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Installing 3rd Party Applications

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December 28, 2006 at 3:05 am · Filed under Howtos, Software

Note: If you have a Mac OS X / Macintosh machine you should take a look to How to install 3rd party applications (Mac OS X).

There’s a whole exciting world of applications for your BlackBerry out there. Installing those applications is a pretty straightforward process, though there are occasional issues that crop up. If you do encounter problem, there’s usually an easy solution. This article will talk about the steps to install a new application, and then discuss the most common problems that people encounter.

There are two ways of installing applications to your BlackBerry. You can download the software over the air (OTA) using the web browser on your device, or you can install an application from your PC using the RIM Desktop Manager.

To install OTA, you must have a URL for the sofware you want to install. The URL will point to a JAD file somewhere on the Internet. After entering the URL into the browser on your BlackBerry, it will prompt you to verify that you want to install the application. Say yes, and if all goes well it will install on your BlackBerry.

OTAInstall1

Downloading Google Maps
OTAInstall2

Success!

The second method of installation uses the RIM Desktop Manager. Applications meant to be installed from the Desktop Manager come with two files: an ALX file and a COD file. First, connect your BlackBerry to your PC using a data cable. Once the device is attached, launch the RIM Desktop Manager. Then launch the Application Loader from inside the Desktop Manager.

Desktop Manager

BlackBerry Desktop Manager

Click the “Add…” button in the Application Loader and specify an Application Loader File(.alx). The application should now appear in the list of items to install. Follow the instructions from there to finish the installation and it should appear on your Blackberry.

Piece o cake. Unless it didn’t work. If you hit a problem fear not. There are things you can do.

 

“No System Software was found for your handheld.”

Application Loader

No System Software Found

Lucky you. You’ve either upgraded your handheld OS, or gotten a new BlackBerry for your birthday. Either way, your Desktop Manager doesn’t know how to talk to your BlackBerry. It is lacking the device software for your model of BlackBerry.

You’ll have to download and install the latest device software and service packs from your carrier. To see which device software you have installed on your computer, go to the Desktop Manager Help–>About and click the Device Software tab.

 
“No additional applications for your handheld were found”

No Additional Apps Error

No Additional Applications

First, make sure the .alx file and the .cod file are in the same directory. The Application Loader uses both files to install to your BlackBerry. If that isn’t the problem, then upgrading the Desktop Manager might help. You can download the latest version from your carrier or directly from RIM: http://www.blackberry.com/support. More detailed information on this can be found at: BlackBerry Install Error: No additional applications designed for your device found!

 
Invalid Digital Signature

If you are running a BES BlackBerry, there is a setting in the BES that doesn’t allow the installation of 3rd party applications unless they have been signed. You will have to contact your BES administrator to change this setting.

 
A fatal error has occurred while updating your handheld’s software. Please try again. Unspecified error encountered [J:0×0000000A]

That (most helpful) error message appears because the application you are loading requires a more recent version of the handheld operating system than you have. You will need to go to your carrier’s website and download a more recent version of the OS.


Found via allblackberry.com
This article is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

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57 Comments »

  1. k said,

    December 28, 2006 @ 3:10 am

    If you have Desktop Manager 4.2, the Application Loader will automatically locate those files you have downloaded Over-The-Air, as well, so you can easily remove them!

  2. Ron said,

    January 8, 2007 @ 3:59 pm

    hey guys need some help bout blackberry pearl. just got yesterday n i m having this problem bout ” no system software found” i cant add anything althought theres hips of memory space on my memory card.
    when i tried to check device software tab as u recomemded— nothing is listed there. tel me what to do plz..

    and also it takes along time to stop or increase or decrease volume or to change anything when the video is playing that i downloaded on mobile. so basically if i start 1 video i have to wait for some minutes till it finishes n can do anythign with mobile. i have no clue whats wrong with this. can any1 help?

