Blackberries won't update to latest firmware version

[Belix]

Hi folks
Have been trying to update our blackberries to the lastest firmware version, but notice than any version above 5 does not automatically load. If I select "try another version" from the desktop manager, it lists a few versions aboce the current, along with "recomended" next to them, but gives an error message about not having an "active Blackberry subscription" when you try and select them.

What is an active Blackberry subscription?

[Stuart]

"Balckberries" and "blackberried" won't work with the firmware updates. You can only use a Blackberry.

As for your subscription question, do you have BIS/BES activated with these phones?

[Jonboy]

Sounds very confusing, where did you get the firmware from? For this to work properly you must download the firmware from your service providers website (Vodacom, MTN) and then install that on your machine. Desktop Manager will detect the available software update and apply it. Shouldn't be any issues.

[Belix]

yeah yeah, wiseguy ratty.
BIS activated on some of them, not on others, but does not seem to make any difference for the updates.

The desktop manager downloads the firmware automatically. I have no idea where it gets it from. Can't see why it would need to be ISP specific.

[Belix]

Hmm, ok weird - if I put in a sim card from Vodaom registered for BIS, I can update to the latest irmware available. But with a MTN sim, or no sim, only firmware 5 or six releases old...

[ryanrich]

Aah yes, good old MTN...

[Jonboy]

Hmm, ok weird - if I put in a sim card from Vodaom registered for BIS, I can update to the latest irmware available. But with a MTN sim, or no sim, only firmware 5 or six releases old...

That means you've downloaded the Vodacom firmware - download the MTN firmware here, install it to your pc, let desktop software recognise and install it.

I had absolutely none of the issues updating any of the firmware in the 10 MTN blackberries at our firm.

[Belix]

Cheers - will give it a try. Anyhow - managed to update all phone by putting in vodacom sim. Not sure why our company uses every service provider...we also have everything from a curve 8310 to a bold 9700... I'll stick with my nokia thanks.

[Jonboy]

Cheers - will give it a try. Anyhow - managed to update all phone by putting in vodacom sim. Not sure why our company uses every service provider...we also have everything from a curve 8310 to a bold 9700... I'll stick with my nokia thanks.

I had the exact same situation. Just remember that some phones (I'm thinking the 8310) won't upgrade beyond firmware 4 due to hardware capabilities.

[Ark]

I never knew there were network specific firmware. I updated mine with firmware I got from the blackberry site itself. Can't remember the file-name exact, but was something along the lines of "OS5.0 multilang taiwan".