rice or placing it in a warm place (like inside a stereo cabinet or something) is a good place to start.

[gforce8]

I live in Colorado. Damp never occurs to me. I've taken out the battery and am hoping for the best.

[zerog46]

Just give it time...

[kerph32]

How is T-Mobile's replacement device policy? If your moisture detection sticker is still clear, you might be able to get a new phone

[John Clark]

They look for moisture in other ways once the device gets back to the carrier for refurbishment. If it was obvious to me that it was moisture, it'll definitely be obvious to them. I'd let it dry and see what happens.

[gforce8]

Thanks to Colorado's dry climate, I'm back in business overnight instead of a few days. I did leave the back off and the battery out. It's dry now and operating as usual. Thanks for the tip! Honestly, I had damp hair. I didn't drop it in water or even splash it. I haven't had a phone that was so sensitive to moisture.