Use the BlackBerry Desktop Software - How to Connect the Blackberry to the PC

Once you’ve finished installing the BlackBerry software, your next step is to connect the BlackBerry to your PC. Depending on your model, the connection may be a bit different. Some models use a docking cradle that you connect to your PC along with a power outlet, while later models simply use a USB connection to the computer. Follow your BlackBerry’s instructions for connecting the unit to your computer.

Keep in mind that if you use a USB connection to your computer, the unit automatically begins recharging the battery when it is connected, so there is no additional work you have to do. However, if you use a notebook computer, the BlackBerry will significantly pull down your laptop’s battery charge.

Once you have the BlackBerry connected to your computer, open the Desktop Manager. You will probably have to tell the software how your BlackBerry is connected to the computer. To do this:

1. In the Desktop Manager, click Options | Connection Settings, as shown in Figure 5-1.

2. In the Connection Settings dialog box, click the Connection drop-down menu and choose the kind of connection you are using (which is probably USB). Then, click the Detect button, as shown in the following illustration.
   
   
   
3. The Desktop Manager will then detect your BlackBerry and install some quick files on the PC for it.

Figure 5-1 Use the Options menu to access Connection Settings.

Note: If you can’t seem to get the software to detect the BlackBerry, you may need to use the Add/Remove Hardware Wizard in the Control Panel to install the BlackBerry on your PC. Once this is done, you should then be able to detect the BlackBerry using the Desktop Manager. If this still doesn’t work, see the Desktop Manager help files, which are available by clicking the Help menu on the Desktop Manager. The help files will give you some additional troubleshooting steps, depending on the kind of connection you are attempting.

There are two commonly known issues that you might experience when trying to connect your BlackBerry to the PC:

• Password prompt If you are prompted for a password when you connect your BlackBerry to the PC, then you have enabled BlackBerry password protection in Options (see Chapter 4). Enter the password you configured, or access Options to remove password protection.

• Laptop problems If you are using the BlackBerry cradle with a laptop to connect with a serial port, the connection may be broken from time to time if your laptop dynamically reassigns ports. If this happens, just redetect the BlackBerry using the Serial Settings dialog box.

This chapter is from How to Do Everything with Your Blackberry, by Curt Simmons (McGraw-Hill/Osborne, 2004, ISBN: 0072255870). Check it out at your favorite bookstore today. Buy this book now.

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