  3. Martin said,

    January 12, 2007 @ 7:38 am

    I’m trying to install the AudibleAir app from Audible.com. Trying to download it from them on my Cingular Pearl did not work - for some reason, http://download.audible.com/audibleair/java.htm won’t render in my bb browser (I get a blank screen). I tried hitting http://download.audible.com/audibleair/j2me/gen/240/Audible.jad directly, but the download fails. I’ve been able to download audible.jad to my desktop, but have not been able to figure out how to install it directly to my device. Is there way to repackage a *.jad file as a *.alx or *.cod file?

  4. Lorenzo Garcez said,

    March 5, 2007 @ 12:18 am

    Does anyone know what software (free if possible) to intall on a 7250 Blackberry PDA to view pdf files with? I don’t want it to go to communicate (I don’t want it to send an email to a remote server) with any server since I work with sensitive informaion. Is there an Adobe PDA version for my 7250 or similar type application I can download?

  5. BlackBerryInsight » Howto: Get BlackBerry Internet Access without Data Plan (example: China Mobile) said,

    April 27, 2007 @ 8:52 pm

    [...] So it is not possible to use this browser. But who cares? I downloaded the Opera Mini to my PC and installed it on my BlackBerry. The installation is really really easy going! When the installation was finished I could see the red “O” on my BlackBerry’s desktop. [...]

  6. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: BBTris - Tetris for your BlackBerry! said,

    June 21, 2007 @ 9:57 pm

    [...] (Link is valid 24 hours from now!) A quite good program installation guide can be found here: Installing 3rd party applications In friendly cooperation with: [...]

  7. BBBoy said,

    June 28, 2007 @ 4:18 am

    Great Thread, Installed some addon software using your instructions…
    Can some one point me to games or Utilities that work in BBPearl Please
    Thanks

  8. k said,

    June 28, 2007 @ 7:12 am

    You can checkout MobileSoftMarket’s BlackBerry category.

  9. BlackBerryInsight » How to install 3rd party applications (Mac OS X) said,

    July 25, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

    [...] Note: If you have a Microsoft Windows PC please refer to Installing 3rd Party Applications (Microsoft Windows). [...]

  10. illyana said,

    July 30, 2007 @ 3:27 am

    PLEASE, HELP ME!
    I just bought my BB8300 Curve, and I’m completely lost!
    I have absolutely NO IDEA on how to download themes!!!
    I’ve read something about softwares, “OS” and I don’t have a clue of what those things mean!
    Please, help me… step-by-step… what I must download? Where can I find that? After downloading it, what do I have to do to make it work on my BlackBerry 8300?
    I’m from Brazil, and I’ve been looking for forums and tips, but it seems like I’m the only one who doesn’t know what “OTA”, “Desktop Manager” and other things means! I feel so stupid!
    Contact me via e-mail, please! illyanagurgel@gmail.com
    Thanks

  11. rahul said,

    July 30, 2007 @ 9:01 pm

    Hi,

    can you please tell me that what is the maximum memory size of third party applications (cod files) to install on various blackberry devices or generally.

    Thanking You
    Rahul

  12. Wei Wu’s Home Page » Blog Archive » BlackBerryInsight » Installing 3rd Party Applications said,

    August 1, 2007 @ 5:08 am

    [...] BlackBerryInsight » Installing 3rd Party Applications [...]

  13. BlackBerryInsight » Press Release: HabitMaster has been released said,

    August 1, 2007 @ 9:32 am

    [...] Easy installation via BlackBerry Desktop Manager. [...]

  14. S4BB Limited » Press Release: HabitMaster has been released said,

    August 1, 2007 @ 9:33 am

    [...] Easy installation via BlackBerry Desktop Manager. [...]

