When Desktop Manager can't find the latest OS you just loaded....

[brianh]

A few people have reported this issue when trying to update the device firmware, i.e. the latest release OS is loaded to the PC, but when Desktop Manager is run, it won't see the version, even though Vendor.xml has been deleted.

The following solution was posted by Crucial Extreme on the CrackBerry forums, crediting John Clark form BlackBerry Forums.

I have added the credits, but in case this violates protocols, here is the link for the post.
Why Won't My OS Update?? I Deleted The Vendor Xml file!! - BlackBerry Forums at CrackBerry.com

Alright, since the leak of the latest beta OS for the Storm, we've had more people than ever trying to update their device. And many have been having serious problems. First off, I want to say that wiping the device with JL_Cmder is NOT necessary and should only be done by experienced users.
Now for those having troubles upgrading, please read the following. It was made by John Clark form BlackBerry Forums. JC is a wonderful guy with much experience in the BlackBerry field. Much thanks to JC, and feel free to pop in BBF and give him the thanks he is due.


So, you downloaded the newest, latest and greatest OS for your BlackBerry and have followed all the instructions found here.

1. Download and install Desktop Manager.
2. Download and install the OS of your choice for your device.
3. Delete vendor.xml located in c:\program files\common files\research in motion\apploader.
4. Plug in BB and open Desktop Manager.

However, when you open Desktop Manager you get no prompt to update. When you open Application Loader your new OS is not listed!!

This has been plaguing people for the last few months. I've never experienced the issue because of the way I've loaded Desktop Manager but Vasco at Horizon did and he and I together figured this out. I believe we've found the issue and will explain how to fix here.

The problem lies in the new Desktop Manager's automatic "Check for Updates" feature. This feature uses your internet connection to look for OS updates for your device from your carrier. When it does this it loads a second virtual vendor.xml file in the temp folder on your computer (Vista users look in C:\Users\Username\appdata\virtualstore.) So, even after you delete the normal one that is installed with the OS and Desktop Manager, the automatic "check for updates" feature loads another one based on the brand of device you've got plugged into the PC.

To prevent this from happening this you need to install Desktop Manager WITHOUT this Automatic Update service. Below are the steps to remove this service.

1. Go to Control Panel >Add/Remove Programs.
2. Click on "BlackBerry Desktop Software" and select "Change/Remove."
3. When prompted, hit "Next" and then you should get options for Modify, Repair, or Remove. Choose "Modify."
4. On DM 4.7 and higher, in the list of installed items, you should see "BlackBerry Automatic Update." Click the icon next to it and change it to "This feature will not be available." That should put an "X" next to "BlackBerry Automatic Update." If you are using DM 4.6 or lower and don't see this option in this list then just continue with the install and the installation will ask you a few screens later. A screen will be shown where you will be asked to check the boxes for:

A) "Start BlackBerry Desktop Manager automatically each time the computer starts."
B) "Create a shortcut for BlackBerry Desktop Manager on the Windows Desktop."
C) "Check for software updates."

Be sure number 3, "Check for software updates," is NOT checked.

5. Finish the installation.

(Note: If you're doing a fresh install of Desktop Manager, be sure and choose the "Custom" install button so that you get the prompt for what features you want installed. Otherwise all the features will be installed as normal and you'll likely run into this issue.)

Once that is complete, you'll need to go back and search your computer for vendor.xml. When you do the search, make sure you click on "Advanced Options" and make sure that you search Hidden files and folders. This is important as some operating systems create a virtual store in the temp folder that this vendor.xml file is located in. You will not find this particular vendor.xml if you don't have hidden files/folders selected for search. Once the hidden vendor.xml is deleted it won't come back if you've reinstalled Desktop Manager without the Automatic Update Feature enabled.

Now, make sure your OS is installed (you may need to install the OS again, if you actually remove Desktop Manager and then reinstall Desktop Manager again. Make sure that you delete the normal vendor.xml file LAST before updating the device.

Tip of the day: Desktop Manager is not even required for doing an OS upgrade. In the same folder as the vendor.xml file is a file called Loader.exe. Running that will run apploader without Desktop Manager. It still makes the full backup and restore, but without all the DM stuff running in the background. I use this for all my OS upgrades. Then later I connect to DM to start my BES activation.

[Camski]

I had this problem when I first got my Storm2.

My solution: After you've installed the downloaded OS, delete the vendor.xml file and then disconnect yourself from the internet.

Run DM as usual with BB attached and presto.

(Unless this is a new issue that I don't know of)

[brianh]

I had this issue - sometimes, even after deleting Vendor.xml and disconnecting from the internet, DM will not "find" the new OS. The article explains the problem and its cause.

The 5.0.0.545 Crackberry forum thread also has advice on how to solve this from a command prompt in Windoze.

I could search again and add this if there is enough interest (keeps all the solutions in the one place...)