BlackBerry Desktop Manager Mac released, BIS upgraded to 2.8

By Hercules K, BUSINESS 2.0 PRESS
Published: October 3 2009, 9:31 pm EST

RIM updates BIS to 2.8, finally launches Desktop Manager for Mac, but has unresolved contact sync issues

Update: The syncing issues seem to be all resolved in the latest release.

blackberry desktop manager mac BlackBerry Desktop Manager Mac released, BIS upgraded to 2.8

BlackBerry-maker Research In Motion (RIM), has just released its much anticipated BlackBerry Desktop Manager software for Mac users.

Desktop Manager for Mac allows users to sync their contacts, calendar, notes, and tasks, manage applications on their device, and now it also allows Mac users to install the BlackBerry operating system (previously the process could only be done with a PC). You can also sync your iTunes playlist with your BlackBerry.

If you have Pocket Sync Manager installed, it will no longer work if you install Desktop Manager, unless you uninstall Desktop Manager again.

Trying out the program myself, I was able to successfully uninstall an app, but as of right now, my contacts have disappeared from my BlackBerry following an unsuccessful sync.

I am now getting this error message:

The Address Book database cannot be accessed for synchronization. For help resolving this issue, refer to KB19454 in the BlackBerry Desktop Manager Knowledge Base.

RIM also updated (for North America only) its BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS) to version 2.8. The new version now includes two-way sync with Gmail contacts, enhanced email setup settings, and Windows Live Hotmail re-validation is now not required every 90-days.

Over the last couple of days, there appeared to be some BlackBerry email outages, likely as the result of RIM rolling out the upgrades to users.

Update: Uninstalling desktop manager and reinstalling Pocket Mac still does not allow the BlackBerry contacts to sync. Desktop Manager seems to be corrupt (I guess RIM shouldn’t have pushed the app out ahead of schedule?) and actually removes the Address Book from the applications list.

I have completely wiped the device, and was able to successful restore my address book.

It is unclear what would happen if you attempted to re-sync your BlackBerry with your Mac (even with Pocket Mac), it is likely there could be problems again so you should hold off from doing that for now.

What should you do? Do not install BB Desktop Manager for Mac right now, you will lose your BB address book if you sync. Wait a few days (hopefully) for RIM to resolve the issue. If you need to install/remove a program, use Desktop Manger for PC. Remember to backup your entire device first.

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Questions about this post? Please contact Hercules K at hercules@business2press.com

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  • sffrustrated
    Is this not fixed yet? I just did a sync for the first time and lost all my contacts! Are they in some secret file location that I can't find on my mac? Any info?
  • Hey, yes. It has been fixed. Make sure you download the latest version from the RIM website and not from a mirror. Sorry to hear, but that should not have happened with the latest version.

    Unfortunately, there is no way to recover your contacts except if you have already completed a backup.
  • syncmadness
    I have tried the new BB Desktop Manager, and it worked brilliantly the first few syncs with Entourage and Mac Address book, etc. Seemed to have solved Pocketmac issues. then I upgraded to the recommended device software, and Facebook address update. It got wacky, I deleted Facebook app, lost all contacts, and it won't sync now, giving me an error that cannot be researched. Not one contact on my BB now, and I've had it for over a year just fine with over 600 contacts. Desktop Manager doesn't even have Address book application anymore! It's gone!
  • greenelight
    Hey all. I'm having a new problem that I can't find any support for.

    Main problem: I have no acceptable way of syncing my BB Memopad right now. The only option for a two way sync is Mail...no thank you. I was using The Missing Syncs Notebook before; My Entourage X is so old that there is no sync option to turn on. Is there a list of supported software for the Desktop Manager that I can't find? I'm considered switching back to TMS and upgrading just so I can have a syncable notepad, but their sight says that the Music and Photos sync doesn't work on the BB OS 5.
  • nikkimartin
    Just installed this. and attempted to load my contacts from an old BB onto my MAc so i could then get contacts onto my new i phone.... all my contacts were wiped out. Anyway to get them back? where in the f*ck did they go? i have no other back ups... so mad!!!!!!!!!!
  • Hey! Unfortunately, it doesn't seem there is any way to retrieve those contacts without a backup. Best of luck.
  • Hector Krauss
    I am having the same issue, contacts do not sync, god knows where the knowledge base is to find error KH whatever. Very frustrating, awful customer experience.
  • guest
    what latest updates kosta? update to mac desktop software? can you provide a link?
  • gagequ
    I have a question: If I have no WIFI on my notebook but my Blackberry has in the whole country internet via my contract, is it then possible to link my blackberry to the laptop and have then free internet?
  • it's resolved now from the latest update and it works perfectly! too bad for everyone that lost their contacts or whatever
  • Alejandro De Janon
    I had the same problems, specifically when sync my contacts. Additionally, everytime I hit the sync button, it takes for ever to do what ever it does.
  • Name
    My poor daughter lost all her contacts after downloading the BB Desktop Manager for Mac and clicking "sync" instead of "backup." No warning was issued. Sad because the very purpose was to save her contacts for her new BB. Now all is lost. Any hope of restoring the contacts?
  • I am not able to sync my Storm to Desktop Manager for MAC. What shall I do?
  • sammy
    thats exactly what i did too but i had to go and download the device software, i never connected it to my mac tho, cuz i think it still has issues after installing desktop manager/pocket mac or whatever, so now i'll makechanges on my device idk, i would like to get it to work with my mac but im scared itsgonna ruin again.
  • Lance
    Here is what I did on my STORM:

    Wiped my memory:

    Options
    Security options
    General Settings
    Lock Handheld Upon Holstering
    Wipe Handheld

    Put back my last backup. On BB Desktop.

    My contact sync worked after that.
    Hope it will for you too.
  • Charles
    Altough it's the hard way this worked for me But I have to tell you I Had a backup made on my mac with BB Desktop Manager! I suspect 3th party software is ruin the BB sync.
    thanks lance
  • John
    I can't believe this....what the hell am i supposed to do now, they better have a fix by the end of tomorrow cuz i work MONDAY!
  • Elli
    I'm not pleased at all. i've had nothing but trouble with the mac and blackberry, so many syncing issues even with pocket mac...i knew i shouldn't have rushed to install this
  • I'm going to uninstall desktop manager and reinstall pocket mac....hopefully then the BlackBerry will sync.....if not I'll have to just restore my BlackBerry...luckily I made a backup only a few days ago.....will update this post in a bit.
  • Lance
    Same here...
  • Tamar
    I'm having the same exact problem and haven't been able to find KB19454... Any help???
  • I'm going to uninstall desktop manager and reinstall poclet mac, hopefully then I can fix the syncing issue. If not, I'll have to restore my bb (luckily I have a backup from only a couple of days ago)... Will update in a bit
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