  15. voi said,

    August 5, 2007 @ 4:18 pm

    for info on repackaging .alx files to .jad files for manual usb install (yes a third option for all you mac and linux users and people without bb data plans!) works with most apps … check out http://www.blackberryforums.com/linux-users-corner/88043-installing-themes-linux.html#post623567

  16. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: BerryDialer - Use Multiple Calling Cards on your BlackBerry said,

    August 16, 2007 @ 10:12 am

    [...] We do also have a good guide on “How to install 3rd party applications” for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. [...]

  17. Thiego said,

    September 11, 2007 @ 12:35 am

    Hi,
    I’ve got a BlackBerry Pearl and I’m trying to install some programs but my device just had 16megabytes free memory and now is almost full, I’m used to work with windows mobile and on that I Could install my programs on the memory card. The Question is: Does any one now how to install programs on the memory card of the BlackBerry Pearl?
    Thanks for the help…

  18. Pat said,

    October 11, 2007 @ 11:21 pm

    Yes if anyone knows how to install apps/games to the memory card on the BlackBerry, please do let us know… It definately seems that it cannot be done

  19. k said,

    October 12, 2007 @ 9:03 am

    This seems to be not possible at the moment. Perhaps RIM might change that some time.

  20. Joekidq said,

    October 18, 2007 @ 10:35 am

    I installed the Opera Mini and configured it all 3 ways I have a pearl att/cingular but I still can not connect. can you please help.

    Thanks

  21. BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch » BlackBerry Internetverbindung ohne BlackBerry-Service (Beispiel: China Mobile) said,

    November 2, 2007 @ 10:25 am

    [...] Es ist also nicht möglich diesen Browser zu benutzen. Aber wen kümmert’s? Ich habe den Opera Mini auf meinem PC und auf meinem BlackBerry installiert. Die Installation ist wirklich sehr sehr einfach! Als die Installation abgeschlossen war, konnte ich das rote “O” auf meinem BlackBerry-Desktop sehen. [...]

  22. Melanee said,

    November 11, 2007 @ 4:46 pm

    ummmm i have a MAC….i dl the program but i ont know how to send it to my phone now…

  23. BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch » Rebooten Ihres BlackBerry said,

    November 16, 2007 @ 10:19 am

    [...] Eigentlich ist dies eine seltene Aufgabe, aber Sie könnten sie manchmal gebrauchen. Manche Programe auf dem Markt, wie z.B. die kostenlose VoIP-Anwendung BBCalls, BerryDialer oder der vCardMaster müssen immernoch neu-gebootet werden nach deren Installation. Warum? Weil Sie sich in die Funktionen des BlackBerry Betriebssystems integrieren. Sie können zum Beipiel den BerryDialer installieren, um Calling Cards zu ntzen, indem Sie Ihre Calling-Card-Nummern eingeben. Dann gehen Sie einfach in Ihr Adressbuch, wenn Sie jemanden anrufen möchten. Im Adressbuch-Menü können Sie einen Eintrag finden, mit dem Sie Ihren Kontakt direkt mit Ihrer Calling Card anrufen können. Damit Sie diesen Eintrag sehen können, müssen Ihren BlackBerry neu booten. [...]

  24. BlackBerryInsight » BlackBerry Install Error: No additional applications designed for your device found! said,

    January 21, 2008 @ 2:56 pm

    [...] So this is how to solve this issue. It has been mentioned alread at the complete howto for installing third party applications to a BlackBerry device: Install Applications (Windows). [...]

  25. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: Mobile Quotes and Analysis for BlackBerry v2 said,

    January 27, 2008 @ 12:29 pm

    [...] Desktop Installation: Download both the ALX and COD file below then install on your device using the Desktop Manager. ALX file: http://www.marketfilters.com/widgets/v2/MarketFilters.alx, COD file: http://www.marketfilters.com/widgets/v2/MarketFilters.cod. [...]

  26. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: HabitMaster Productivity Tool for BlackBerry® - 24 hours only! said,

    February 21, 2008 @ 2:15 pm

    [...] Easy installation via BlackBerry Desktop Manager. [...]

