Unlocking the Blackberry.

First of all, this is not a guide on how to remove carrier information from a Blackberry. If you’re unable to use a different SIM card than the one that was originally supplied with your device, look elsewhere. However if, like many others you have a Blackberry that is locked by a BES, meaning you’re unable to change certain settings, or install Third Party Applications then read on. Essentially, the problem is that your Blackberry has at some point been connected to a BES (Blackberry Enterprise Server), and this BES has placed a restrictive Security Policy (or IT Policy) on your device. A quick check to see if this is the case can be done by going to Options/Security on your Device. If you see any references to IT Policy whatsoever, then you have a potentially restrictive IT Policy that can be removed.

The Disclaimer/Intended Use.

This guide is intended for use by people that own their own Blackberry, and for whatever reason, have inherited a company’s IT Policy on their Device. Really, there are two scenarios where this guide is useful.

You, like me, bought a Blackberry on EBay and are unable to make changes to the settings or install Third Party Applications. You have a Blackberry that was previously connected to a company’s BES and, for whatever reason; you no longer intend to make connections to that BES. If you’re still connected to a Company BES, and simply want to install the latest and greatest Third Party Application I wouldn’t recommend this approach. Go talk to your administrators and ask them to grant you the appropriate rights. There are two problems in using this guide to bypass your Company’s Security Policy. Firstly, whenever you reconnect to the Company Server, your security settings will revert back to how they were. Secondly, and (perhaps) more importantly, you run the risk of getting fired.

Procedure

Method One

Method 1: IT Policy Removal (Preferred)

If you have any 8xxx or 9xxx device the best method for removing IT policy is to update it to OS 4.3 or higher (if possible) and you can use JL_Cmder’s “resettofactory” command to remove ALL IT policy, Firewall restrictions and Application Permission settings. After you’ve upgraded to OS 4.3 or higher, simply backup the device using Desktop Manager, close Desktop Manager, then run JL_Cmder and execute the “resettofactory” command. The device will do a security wipe of the device; (meaning wipe your data but leave the OS, DO NOT use the “Wipe” command in JL_Cmder) then reboot leaving the OS, 3rd party apps but no data AND, best of all, NO IT policy whatsoever. When you’re done, simply restore your backup and you’re good to go with no policy or locked firewall. You can downgrade back to the old OS if you desire, too.

Download JL_Cmder from this link: http://www.blackberryforums.com/general-blackberry-discussion/18789-jl_cmder.html

If your 7xxx or 8xxx device is running OS 4.2 or lower (look in Options >About) and you can’t upgrade it to OS 4.3 or higher you will NOT be able to use method 1 above and you will need to use method #2 below:

Method Two

Step 1

Ensure the Blackberry Desktop Manager is installed using Blackberry Internet Service, and not Blackberry Enterprise Server. If you are unsure, it would probably be a good idea to uninstall the Desktop Manager and start again.

If you don’t have the CD that came with your Blackberry, the Software can be downloaded here. BlackBerry Software Site

Step 2

Download the file policy.bin Download Here. and save it in your Blackberry installation directory (C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry).

Step 3

Wipe your Blackberry, creating a backup if necessary. Select Options/Security/Wipe (Newer 4.2 OS Devices Goto Options/Security Options/General Settings/Wipe) on the Device.

If this option is unavailable, you may have to install the latest software on your Blackberry. You need to Download and install the latest Desktop Manger Software, then the latest Handheld Software. Connect your device, open the Desktop Manager, select Application Loader, and follow the prompts.

Step 4

Close the Desktop Manager if it is open.

Step 5

From the Windows Start Menu select Run…, and at the prompt type regedit. In the tree on the left hand side, navigate to:

HKEY_Current_Users\Software\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\PolicyManager

Right-Click the Policy Manager Folder and select New/String Value. Name the value Path. Now, Double-Click the Path Subkey and set Value Data to:

C:\Program Files\Research In Motion\BlackBerry\policy.bin

Step 6

Open the Desktop Manager.

Step 7

Connect the Device.

Verification

Once complete, the Options/Security screen on your Blackberry should not contain references to an IT Policy, you should now be able to change all settings (including password prompts), and install Third Party Applications.