How to reset the BlackBerry smartphone to factory defaults

• BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.1 to 5.0 SP3
• BlackBerry OS version 6 to 7.1
• BlackBerry Device Software 4.3 to 5.0
• BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.7 to 5.0 SP1 (Windows)
• BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.0 to 7.1 (Windows)
• BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.4 (Mac OS)

Resetting the BlackBerry smartphone to factory defaults will erase all data from the BlackBerry smartphone (including built-in storage) along with any IT policies sent from a BlackBerry Enterprise Server.

In addition, an applied BlackBerry ID will be removed, allowing the use of another.

Warning: It is recommended to backup all BlackBerry smartphone data prior to performing a reset to factory defaults to ensure the data is not permanently lost. You can perform a backup of the BlackBerry smartphone using Article 12487.

For BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.1 to 7.1

These versions of BlackBerry Desktop Software have built-in functionality to perform a reset to factory defaults. To perform this task, please refer to Article 27739.

For BlackBerry Desktop Manager 4.7 to 5.0.1 and BlackBerry Desktop Software 6.0

On 32-bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7:

1. On the computer, click Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
   • Note: Windows Vista and 7, right-click and select Run As Administrator.
2. Type cd C:\Program Files\Common Files\Research In Motion\Apploader and press Enter.
3. Type loader.exe /resettofactory and press Enter.

On 64-bit Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows 7:

1. On the computer, click Start > Programs > Accessories > Command Prompt.
   • Note: For Windows Vista and 7, right-click and select Run As Administrator.
2. Type cd C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Research In Motion\Apploader and press Enter.
3. Type loader.exe /resettofactory and press Enter.

For BlackBerry Desktop Software 2.4 for Mac:

1. Close the BlackBerry Desktop Software if it is open.
2. On the computer, click on Go > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
3. Type cd /Applications/BlackBerry\ Desktop\ Software.app/Contents/MacOS/ and press Enter.
4. Type ./bbdm resettofactory and press Enter.
   Note: If the smartphone has a password enabled, that password must be specified within the command line. For example, type " ./bbdm -password 12345 resettofactory" (where 12345 is the BlackBerry smartphone password).

For BlackBerry Enterprise Server 4.1:

1. Open BlackBerry Manager.
2. Select BlackBerry Domain.
3. Click Edit Properties.
4. Select IT Policy.
5. Double-click IT Policies.
6. Select the appropriate IT policy or create a new one and click Properties.
7. Select Security.
8. Set the Reset to Factory Defaults on Wipe drop-down list to True.
9. Click OK to apply changes and exit.
10. Assign the IT policy to a BlackBerry smartphone user.
11. Right-click on the BlackBerry smartphone user and select Erase Data and Disable Handheld.

For BlackBerry Enterprise Server 5.0:

1. Log into the BlackBerry Administration Service with an account that can create or edit IT policies.
   For example, Enterprise Administrator or Security Administrator roles.
2. Under BlackBerry solution management, expand Policy.
3. Click Create an IT policy or
   1. Click Manage IT policies
   2. Select the IT Policy to alter
   3. Go to Step 6
4. Assign a name.
5. Click Save, then click the new IT policy name.
6. Click Edit IT policy.
7. Click the Security tab.
8. Set the Reset to Factory Defaults on Wipe drop-down list to True.
9. Click Save all.
10. Assign the IT policy to a BlackBerry smartphone user.
11. Select the PIN number of the BlackBerry smartphone user from Manage users and choose Delete all device data and disabled device.

Note: A shortcut may be used to avoid typing out the full string.

For a Mac, enter the first 3 letters of a specific folder, then press the Tab key: cd /App <Tab> will result in cd /Applications appearing on-screen.

For a PC, first type cd \ pro followed by the Tab key until it reads cd "C:\Program Files".
Note: Pressing the Tab key repeatedly also cycles through commands in alphabetical order.

Stepping through the folders individually helps eliminate spelling mistakes and guarantees the folder is present.

The factory reset performs much like the Wipe Handheld option from the BlackBerry smartphone, with some minor differences.

• Wipe Handheld - The Wipe Handheld option is performed directly on the BlackBerry smartphone (see Article 2318 and 14058). This option removes all BlackBerry application data (emails, address book entries, calendar events, etc.), and allows the deletion of User Installed Applications and the content of the Media Card.
   
• Reset to Factory Defaults - Application data will be removed and so are IT Policies. Third-party programs will NOT be affected by this operation. They will remain intact.