  27. BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch » Kostenloser Download: HabitMaster Productivity-Tool für BlackBerry® - Nur 24 Stunden! said,

    February 22, 2008 @ 10:28 am

    [...] Einfache Installation mittels BlackBerry Desktop Manager. [...]

  28. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: CIA World Factbook for BlackBerry Wireless Handhelds said,

    February 28, 2008 @ 3:43 pm

    [...] We do also have a good guide on “How to install 3rd party applications” for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. [...]

  29. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: Personal Development EBook Pack for BlackBerry said,

    February 28, 2008 @ 3:43 pm

    [...] We do also have a good guide on “How to install 3rd party applications” for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X. [...]

  30. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: BlackBerry EBook - The Science of Getting Rich said,

    February 28, 2008 @ 3:45 pm

    [...] (Link is valid 24 hours from now!) If you have problems installing 3rd party stuff please take a look to our install 3rd party application howto. [...]

  31. mo7ammed said,

    March 13, 2008 @ 10:32 pm

    Hi there
    how can I get the arabic lang. ????
    inform me plz.

  32. k said,

    March 14, 2008 @ 11:53 am

    @mo7ammed: You should check out our BlackBerry Pearl’s Chinese Input Method Support #1 article.

    It should be the same for arabic :)

  33. JODESCORPION said,

    April 9, 2008 @ 11:08 am

    FOR WINDOWS VISTA INSTAL 4.3 THIS IS THE ONLI SOFTWAR WOKS

  34. Tiffany said,

    April 14, 2008 @ 8:44 pm

    I’ve recently downloaded a game from bplay.com. I have a MAC OS X. I’ve already downloaded PocketMac for my blackberry too. What do I do from here to install the game into my blackberry??

  35. BlackBerryInsight » Free Download: MobileTracker for BlackBerry (GPS KML/KMZ/GPX Tracklog Tool) - 24 hours only! said,

    April 20, 2008 @ 2:13 pm

    [...] do also have a good guide on “How to install 3rd party applications” for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS [...]

  36. BBrichabundo said,

    April 20, 2008 @ 10:30 pm

    Hello i recently downloaded some free themes for my 8700 and upon downloading it using the desktop manager my unit does not start up any longer. It would only show the hourglass but it does not boot up and i can no longer use my 8700. Same thing happened with my 7290. I tried installing the free screensaver from this site and the same thing happened. Please help me. i dont know what happened to my blackberry 8700 and 7290. email me at “rich_abundo@yahoo.com

  37. Free Download: Sudoku Expert - Porsche Edition for BlackBerry Wireless Handheld | BlackBerryInsight said,

    May 3, 2008 @ 10:11 am

    [...] do also have a good guide on “How to install 3rd party applications” for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS [...]

  38. Free Download: Flashlight Pro for BlackBerry® - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    May 22, 2008 @ 7:30 pm

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  39. How To Fix An Endless Re-Booting BlackBerry | BlackBerryInsight said,

    June 16, 2008 @ 1:14 pm

    [...] might have installed a 3rd party application recently or just upgraded your BlackBerry OS and now your BlackBerry says [...]

  40. hani ali said,

    June 20, 2008 @ 4:17 pm

    i’m not able to connect blackberry 8700 with desktop manager via bluetooth

  41. Free Download: Wallpaper Megaplex for BlackBerry - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    June 23, 2008 @ 11:19 am

    [...] do also have a good guide on “How to install 3rd party applications” for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS [...]

  42. Ty said,

    June 23, 2008 @ 11:48 pm

    Does anyone know how I can go about installing the chemical reativity worksheet application from (response.restoration.noaa.gov/chemaids/react.html) onto my BlackBerry Curve. When you put in the above address you have to select the Download/Install option at the top to locate the application.

  43. Free Download: EmergencyWipe for BlackBerry - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    July 23, 2008 @ 11:23 pm

    [...] Unfortunately, we do not have an OTA download link available for this so you need to use your BlackBerry Desktop Manager or PocketMac. Important Note: be careful using this! It is designed to protect your confidential [...]

  44. Kostenloser Download: EmergencyWipe für BlackBerry - nur 24 Stunden! | BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch said,

    July 24, 2008 @ 11:44 am

    [...] auf den Blackberry laden. Leider gibt es keinen OTA Download für diese Anwendung, Sie müssen den BlackBerry Desktop Manager oder PocketMac verwenden. Wichtiger Hinweis: Seien Sie vorsichtig beim Verwenden dieses Programms! [...]

  45. Jad/Jar files - BlackBerry Forums at CrackBerry.com said,

    August 11, 2008 @ 1:42 am

    [...] out on this. BlackBerry Guide: How to Install 3rd Party Applications on Your BlackBerry | BB Geeks Installing 3rd Party Applications | BlackBerryInsight this was posted by Haider on pinstack Sorry Red, but you can downlaod and install jad files other [...]

  46. BBInsight Forums Shortcut Icon for BlackBerry | BlackBerryInsight said,

    August 12, 2008 @ 5:24 am

    [...] Installing 3rd Party Applications using a Microsoft Windows PC [...]

  47. Free Download: TimeTracker for BlackBerry - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    August 25, 2008 @ 11:23 pm

    [...] Unfortunately, we do not have an OTA download link available for this so you need to use your BlackBerry Desktop Manager or [...]

  48. Free Download: Ziplorer for BlackBerry - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    October 24, 2008 @ 5:23 am

    [...] Unfortunately, we do not have an OTA download link available for this so you need to use your BlackBerry Desktop Manager or [...]

  49. Free Application: BlackBerryInsight Screensaver | BlackBerryInsight said,

    November 4, 2008 @ 12:39 pm

    [...] Windows; BlackBerry Desktop Manager installation howto [...]

  50. Martin said,

    November 14, 2008 @ 1:17 pm

    thank you so much. i spent hours trying to figure ou how to instal BB notepad to my curve 8330 with no success. it took me 2 mins after reading your installing method. you are a god!!!!!!!! i am so bookmarking this page. thanks a million!!!!

  51. Chyke said,

    November 22, 2008 @ 9:16 am

    Hello, am using a BB 8300 and I don’t want to sign up for a BB plan with my service provider. how do I go about it…Am in Malaysia.

  52. Tim said,

    November 23, 2008 @ 12:39 am

    NextAction 3 is not using the task database on BB Storm. How do I get it to use the task database?

  53. Free Download: Video Generator for BlackBerry - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    December 25, 2008 @ 11:23 pm

    [...] Unfortunately, we do not have an OTA download link available for this so you need to use your BlackBerry Desktop Manager or [...]

  54. Free Download: MP3 Ringtone Generator for BlackBerry - 24 Hours Only! | BlackBerryInsight said,

    March 5, 2009 @ 12:12 am

    [...] Unfortunately, we do not have an OTA download link available for this so you need to use your BlackBerry Desktop Manager or [...]

  55. BlackBerryInsight - Deutsch » Kostenloser Download: BlackBerry MP3 Klingelton Generator - nur 24 Stunden said,

    March 6, 2009 @ 7:39 pm

    [...] haben wir auch eine Anleitung, wie man Drittanbietersoftware auf dem BlackBerry mittels Microsoft Windows und Mac OS X [...]

  56. stone said,

    March 14, 2009 @ 11:55 am

    why are some .jar files compatible but other .jar files aren’t? What does error message 907 mean?

  57. Green said,

    April 10, 2009 @ 1:02 am

    I do believe i still need some help here, i have successfully downloaded an application quite a few times now, and yet when i try to open it on my 8330 curve, i simply get no response from my phone. i can click it all i want and there is still nothing. i have tried OTA and from the RIM setup and still i get nothing, is there something im missing? i have other applications that work fine but i am referring to a GPS and topography application that is giving me trouble. any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you.

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